Monday, January 2, 2017

New Year walking and weight loss...

We opted for a stay at home dinner this past New Years Eve.

Bubbly, bread and butter...


 Caesar Salad


Alaska King Crab Legs

A rather festive menu and the last meal of the year...
time to get back on track and whittle away some pounds.


Come rain or come shine I will be walking.
No more excuses.


Walking is so much nicer when the sun shines
 but we cannot expect sunny days at this time of year.



Walking is convenient and free...
no scheduled time constraints
no gym fees
no special equipment.

 Weight loss is my motivation and fresh air the benefit.


Sometimes I need "a carrot" to get me out the door...
once I am out and about I am fine, 
the challenge is prying myself away from a book, my knitting or the Internet!

Walking while
running an errand
posting a letter
visiting Mother
buying coffee
getting a few groceries.

How are you doing with your fitness routine?

Do you have a membership at the gym?
Do you like to do Yoga, swim, bike or run on a treadmill?


I like to use the scale as my motivator and when I see results I reward myself with non food treats...

Flowers
a new lip gloss
fancy tea
nail polish
a thrift shop find

Staying committed is tough and we all need to keep our focus on our long term goals.

I wish it was easier and faster to get to these goals and that we can take heart by  indulging more often in things that do not derail our progress.

If you find it daunting
start small and see how it goes...
 20 minutes a day and then work up to 45 or 60 minutes
you'll be pleased to see the results.
If you feel better walking with a partner see if you can find a friend who wants to walk...
or 
join a walking group.
GOOD LUCK!

Cheerio readers, 
I'm off for my walk now...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

49 comments:

donnyb said...

We also stayed at home on New Year's Eve -- salmon wellingtons, risotto and veg with the last of my husband's birthday cake for dessert (birthday the day before 😊). I love my daily walk with my dog -- but at the moment it is a real challenge because of the icy roads and sidewalks here in Surrey. I really don't want a fall so the walks are really short and not the kind to make a dent in my weight goals. Hopefully this weather will not be around much longer (even the rain is better than the icy walkways!). Happy New Year and good luck with your goals for this year! Lyn

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh I know it was a slippery walk and I am not wanting to break a bone...my weight loss walks are not proceeding as swiftly as I would like. We can walk in tandem...you in Surrey and I here in Victoria!

Pearl Kjarside said...

Lovely brolly, Leslie! I was outside today in Vancouver - not walking, but trying to make a dent in the icy snow on the sidewalk in front of the house. There will be no outdoor walking for me for a while, at least not in my neighbourhood. It's time to shift this weight...

I made a batch of apple chutney yesterday, using the recipe you posted a couple weeks ago. It turned out quite good!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

Our New Year dinner was very similiar...I had lobster and shrimp. No Caesar Salad, yours looks yummy.

I walk two plus miles every day, I have done it so long that I don't feel right if I have to skip a day. You are right, walking is the basis of all exercise programs...and it is free! I also go to the gym twice a week and yoga classes but walking is my favorite.

Anna of Mutton Style and Years said...

I started to try HIIT type exercise. I found myself looking for hills to run up to get my heart rate up. I gave myself a strained ligament in the process. Back to walking for a bit. Still I've put on 5 lbs over last 2 weeks. Great huh.

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Enjoy your walk!

thepoutingpensioner said...

Your NYE meal looks yummy, Leslie, I love crab, DIL included it in our Christmas Day fare. Yours looks beautifully fleshy.
It's a challenge finding days when motivation and no rain are in sync in winter but I'm taking my walking in baby steps, pun unintentional! The accent is on manageable durations that slot into my day and on frequent rather than regular, then I don't beat myself up if I miss a few days due to weather, lurgies etc. Good luck with your 're-entry programme.

Patricia said...

I will be walking too, Hostess. Also need to shed a few pounds, after the enjoyment of the Christmas season and a visit from our daughter and grandsons - which involved considerable deviation from our usual careful weight watching diets! I enjoy walking, except when the temperature is well over 30C, which it has been lately. However, Mall walking sometimes is my substitute, and I work out with a personal trainer once a week. Cleaned out the pantry today - all Christmas fare now tossed out, and fresh fruit and salads on the menu!

DaniBP said...

Happy New Year Dear Hostess! It sounds like you had a lovely NYE with the Mr. I've been ill so we were forced to stay home, which normally I enjoy more than anything but a friend was married on NYE which we missed which is a shame. But there was nothing for it!
I too walk everyday for at least an hour, my dog needs lots of exercise. I incorporate some hills for my own cardiovascular health which is very effective. Otherwise I do stretching routines and ballet workouts on dvd. I was going to a gym and a yoga studio but I've quit my memberships, with all of the walking I do they aren't really necessary. And the fresh air of walking is a major bonus!
Wishing you a really lovely 2017. xx

Jeni Molyneux said...

Just checked out your blog prevaricating before setting off on the nearly daily hours walk.You are soon right! It's free and easy .... Just need to get out of the house, turn left up the hill and walk around the village. I'm off! Thanks for your encouragement!

Kristien62 said...

