Here's how to keep your head above water

“Your schedule has changed and you feel overwhelmed. Here's how to keep your head above water.”

We all know life can get pretty busy sometimes. If there are days that you have to decide on working out or getting only five hours of sleep, you should choose to sleep. If this is a usual thing, you seriously need to change your life. Using up every waking hour and a few sleeping hours to deal with things in your life will leave you stressed out and drain your body. If your health, muscle tone, and happiness are suffering, you need to make adjustments. You may feel like you're not getting anywhere, but just treading water. Even if you can't see a way out for a few months, having a plan to make a change at a specific deadline will give you staying power. In the meantime, if you can fit in a workout at least a few days a week, that will give you some mental "down time" and will keep your body more resilient for your hectic schedule.

Shoutjoy,  My name is Joyce and I had an RNY on June 12, 2012 .   My start weight in February of 2012 was 247 .  I now weigh 155.  I have joined Curves Complete to build strength, endurance, receive support and just feel better overall.  I am wondering if I will lose weight slower than the average person because of the weight I have already lost.  I would also like to know if you have any suggestions as to how to blend my post RNY diet with the Curves Complete diet.. I would appreciate any advice you have.  Thank you ahead of time.

Hi Joyce,

I'm Paula by the way.  Congratulations on picking an outstanding fitness program!!

Ok, you will always be on Phase 1.  The amount of food is just too much on the other two phases.  If your coach hasn't given them to you yet, ask for the exchange sheets.  They will help you pick alternatives to what the menu suggests.  There is a ton of flexibility.  Don't forget to try the recipes and save the ones you like in Favorites.  I've heard a lot of positive comments on the Curves Bars and the couple I have tasted were very good.

As for your weight loss, it should be better because the Curves Complete meal plan is totally based on increasing metabolism.  Try to follow CC menus as much as you can without eating too much.  Do the vitamins, waters, steps and workouts as suggested. 

It is going to be a challenge for your coach to be able to coach you on the meal plan but with the two heads together, you should be fine.  If you have more questions, let me know.

Hi Paula,

Thank you so much for your quick response.  I forgot to tell you that I was 59 years old when I started this journey and am now 60.  I want so much for my coach and I to be able to work together on this menu planning.  I had already printed out the exchange list and the high protein menu when I met with my coach for the first time. She is very concerned  about my getting in enough calories and is encouraging me to start the Phase II menu starting on Monday.  I understand and appreciate her desire to keep me healthy but I know my new pouch can not hold that much at one meal.  She also recommended that I do not go with the high protein menu but I feel that is my best option.  I am so excited about working with the group at Curves !  I love the machines, I am loving the pedometer !  I  am going to go back into the archives so I can read your previous postings on motivation.  Thank you for sharing with me!

Hi Joyce,

Your coach is doing what she is trained to do.  With gentle education you can help her understand the wls patient and the absorption and capacity issues.  She doesn't understand because she doesn't know.  This would be a great opportunity for you to enlightened her because who knows how many more will walk through their doors. 

Paula,

I totally understand about my coach doing exactly what she has been trained to do.  She is a very dedicated lady.  I am sure when she sees the menu that I have put together for next week all will be well. I think one of her main concerns was that I would have to work harder to plan my menus .  I assured her that I have been doing my meal plans since my RNY and this will not be an extra burden.  I appreciate your willingness to offer suggestions on how to make the two menu plans to work together !

I am so excited about wearing my pedometer and have exceeded my 5000 steps a day since wearing for the first time on Monday !  I did my Range of Motion workout last night and now I have a personal cheerleader built into my card.  Yeah me ! 

I would love to be able to chat back and forth with you but respect the fact that this is a public website and there may be a better place for that to happen.  I would also understand if you would rather not continue to chat with me. 

Thank you again !

Hi Joyce,

Send me a private message and I will give you my contact information.   Where do you live?

 Great post, thank you for all you do!