Monday, September 22, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Wordless Wednesday: Lately (the crutches edition)
I haven't used my camera much while on crutches, but thought I'd share a few pictures of summertime fun that I have captured on my phone!
Monday, July 21, 2014
Ain't No {Fat} Shame in My Game!
On Friday the 13th of June, I broke my ankle. The incident was, and continues to be, painful and has altered my life significantly this summer. I realize that I have plenty to be thankful for, like the fact that I won't need surgery and that my friends, Tracy and Steve, have let me move in with them while I recuperate. But, I really miss my normal routine! I miss my apartment and evening walks with the dog. I miss being able to answer the door when my delivery food arrives and standing up to take a shower. I miss time spent alone and my independence. One of the most surprising realizations, however, has been how much I miss my morning sessions at the gym with my sister.
Danielle and I recommitted to the gym in March. It wasn't easy to get used to the alarm clock sounding off at 5:15 am, but having someone to rely on for a backup call/text when that snooze button was winning the war against my self resolve was a huge help. By the second week, I found myself looking forward to my pre-work workouts. I didn't realize it at first, but there was something very different about my approach to the gym this time around; my primary focus wasn't on seeing the numbers on the scale go down, it was on fitness. I was most interested in challenging my body to do something it had never really done before- I wanted to be able to run. Each week, I relished in the achievement of running a little bit further or faster than I had the week before. I think that this difference was my key to finding enjoyment in the gym, and I am sad that I won't realize my goal of running my first 5K this summer.
Not only had I discovered a new pastime that I enjoyed, but suddenly the lens through which I saw myself in the mirror was changing. I was drawing self confidence from how I felt physically, and that was shaping how I related to my appearance. I was stronger and more fit, and that felt darned good despite the fact that the scale might not have budged. In fact, I had stopped weighing myself- that's how little the scale mattered. Why should I rain on my own parade just because I hadn't lost the weight I set out to lose last year? I was kicking ass on the treadmill, and that's what mattered most because that's what made me feel awesome! I decided to consciously eschew the fat shaming mindset that I had internalized over the years, and instead I would celebrate my fitness accomplishments.
I'm fortunate that I started tapping into this mindset before my accident; it has helped me to remember to be kind to myself throughout the healing process. There have been occasional moments of panic: "But how will I fit into a bridesmaid's dress in September?!" (Answer: I'm going to buy a dress that fits and makes me feel fabulous!); and "Should I starve myself until I can get back to the gym?" (Answer: Heck no! I'm going to need nutrients in order to speed up my recovery, and ice cream packs some great calcium.); and "Do these crutches make me look fat?" (Just kidding. I knew right away that the crutches made me look tough.). I have had to cling firmly to this new form of self love and self acceptance that isn't predicated on the size of my clothing, while surrounded by influences that insist that my current size is a problem. I cannot allow myself to spiral into a pit of self loathing over my broken ankle weight gain. I can choose to focus on the memory of that post-gym high. I know that when I'm off of the crutches and out of the AirCast I will relish a return to the gym, and I will slowly and safely start working towards that 5K goal once again.
When I first created this blog, the core purpose was to document my experiences with Weight Watchers and to share delicious and healthy recipes. It evolved into something much more than that, and I love filling my little corner of the web with food, photography, travel tales, and reviews of my favorite places and products. I recently canceled my Weight Watchers subscription, because counting points isn't working for me at this point in my journey through life and Providence. As a result, the format and content of this blog might change a little over the coming months; for example, I won't be able to provide you with the PointsPlus values of new recipes. I do need to continue to make a commitment to my health, so I will continue to share related content here. I simply realized that it was time to try something new and, after some careful deliberation, I have decided to try the Herbalife plan. I found a great coach through my Facebook friends list, and I'm currently waiting for my first order to arrive.