Walking is a real challenge in the Northeast- currently 12 inches of snow and blowing winds. I rarely walk in the winter because I hate the cold. However, I belong to a local senior center which has wonderful and affordable classes ($35 for 7 weeks.) I take Zumba or aerobics daily. My classes are filled with active, fun seniors who enjoy getting together to exercise. Today starts the new session and I am thrilled to see the ladies.

Anonymous said...

I am lucky to have a physical therapy gym nearby. I can continue to do exercises that keep my back in shape and walk on the treadmill when the weather is too bad. I've got no excuses.

Connie in Hartwood said...

We haven't gone out to celebrate New Year's Eve in decades. I would rather be home, in pajamas, with my husband and my critters. This year, we went out for an early dinner at a favorite Mexican place, drove an hour south to see the lights at the botanical garden. We were home by 10:00, and asleep shortly thereafter. Party animals we are not.

For exercise, I find that it's easiest to make it a habit. My favorite trick is to forego front parking spaces and to park at the far end of the lot when I'm out running errands. Every extra step counts.

Anonymous said...

Walking is my exercise of choice. I'm trying to plug a video in three days a week for a little extra as well. Good for you and your plan. I am inspired. Keep us posted on how it goes for you. ~Mary

Margie from Toronto said...

I managed to get out for a walk yesterday - I'd met a friend to go on a Historic House tour but they turned out to be closed - a very confusing website (we weren't the only ones who were disappointed) however, we were out and it was a sunny, mild day so we decided to walk. My mobility is not the best at the moment but I try to get out on days when I'm able. The weather of course will be a real factor - have to avoid falls - but I'm going to do a bit of mall walking here and there.
For me, weight loss is more a result of less calories in - I've really fallen off the wagon this past month and I know my jeans are feeling a bit snug so I'm back on the straight and narrow as of today! Good luck to everyone.

Madame Là-bas said...

Walking is so important to me as my chief source of exercise. We returned last night from Puerto Vallarta where I had a lovely seafood risotto for New Years but I will need to cut back on wine to decrease my weight. My daughter is required to start exercising 5 days out of 7 in the 6th week after her surgery. I hope that I can help her with this and also help myself.
There is a gym next door so the treadmill is possible. Bonne chance!

materfamilias said...

The sidewalks are frighteningly icy here at the moment, and I'm grounded right now by something upper-respiratory, but I do try to get out a bit (and there's a gym in the building, so I'm going to figure out some of the equipment soon and then will have no excuse!). And if I have to, I can strap on the Yak-traks -- do you ever use those? They do make a difference.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The sidewalks here are icy too so I have been going for my walks later in the day after the sun melts most of the ice. The 2 degree walk was very difficult as the winds were fierce...I amy have to rethink my walk this morning as it is minus 2!
Your NYE dinner sounds spectacular!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

You have a lot more snow over there than we do here...it is very cold this morning...minus 2 degrees!
Shovelling the sidewalk is a good workout.
That chutney was delicious...I will make it again.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh and we had a shrimp cocktail but I forgot to mention it...
you live in a wonderful climate too for walking...it is really miserable out today...icy and freezing cold....BRRRR. I am not sure my walk will happen so I need to figure out something else today.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hills are great for cardio...but ouch a stained ligament...once it heals you can get right back on top of that 5 pounds. That is not too daunting a number to work on.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you and welcome!
I popped over to read your blog and see that you are a knitter and a thrifter too!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The King Crab legs are very meaty...expensive but a fine treat when one is craving something a wee bit decadent!
Baby steps are fine...thats how I started!
Hope you have some rain free days soon...we have icy freezing conditions here this week which is not pleasant for walking at all.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I wonder if you might share more on the personal trainer...what exercises that you do and what tips they suggest?
Fresh fruits and salads are wonderful for weight maintenance and weight loss.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Hi Dani,
I am sorry to hear that you are under the weather...there seems to be a lot of that going around here too. If I had a dog I think I would be even fitter...I have a friend who has a dog and she walks 3 times a day and is in great shape...not sure our cats would approve though!
Hope that you get better quickly and all the best for 2017.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Enjoy your walk Jeni!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I totally understand your issue with walking and the weather...I have never tried Zumba but have heard that its a great workout and fun too.
Sounds like you have a great centre to work out at...and its affordable.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

If treadmills were smaller I would have one here in the bungalow but we have no room!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

We are not party animals either!
When I was at a Weight Watchers meeting one of the leaders suggested that we all park as far away as possible in every parking lot and that we always take the stairs instead of the elevator...it all adds up!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I will keep you all posted Mary!
My walking partner likes to work out to videos too.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

How disappointing about that tour...but as you say you got a walk and it was a sunny day so all was not lost.
Weight loss is all about calories, so with a negative balance which results from more output or less intake you will be successful...I try to do a bit of both,

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Wine is empty calories plus it makes me eat more...it must be rationed or completely cut out if I am to succeed!
Your daughter's gym visits might inspire you to keep up with her!
Good luck!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Sorry to hear about your virus there is so much of it around right now....you need to stay warm and get better...try to sip some soothing soups, relax, knit or read or write with that lovely new pen of yours...hope you bounce back quickly.
I do not have Yak Traks but I have seen them...oh you are very fortunate to have a gym in your building...I am so envious! The temperature this morning is minus 2 and I am not sure how icy the sidewalks are going to be...I dare not risk falling at my age.

