Weekend Update: Family, Faster Way to Fat Loss
Our latest addition…
Gigi has settled in quite nicely! Yes, she’s a little spoiled already, but who could look at that face and deny her anything?
She’s actually very well-behaved, incredibly sweet-natured, energetic and playful. She loves to play “fetch” and will ask for a game by dropping a stuffed toy at my feet. We’ve all settled into our new routines, and she seems to be quite satisfied with her new situation.
We are just absolutely in love with her, and feel like we won the Megajackpot in the Dog Lottery.
Jeune homme
The good news is that his follow-up Covid-19 test came back negative this time. Unfortunately it’s not going to be a simple thing to see him, at least in the near future.
His group home is considered a “medical facility” and so has to comply with health department regulations. Out of an abundance of caution, the new guidelines will only allow home visits if we bring him home for a 14-day period, then he’ll have to have another Covid test (with a negative result) before he can return to the group home.
We considered this but quickly realized that he’d go out of his skull with boredom after a couple of days. At least at the group home he has his “crew” and they have lots of group activities like Karaoke Night, pizza parties and yard games. So we’re going to try to set up some Facetime sessions and see how that goes.
Faster Way To Fat Loss Progress
I’m just finishing up the initial 6-week session and will be moving into the VIP program (with Karen as my coach, yay!)
When I joined the program, my primary goal was to improve my fitness and increase my lean body mass. I am quite happy with my progress. I can tell I’m stronger, especially in my upper body.
Cleaning up my eating habits was another goal, and that’s happened too. (My diet wasn’t terrible before, but I’d been doing a little too much stress/boredom eating.) I’ve managed to stay away from most processed food and have had NO cravings.
My alcohol consumption is also way down, from 1-2 glasses of wine (or a cocktail) most nights to 1 glass of wine per week. And I don’t miss that either!
To be completely honest, I was also hoping to lose a few inches and firm up. That’s been a little slower going. Around week 4 I was getting a bit impatient, but I felt so much better on the program that I was motivated to stick with it.
But just this week, I noticed that some of my tops are feeling a bit less snug in the hips, and I think my belly is a little flatter. According to my coaches, it takes most people 6-8 weeks to notice body composition changes. I’m avoiding the scale, and holding off taking any measurements. But I’m encouraged.
Bottom line: I think this was just the right thing at the right time. Doing something focused and positive for my health has really improved my outlook, and made this weird time feel less “on hold.”
Join me on the fitness journey…
If you’re interested in signing up, there’s another introductory session starting up on September 21. Karen (@karenmkarlsen) will be leading another small group too (the daily online check-ins with a coach are SO helpful!). You can sign up using her link HERE.
Do you have any plans for the long weekend?
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
I love your new baby GiGi…indeed a very spoiled little girl; but that’s what we do for our babies. I’m happy to hear about your son. You made the best decision for him, as hard is it is for you. It’s important he continue with his friends and routines, especially at a time like this. I’m too trying to eliminate my wine…its been tough. This “confinement” is presenting challenges with two glasses a night. I’m working on it; you’ve inspired me with your new program! Thank you for all your thoughtful and helpful posts.
I do hope jeune homme will be able to see Gigi, though.
No way am I giving up wine. I mostly need to to do more kinds of exercise, and longer cycling outings. Off to Marché Jean-Talon to buy a Sicilian globe eggplant and with some luck, some early “winter” (hard-skinned) squash. I’ve had no appetite at all of late and have to force myself to eat (nutritious) food – very small portions. I’ve been taking probiotics, which help. So does Livia’s feline therapy. She’s as sweet as Gigi.
Congrats on your hard work and commitment to healthy eating and exercise! You inspired me (as usual!) to examine my own habits and make improvements. Susan, in your own way, you are influencing others to make positive changes in their lives. If you ever have moments of self-doubt—and who doesn’t?—please remember that.
Wonderful to read about how you are using this “down time” to become healthier. I, too, am on that journey, though in a less structured way. I am walking 45 minutes to an hour a day, doing online Pilates and yoga classes on YouTube and also some simple strength training. I am so jealous of your 8 pound hand weights, which are exactly what I need as the 5-pound are no longer challenging enough. But I can’t find them anywhere! I had located a pair on Amazon and ordered them but then got a notification that they wouldn’t come until at least mid-November (contrary to what was stated when I ordered them). If anyone knows of reliable online sources, I would appreciate the information.