As with the gym, I'm approaching this new plan with a focus on my overall health and well being and won't be obsessed with the numbers on the scale. My activity level is extremely limited right now, so I'm hoping to avoid letting my health deteriorate too much while my ankle heals by focusing my attention on a balanced diet. Whether the pounds come off fast or slow on Herbalife, I can assure you that I'm going to wear my horizontally striped fatkini proudly this summer because, for whatever reason, I feel like a glamorous pinup girl when I wear it; and I won't let the fat shaming majority make me feel bad about that.
 |
| The pit and the aftermath |
Danielle and I recommitted to the gym in March. It wasn't easy to get used to the alarm clock sounding off at 5:15 am, but having someone to rely on for a backup call/text when that snooze button was winning the war against my self resolve was a huge help. By the second week, I found myself looking forward to my pre-work workouts. I didn't realize it at first, but there was something very different about my approach to the gym this time around; my primary focus wasn't on seeing the numbers on the scale go down, it was on fitness. I was most interested in challenging my body to do something it had never really done before- I wanted to be able to run. Each week, I relished in the achievement of running a little bit further or faster than I had the week before. I think that this difference was my key to finding enjoyment in the gym, and I am sad that I won't realize my goal of running my first 5K this summer.
Not only had I discovered a new pastime that I enjoyed, but suddenly the lens through which I saw myself in the mirror was changing. I was drawing self confidence from how I felt physically, and that was shaping how I related to my appearance. I was stronger and more fit, and that felt darned good despite the fact that the scale might not have budged. In fact, I had stopped weighing myself- that's how little the scale mattered. Why should I rain on my own parade just because I hadn't lost the weight I set out to lose last year? I was kicking ass on the treadmill, and that's what mattered most because that's what made me feel awesome! I decided to consciously eschew the fat shaming mindset that I had internalized over the years, and instead I would celebrate my fitness accomplishments.
 |
| Ain't no shame in Whitney's game, or mine! |
I'm fortunate that I started tapping into this mindset before my accident; it has helped me to remember to be kind to myself throughout the healing process. There have been occasional moments of panic: "But how will I fit into a bridesmaid's dress in September?!" (Answer: I'm going to buy a dress that fits and makes me feel fabulous!); and "Should I starve myself until I can get back to the gym?" (Answer: Heck no! I'm going to need nutrients in order to speed up my recovery, and ice cream packs some great calcium.); and "Do these crutches make me look fat?" (Just kidding. I knew right away that the crutches made me look tough.). I have had to cling firmly to this new form of self love and self acceptance that isn't predicated on the size of my clothing, while surrounded by influences that insist that my current size is a problem. I cannot allow myself to spiral into a pit of self loathing over my broken ankle weight gain. I can choose to focus on the memory of that post-gym high. I know that when I'm off of the crutches and out of the AirCast I will relish a return to the gym, and I will slowly and safely start working towards that 5K goal once again.
 |
| Cheers to that! |
When I first created this blog, the core purpose was to document my experiences with Weight Watchers and to share delicious and healthy recipes. It evolved into something much more than that, and I love filling my little corner of the web with food, photography, travel tales, and reviews of my favorite places and products. I recently canceled my Weight Watchers subscription, because counting points isn't working for me at this point in my journey through life and Providence. As a result, the format and content of this blog might change a little over the coming months; for example, I won't be able to provide you with the PointsPlus values of new recipes. I do need to continue to make a commitment to my health, so I will continue to share related content here. I simply realized that it was time to try something new and, after some careful deliberation, I have decided to try the Herbalife plan. I found a great coach through my Facebook friends list, and I'm currently waiting for my first order to arrive.
As with the gym, I'm approaching this new plan with a focus on my overall health and well being and won't be obsessed with the numbers on the scale. My activity level is extremely limited right now, so I'm hoping to avoid letting my health deteriorate too much while my ankle heals by focusing my attention on a balanced diet. Whether the pounds come off fast or slow on Herbalife, I can assure you that I'm going to wear my horizontally striped fatkini proudly this summer because, for whatever reason, I feel like a glamorous pinup girl when I wear it; and I won't let the fat shaming majority make me feel bad about that.
 |
| I must thank Carol Rossetti for her images and her words! |
Friday, April 11, 2014
Ch-Ch-Changes!
Things have been quiet around these parts lately. I have been working hard on the "Grows" component of "A BermuDiana Grows in Providence." In early March, despite being happily employed in my current position, I took a chance and applied for a new job. The last month has been consumed with learning, prepping, interviewing, negotiating and, last but not least, decision making. This is exhausting stuff for a change-averse introvert to process, so I had to take a small step back from blogging and social media.
Today, however, I'm thrilled to announce that I've proudly accepted the promotion, and on May 5th I'll start my new job! I'm so grateful to have had the support of friends, family and colleagues throughout each phase, and I'm excited to take this next step in my career.