Splenderosa said...

We should be in this together! I am so overweight I'm sick about it. I have no motivation at all it seems, but every single time I get dressed I think how I used to look. Tall, slim. Clothes don't look right on big people do they? I walk my dog 4 times a day, but we stop when he wants to stop & smell the roses. So that doesn't work. I need to do what you're doing. And, maybe if we share "secret" emails we can encourage each other. I don't need to reward myself, I've done that way too often. xx's

Anonymous said...

Like you, I enjoy walking outdoors in all kinds of weather. Of course I prefer a mild day but accept the reality of New England weather. I dress for the weather and can be comfortable. Generally, I feel great and even energized after a good walk. My weight stays pretty consistent. I am told I am at a good weight for my height and build. I've done some snow shoveling on my patio and front entry, and spread sand and salt on icy spots. This is good Winter weight bearing exercise. Additionally, make my way through the snow to keep the bird feeders topped off. I love the fresh, crisp outdoor air. For me, gyms are confining and to many people in the same place. The wide open out doors is my preference.
On cold days a lovely coffee at the local coffee shop is great.

Jeannine said...

Walking, yoga and Classical Stretch are my preferred ways to exercise. I like your no excuses attitude - I think I need to adopt that tag line- no excuses!

Lorrie said...

Walking is a favorite activity of mine, too, along with an online workout that I try to get to 3 or 4 times a week. I've still not got enough energy to attempt one, but later this week I will.
We stayed home for NYE too, and enjoyed mussels in a cream sauce. So delicious.
It's sunny out these days, but so very cold - and that wind - no thanks!

Anonymous said...

Nice to hear you again in the new year-I like your Ney Years Eve dinner-Alaska Crabs looks so yummy-we do have big sea crabs but they are eyewaterly expensive. For the Christsmas Eve we went out for lunch ( cod-tradition-and some champagne-my tradition!)and checking some Nativity scenes (in our cathedral and live) and Advent stalls, with my mother-she likes it. For dinner I've made monkfish brudetto. But,bread and butter are one of my favourite dishes-something I enjoy very rarely, when travelling f.e.
Your Alaska Crabs reminded me on my last book in 2016-Rosamund Lupton's The Quality of Silence(I liked it and it was situated in Alaska)
I am envy too,having gym in the house:what a luck!
I liked gym and working out-good for muscles and osteoporosis and I like repetitive quality of excersizes.
Now,I have physiotherapy once a week (a lot of pilates included) and than excersize at home alone +little walking
Your walking plan is very good- take care when it is icy-better to skip a walk or two.
We had a little snow yesterday:-)
Dottoressa

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

We are all in this together! But we are not going to beat ourselves up....we deserve respect and kindness...if you need to take baby steps thats fine. Start slow...
You have the advantage of being taller...I am only 5 foot 1...so every pound shows!
Feel free to send me secret emails!! Good luck!

Kelly said...

I so love reading your blog and your pictures are so beautiful, is it terrible to say I miss cold or at least cool weather especially at Christmas... Like everyone I enjoyed the holiday goodies a little too much but my big motivator to walking is a book on my smart phone. I upgraded to wireless ear buds this past year as well...I only wear one when walking so I can hear the world around me too, but I only listen to the book when walking, this keeps me motivated to get out there especially when the books are really good.
Good Fortunes and Blessings to everyone in 2017.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I think you have the right attitude and have found ways to incorporate exercise into your daily round...well done!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Yes it is very much like the NIKE slogan Just Do It!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Mussels are so delicious and always remind me of Paris...there is a lovelt bistro on Government Street that serves them in a variety of ways...I think its name is Brasserie L'Ecole.
The wind has made the air feel like minus 6 !!!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I'll make note of that book, Thank you.
I hope your physiotherapy is helping you and pilate is very popular as it seems to deliver results.
We have another cold day ahead of us...BRR! I am planning a shorter walk and some vigorous housework!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Cold weather and Christmas do go together...I always wonder what it would feel like to be in NZ or Australia at Xmas time..."drinking white wine in the sun"... lyrics from a Tim Minchin song.
Best wishes and Happy New Year Kelly.

La Contessa said...

I NEED TO WALK..............started but then fell off the wagon.NO SIDEWALKS where I live.............need to drive to WALK and THAT DRIVES ME CRAZY!KEEP up the GOOD WORK!

Marilyn said...

Thank goodness my pilates, yoga and Bodytone classes are getting back to normal. I have good intentions of getting more aerobic exercise as well, walking and stairs! All the bits and pieces are finished and the fridge is ready for healthy eating.

NO SACRIFICE said...

I wish I could find the gumption to exercise, as I really need to lose some weight. Alaska King crab is my favourite; but I couldn't find any this Christmas. Happy New Year!

carenserv said...

I spy a nonfood treat for myself right there in the first pic - charming gingham table linens! just charming. Be careful and happy new year to you!