Your dog is absolutely adorable and I am so happy you found each other 🙂
Sometimes you can find them at yard and so-called “garage” sales. That’s where I found my five lb ones. I still have the little 3lb ones; they can be used for different exercise routings.
Try Walmart.com, that’s where I got my weights. I had to go to the store to get one set but they delivered the other set (with a $35 total order) and they were reasonably priced. Also, they come in 1 pound increments so if you can’t get 8 lb, they might have 7 or 9 instead.
Thrift and used sports equipment stores frequently have them as well.
Susan, I know I read your article about the Red Leopard but I forget what season they classified you in. The colors you are wearing since are stunning on you!
Hi Deborah, I’m a Spring, a “Golden Spring,” to be more precise. That means my best colors within the palette are those with the yellowest undertones. Here’s the post if you’d like to see: A Style Reset With Red Leopard
Just wanted to put a “like” on this post!
My first five months of Covid quarantine I did okay with working out and somewhat well with eating and drinking healthy — we do love to cook and so had some rich meals.
This past month I have been with my teenage grandchildren, cooking for the family while kids study on line and parents, both educators, spend full time at school readying things for eventual reopening face-to-face. I have followed no diet, just fed the family healthy meals and snacks. Somehow I have left several pounds behind! (literally?) and my only exercise has been walks 3 or 4 times a day and my tai chi. I am feeling good, and now am about to go home and start on all the yard work and house work I missed. Thanks for your blog, which always makes me smile, especially Gigi.
You’ve lost weight for sure. i can see it in your face, which is now leaner. i salute you for lowering your wine consumption. I’ve cut back during this time, but still have a glass – 5 oz. – a day. GiGi is so cute. Wish we could have a dog again, but aren’t home enough to take care of a dog. Enjoy the love
Congratulations on your six weeks. In the photo, your face looks leaner to me! Are you enjoying the FWTFL exercise routines?
Thanks and yes I LOVE the workouts. They’re all around 30 minutes, and varied enough to keep it interesting, and keep me challenged.
Also dealing with a lockdown situation of a sister in a nursing home. Sent in a Facebook Portal that is working quite well.
You look lean and fabulous! Your blog is the first thing I read each morning. I look forward to using your packing tips for another trip to Europe…missing the days if easy travel!
Thank you for recommending Faster Way to Weight Loss. I joined based on your recommendation and ha e found it to be a great fit for me. Karen is my couch and I have really appreciated her daily posts and tips!
Gigi is adorable and she looks very happy! I admire your progress with Faster weight loss – I’m trying to motivate myself to join because I know that structure works better for me than my diy approach. Regarding the wine, I found that what I liked was the event of having a glass of wine in the evening, so I now have a flavored sparkling water – my current favorite is the La Croix Limoncello – in a nice wine glass.
Gigi is one lucky pup! Thank you for adopting her from a rescue. I love your hair – it’s a little longer and softer and looks fantastic!
La Croix Limoncello is my favorite, too! Unless it’s too hot, we have “hammock time” every evening in our yard and I’ve substituted La Croix for my gin & tonic (fave summer cocktail.) Also love the Passionfruit. Very refreshing without the added calories.
Good for you that you are taking care of yourself during this “down time”. I doubt most of us thought it would go on so long. I am looking at some ways to change it up and be more active too. Exercise gives us more energy to get more done. Gigi is a lucky dog. Glad you found her. It is amazing how easily they settle in. She knows you rescued her.
Indeed you win the gog lottery. How splendid for your three. How is your husband experiencing retirement so far?
I think you have started your program at the right time. Wish I could join you.
Greetje
Gigi looks like a happy girl! Glad she has found a new home.
Both of my parents have passed away, but spent their last years in assisted living and custodial nursing care. I often think about the families we met in similar circumstances with prayers they are surviving this awful time.
This weekend, my husband and I preserved marinara sauce to enjoy a bit of summer in the dead of winter. Tonight is a dinner out on the patio of a local restaurant. Tomorrow is a backyard birthday party for our four year old grandson.
Have a good weekend, all.
Did you notice that Gigi fits your new color scheme? She’s adorable.
You look simply smashing, Susan. And Gigi sounds like the perfect addition to your family. Enjoy the rest of the holiday.