Healthy Sewist

Let’s Chat – Body Image

Posted on by Tisha
body image, quiltytherapy

After writing about my struggle with confidence I want to explore other areas that some of us may have challenges with. Raise your hand if you’ve found body image to be an area you’ve struggled with. I’m sure that was a number of you.

I want to clear that I’m not talking about Body Dysmorphic Disorder, rather how you actually see yourself. The person you see in the mirror. Until recently I still saw someone who was bigger. While I saw myself as stronger, happier, and overall healthier, the weight I had carried lingered in my personal perception.

It wasn’t until one of my friends said I had saggy butt in my workout gear. This was not the first time someone had commented, but other comments were too early in my journey.

Saggy butt debacle

That moment was eye opening. I had noticed that I was swimming in a couple of clothes that I still wear, but my resistance to buy clothes to fit my new body has lingered. What if I gain a good portion back? What if? What if?

Well, another saggy butt debacle happened that catapulted me to really think about how my body has changed. I went for a run with my dog last week. I had her leash in one hand and my cell phone in another. Unfortunately, my tights kept creeping down causing some havoc on my run.

While I didn’t lose my tights, it did prompt me to actually look in the mirror. The woman I am seeing has changed. She is not who I had been. As a health coach I used to tell my calls that YOU are the last person to notice the changes. You need an Oprah moment to see how far you’ve come. I guess almost losing my tights on a midday run was my Oprah moment.

So I took myself to Marshall’s to shop their workout gear. For Christmas, I had gotten a gift card, that only took me almost three months to use. It was not a disappointment. I picked up two new tights and three new tanks. In a local swap group I scored another pair of tights.

Guess what happened?

On Saturday I wore clothes that actually fit my body to boxing. I wasn’t fighting clothes that were too big. There were even a couple of compliments. Holy camoly!

Then I took it another step further and wore the adorable striped dress I picked up at Draper James while in Nashville last month. I was so hesitant because I haven’t fit into this size for a WHILE.

I felt amazing! Seriously, I felt confident in myself wearing clothes that actually fit me. I have watched a million shows that do style makeovers and encourage people to wear clothes that fit. It’s a game changer.

It’s hard to look in the mirror and appreciate the changes that have happened. This isn’t something that happened overnight and will continue to be an issue. Google Photos loves to remind me to look back at photos. When I do, that’s the woman I still feel like I look like. Heavier and not happy with herself. This is who I keep seeing.

However, that is not the case. I’ve worked really hard to change my body and my mindset. I think it’s only fair that I give my new self a chance to shine.

Do you struggle with you see in the mirror? Have you undergone a change and still yet to see it? Let’s see how we can support each other.

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Favorite Things This Week

Posted on by Tisha

As my weeks have become more hectic, there are a few things that have helped through the chaos.  These are my favorite things this week.

Target

Who doesn’t love Target already?  There is one close to house I like to sneak off to and enjoy browsing items for inspiration.  They have a School List Assist feature on their Web site that I used this week.   P is starting Pre-K MONDAY! His school has a generic supply list and Target had it on their site.  I was able to just grab the list and load into my cart, presto!  There are a couple of little items left to pick up, but I’m done.

Did you also see that Target is now offering Lisa Frank pajamas for grown ups?  Just take my money.  I could totally wear this set and snuggle under my Scrappy Unicorn Rainbow Sprinkles quilt.  Rad!

via Target.com

 

 

Health & Fitness

As my mileage has gone up with training, I’m reading a bit more health and fitness related articles.  The topics mostly include making time and motivation.  Talking about making time for exercise is not an easy conversation to have personally.  I am giving up time away from other things I enjoy to help reach this goal.  I’m investing in myself to make this happen.  Transformation Fitness & Wellness had an article on making time this week that hit home.  Read it and tell me your thoughts.

The health coach in me has to agree there is no on or off track, you are just living.  Many people feel one bad thing in the day ruins the whole day and that’s not the case, especially when it comes to diet and exercise.  This quote from the article because I have heard this from many people in coaching.

I was putting so much pressure on myself to be perfectly “healthy” that any slip-up, no matter how small, was seen as failure and I’d consider the whole day a loss, binging on junk food and telling myself I’d just start again fresh the next day. I was either 110% on track or 110% off the rails. ~ Pumps & Iron

We have to treat ourselves better than that.  If that is your mentality, let’s chat about some ways to build your skills in that area.  Check out the post here.  What was your take away?