Today, however, I'm thrilled to announce that I've proudly accepted the promotion, and on May 5th I'll start my new job! I'm so grateful to have had the support of friends, family and colleagues throughout each phase, and I'm excited to take this next step in my career.
 |
| Big news is best celebrated with bubbles! |
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Bermuda Shorts: Ragin' Cajuns
Move over, Real Housewives! I have just discovered the most amazing reality TV show: Discovery Channel's Ragin' Cajuns.
The star of the show? The Louisiana Bayou; and she's a "fickle temptress." This show has it all (in no particular order): a pet raccoon, family feuds, age old superstitions, bacon wrapped shrimp, back stabbing deck-hands, Louisiana accents, gators, and hardened, seafaring men who unabashedly talk about how much they love their daddies (really, they call their fathers "daddy").
The series follows a handful of Louisiana shrimping captains on their hunt for "Louisiana white gold." Their livelihoods rest in the hands of mother nature; as a result, these shrimpers often find themselves navigating some precarious financial situations. The BP oil spill had a devastating impact on the Bayou's shrimp population, and the wreckage of Katrina still weighs heavy on the hearts and minds of these ragin' Cajuns, but "in Bayou country everybody dances, [and] nobody shakes it quite like Blimp!"
Thanks, Netflix, for the random, yet somewhat serendipitous, recommendation tonight. Happy Mardi Gras, y'all; laissez les bons temps rouler!
The star of the show? The Louisiana Bayou; and she's a "fickle temptress." This show has it all (in no particular order): a pet raccoon, family feuds, age old superstitions, bacon wrapped shrimp, back stabbing deck-hands, Louisiana accents, gators, and hardened, seafaring men who unabashedly talk about how much they love their daddies (really, they call their fathers "daddy").
The series follows a handful of Louisiana shrimping captains on their hunt for "Louisiana white gold." Their livelihoods rest in the hands of mother nature; as a result, these shrimpers often find themselves navigating some precarious financial situations. The BP oil spill had a devastating impact on the Bayou's shrimp population, and the wreckage of Katrina still weighs heavy on the hearts and minds of these ragin' Cajuns, but "in Bayou country everybody dances, [and] nobody shakes it quite like Blimp!"
Thanks, Netflix, for the random, yet somewhat serendipitous, recommendation tonight. Happy Mardi Gras, y'all; laissez les bons temps rouler!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Treat Yo Self: A Foolproof Cookie Recipe
With the exception of a temporary reprieve last weekend, this winter has been a miserable one for this former island gal- too cold, too snowy! The weather may be holding me hostage inside my tiny apartment, but at least I have discovered something that buoys my frostbitten spirits: a foolproof baking recipe. This cookie recipe is versatile, delicious, and involves relatively wholesome ingredients. And for the icing on the cake: these cookies are ridiculously easy to make. There's no need to whip out canisters of flour, baking powder and sugar, and you can leave your mixer or KitchenAid on the shelf.
A disclaimer: this is a recipe for cookies. Just because these tasty morsels are relatively low in points, and are made with fruit, doesn't mean you should throw caution to the wind by eating unlimited portions. This is not a recipe for magic weight loss wafers. That said, however, go on and "Treat yo self!"
(adapted from SkinnyTaste)
1 medium Ripe banana, mashed
1 tbsp Reduced fat peanut butter
1/2 cup Uncooked quick oats
1.5 tbsp Mini chocolate chips
small dash Vanilla extract
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana and peanut butter. Add the oats, chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly.
Create 1/2 tablespoon sized balls of batter, making 12 delicious cookies. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions:
You could swap out the chocolate chips for your favorite cookie mix-ins. Chopped nuts or dried fruit could be delicious substitutions.
*PointsPlus values calculated using the Recipe Builder on the Weight Watchers website
A disclaimer: this is a recipe for cookies. Just because these tasty morsels are relatively low in points, and are made with fruit, doesn't mean you should throw caution to the wind by eating unlimited portions. This is not a recipe for magic weight loss wafers. That said, however, go on and "Treat yo self!"
PB&B Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Servings: 6 Serving Size: 2 cookies Points Plus*: 2 pts(adapted from SkinnyTaste)
Ingredients:
Cooking spray1 medium Ripe banana, mashed
1 tbsp Reduced fat peanut butter
1/2 cup Uncooked quick oats
1.5 tbsp Mini chocolate chips
small dash Vanilla extract
Directions:
Gather your ingredients and preheat the oven to 375°. Spray cookie pan with cooking spray.In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana and peanut butter. Add the oats, chocolate chips and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly.