Sewing & Quilting

Quarter square log cabins are quite trendy right now.  They look like great scrap busters.  Have you made one?  Below are links to a couple of finished quilts posted this week.

Stitched in Color 

Hyacinth Quilt Designs

For myself I plan to start on P’s Halloween quilt.  My beemates made gorgeous Halloween themed blocks and I just need to make a few more to complete the top.  If time allows over the weekend, maybe even a tutorial on my improv scrappy blocks from the quilt above.

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New Running Goal – A Sub 2 Half

Posted on by Tisha

Can’t believe I actually wrote that title and putting this out there publicly.  I am so proud of my husband for achieving one of his fitness goals (more on that later this week) this year that it’s motivated me to aim for a big stretch goal.  Over the years I have ran a number of half marathons.  Truthfully, I haven’t really put the effort in for training.  I’ve come close with a 2:14.

This is the time I need to focus on my training and reach this goal.  I have used the above quote many times during trainings for races.  However, I did sacrifice and not give my best.  Slept in on Saturday mornings, half asses a speed workout, skipped a mid week run, and generally didn’t prepare myself.  Sure I can run a half this weekend if I wanted to, but it would be an ugly performance.  Why not set myself up for success and reach my goal.

I want to be at or below the two hour mark.  Aiming for this goal will force me into more speed work, yoga, and long runs.  Hubby and I have worked out a plan to help make this happen.  We discussed the pros and cons of moving my runs to the early morning to avoid Indiana heat.  We decided that isn’t a realistic step for a couple of reasons.  First, I would have to go to bed basically after P in order to make a 5:30 am run part of my morning.  Second, I decided I enjoy the down time in the evening with hubby and I don’t want to give that up.  Third, well it’s easy to oversleep and just say I will do it later!

In an effort to plan to get myself into the mindset of running a sub 2 half I put a couple of things in motion this week:

  • Downloaded a training plan designed to help achieve the goal.
  • Scheduling in yoga on Monday, Wednesday and Friday to help with core strength and stretching.
  • Researching new shoes.  My current shoes won’t last into the training.

I start today and plan to run the Monumental Half Marathon on November 4th.  Not sure how this will impact my sewing time at this point.  However, many of my ideas come while running.  Maybe I will create an amazing idea while I run.  It is my other form of stress/life management.

Any tips or support is greatly appreciated.

 

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Workout Essentials

Posted on by Tisha

If you have been following my workout journey on Instagram, I appreciate the support. It feels great to prioritize my health goals. The number on the scale isn’t dropping as much but that wasn’t my primary focus. I am seeing changes in how my clothes fit, my strength, and gaining endurance. The gear I use also contributes to my success. I don’t want to spend an entire workout fighting with clothes, it’s distracting and will have an impact on your workout.

Having the right gear can make your workouts much more enjoyable. There are many options to choose from, but these are my tried and tested favorites. When I started running 20 years ago, I thought nothing about shoes or clothes. I bought whatever shoe I thought looked cool and wore some old cheer stuff to log the miles.

Cotton + Indiana humidity were not a good combination. This was before all the glorious performance fabrics we have available now.

I encourage you to find the right combination of things for your workouts. Trial and error is okay and may lead you to find something amazing. My top places to find gear at reasonable prices: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and thrift stores. Many races are now giving out performance fabric shirts and people donate them after a couple of years. I have also found some great running tanks on a Facebook swap group in my area. TJ Maxx and Marshalls are also my go to spot for workout socks. They can get expensive pretty quickly.

While I save money on socks and shirts, I do not scrimp on shoes and sport bras. These two areas will halt your workout goals pretty quickly. This is where I would start my trial and error then build out. Always check a stores return policy as well.

Sport Bras

For those with a cup size bigger than a C, be ready for a price shock to get a quality high impact sport bra that can support activities. With this being said, finding a fancy sports bras does make you feel a lot better when it comes to working out. Plus, it gives us women the support we need when it comes to exercising. If you are comfortable in what you are wearing, that can make all the difference. Many manufacturers offer sport bras by cup size, but not all high impact bras are the same.

via Target.com

These are a great option for the price point. I was very wary at first, knowing that I could return it if it sucked. Well, it didn’t suck and exceeded my expectations. So much so, I have emailed Target to keep these stocked. Bonus: sometimes there is a 20% coupon with the Cartwheel App.

via Jackrabbit.com

Moving Comfort has some good options as well. My personal preference is a sports bra without the Velcro adjustable straps, it bothers me while I run. The Maia has a bra closure and no Velcro. Do you notice the higher neckline on this one? It’s a detail that is hard to find and I appreciate.