Create 1/2 tablespoon sized balls of batter, making 12 delicious cookies. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions:
You could swap out the chocolate chips for your favorite cookie mix-ins. Chopped nuts or dried fruit could be delicious substitutions.
*PointsPlus values calculated using the Recipe Builder on the Weight Watchers website
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Starting Simply
We're almost a full month into 2014, and I'm still stuck in that frenetic loop of reflecting on 2013 and goal setting for the year ahead. I'm proud of last year; I challenged myself and learned a lot along the way, it was humbling. I came out of 2013 knowing a bit more about what I value in, and expect from,
my relationships with the people in my life. I also know now that it is liberating to give yourself permission to stop sweating the small stuff and to break free of the busy trap. I didn't achieve all of my 2013 goals, though, and I started this year even further from my goal weight than I was last January.
At this time last year I was diving back into the world of Weight Watchers, and was excited to try their new 360 Program; it was even the reason I started this blog! On my return to the meeting room this year, I learned that they have debuted the two week Simple Start program for new, returning and rehabilitating members. I just completed the starter course, and was thrilled with the results. It was a relatively easy way to wade back into the weight loss waters since there's no need to count Points Plus Values or measure portion sizes.
I learned to trust, and have faith in, myself last year; I'd like for some of that to carry over into my weight loss journey. Believing in the lifestyle changes that I need to make will go a long way towards helping me finally reach my goal weight. I've made some resolutions outside the health and fitness realm, but I won't bore you with the full list. I'll be trying to keep things simple this year, it worked well during my first two weeks at Weight Watchers, and I think it'll serve me well in general as I tackle 2014!
What resolutions have you made for the year ahead? If you're a Weight Watcher, have you given Simple Start a try? What did you think?
At this time last year I was diving back into the world of Weight Watchers, and was excited to try their new 360 Program; it was even the reason I started this blog! On my return to the meeting room this year, I learned that they have debuted the two week Simple Start program for new, returning and rehabilitating members. I just completed the starter course, and was thrilled with the results. It was a relatively easy way to wade back into the weight loss waters since there's no need to count Points Plus Values or measure portion sizes.
 |
| Thanks, Simple Start- down 6 pounds in two weeks! |
I learned to trust, and have faith in, myself last year; I'd like for some of that to carry over into my weight loss journey. Believing in the lifestyle changes that I need to make will go a long way towards helping me finally reach my goal weight. I've made some resolutions outside the health and fitness realm, but I won't bore you with the full list. I'll be trying to keep things simple this year, it worked well during my first two weeks at Weight Watchers, and I think it'll serve me well in general as I tackle 2014!
 |
| A simple plan (found on Instagram) |
What resolutions have you made for the year ahead? If you're a Weight Watcher, have you given Simple Start a try? What did you think?
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Bermuda Shorts: Good, Clean TV
'Tis the season for binge-watching your
favorite television programs; after all, it's far too cold to leave the house. If you start right now, there's still just enough time to catch up on some new-to-you series before they start up again
for the new year (I recommend Hannibal or House of Lies). Do you have trouble finding enough time in the day for all of this must see TV? Or do you end up so enthralled in marathon Netflix sessions that it's impossible to tear yourself away from the couch on weekends?
Well, I have the solution! You no longer need to forgo that Sunday shower so that you can catch an episode of Scandal before meeting friends for brunch. Now you can watch your favorite streaming shows on your smartphone while in the shower- all you need is a Ziploc bag! That's right, y'all, just seal your phone in a clear plastic bag and then go ahead and treat your locks to a deep conditioning mask while you finish that final episode of Girls. Consider it multitasking!
What are you binge-watching right now?
Well, I have the solution! You no longer need to forgo that Sunday shower so that you can catch an episode of Scandal before meeting friends for brunch. Now you can watch your favorite streaming shows on your smartphone while in the shower- all you need is a Ziploc bag! That's right, y'all, just seal your phone in a clear plastic bag and then go ahead and treat your locks to a deep conditioning mask while you finish that final episode of Girls. Consider it multitasking!
 |
| Good, Clean TV™ |
What are you binge-watching right now?
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Wordless Wednesday: Happy New Year!
Ringing in the New Year here on the blog with a roundup of a few of my favorite Wordless Wednesday images from 2013.
Wishing all of you a happy and healthy new year!
Wishing all of you a happy and healthy new year!
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