Wearing the Maia in this picture from a workout.

Tights

Lots of options for tights. Almost too many options. I like Old Navy’s Go-Dry High or Mid Rise Compression Crops. They don’t wiggle down as I run or fight me while doing yoga. They stay put. I have enough issues while running, I don’t want to be that person fighting her tights the entire time. Lots of colors and patterns to choose from.

Shoes

Finally, do not scrimp on your shoes. Sorry they won’t last years either. If you’re wearing them regularly they should be replaced every 300 – 500 miles. Make the effort to find a shoe store near you that specializes in running or walking shoes. Get fitted from knowledgeable staff that can recommend a shoe based on your gait and usage. You may pay more, but it’s worth it. Typically, they offer a 30 day return even if you’ve worn the shoe outside for miles. Brands change their style every “season”, so the shoe you have been in may not work with tweaks they make in the new model.

Maybe you find a new favorite. Don’t hesitate to share your favorites as well in the comments. I love hearing about products.

 

 

 

“This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a portion of sales if you make a purchase using links in the post. All products are things I have, use regularly, and would recommend to you if we talked face to face.”

 

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May Action Items

Posted on by Tisha

April’s action items of 20 days of activity over 30 minutes was a success.  It could have been better, but Mother Nature decided Indiana needed buckets of water dumped on us.  It has been raining for about a week.  Yes, I have a treadmill downstairs and at home workout options.  There is something about getting outside to enjoy your workout.

Hubby and I were chatting yesterday about how I could realistically expand on my workouts.  He bought me a gift certificate to my favorite pilates studio for my birthday…in December.  With job change and schedule changes, I had not tried to work it in.  That changes today.  My first class in years is tonight.  It really fits into my May action items.

  • Continue with 20 days of 30 + minutes of exercise.
  • Focus on core work at least 2 days per week.
  • Log 60 miles for the month.  That means more running and less walking.
  • Cut out sweets unless I make them.
  • Cut out alcohol until Memorial Day weekend.

**Not all drinks in this picture were consumed. Just a collection after a trip.**

The last two action items were added because I stepped on the scale in April.  While I’m usually not focused on the number, it was not what I thought it would be.  Looking back on my dietary habits over the last couple of months, I should not be surprised.  Sweets and wine late at night have been creeping in.  Cookies and brownies at work in the afternoon have been high.  Seriously, warm cookies on a shitty rainy day makes the day a bit brighter.  Also, the cafeteria is filled with everything I could want for lunch.  Yes, I ate a plate of nachos for lunch last week.

Honestly, I shouldn’t be surprised.  Maybe it was more disappointment that I wasn’t see a change with everything I was doing.

As I have said before, I don’t follow one dietary plan.  Everything can be in your diet, just keep it in moderation.  By limiting the sweets to just things I make, that should help.  Cutting out alcohol should help as well.  As for lunches, let’s see how that goes.  I have better results with small changes.

What is your goal or action items for the month?  Follow and/or me on Instagram with #healthysewist.

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April Action Items

Posted on by Tisha

I’m excited for April to finally arrive.  The chance of snow in Indianapolis goes down exponentially and spring comes into bloom.  My allergies aren’t as excited, but they make medications for that.

April is very project oriented right now.  I can’t share them all with you right now, but some good stuff is coming.  DIY, upcycling, and some vintage quilts.

Vintage Quilts

As we transition into spring I’m focusing a bit more on vintage quilts.  I have a stash of them just wadded up in my WIP cabinet.  In an effort to keep busting through WIPs, this is a natural progression.  Plus, it’s fun to give new life to these old quilts.

DIY

I have some fun projects lined up that I have been meaning to make forever.  Spring is just the right motivator to get them done.

Wedding Anniversary Trip

Our seventh wedding anniversary is April 24th.  I have planned a getaway to a secret location.  Everything is planned and I haven’t told my hubby where we are going.  You guys, I have kept a secret, this is HUGE!

Healthy Actions

For March I met the goal of at least 15-20 #healthysewist entries.  Hubby had the stomach flu in March and the house was in chaos for a few days.  The weather got cold here again too and we had a contractor at the house a couple of days.  Not everything is an excuse, but definitely some hiccups.  Running has helped me have more energy and yoga is letting me focus on strength.

For April I want to push myself to 20 #healthysewist entries on Instagram.  I’m working on some new photo ideas for these too since I’m terrible at selfies.  Maybe some new trails or locations for runs?  How many times can you see this mug?

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