Tuesday, 19 November 2013

IN WHICH BEAR PONDERS A CHANGE

Along with our change of den, some other interesting things have been happening.

This is one of them. 

 I have lost 23 pounds. In two months. And I don't know where they are. 

 Mind you, I'm not worried about them. I'm really quite happy they are not me. 

 As well, I am now wearing clothes two sizes smaller than in the early autumn. 

 And I'm not dieting!

 I decided to sit down and figure this out. That's important, because I have not gone on a diet. 

 Lots of fruits and vegetables in my meals. Not so much meat. A few less sweets. 

 That does not sound like a magic formula, folks. The only things I notice are that I eat slightly smaller portions at my meals, and don't snack very much in-between. Those two things are different.

 Of course, we now have a three-level house instead of a cage in a human filing cabinet. Basement, main floor, upper floor. I seem to do a lot of travelling from one place to the next; upstairs, downstairs, and back again. 

 Also, since this is a winter city, I'm splitting firewood and shovelling snow off the walks. 

 My doctor is pleased with this development (we're working together on this plan). But while there is a bit less of me to love, I'm puzzled by how this is happening. If any of you have suggestions about this development, I would love to hear from you!

 Though, maybe I should just accept this as a new "fact of life," and get on with living. Yeah, that makes sense. I guess.

 Blessings and Bear hug, friends!
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66 comments:

  1. DJan19 November 2013 at 20:21

    It sounds like a combination of better eating practices and exercise, to me at least. That's what did it for me, but I had to watch what I eat, if not count calories. :-)

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    1. Rob-bear19 November 2013 at 20:49

      Sounds about right, DJan. But my math isn't so good, so counting calories is a bit of a non-starter.

      Thanks for the support!

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  2. lotta joy19 November 2013 at 20:23

    You said it yourself. ALL OF IT. From living in a file cabinet to three floors, chopping wood, shoveling snow, eating less.

    It's a wonder you can get wet in the shower! You probably woke up an atrophied muscle or two, and muscle burns fat better than fat burns fat. Yep. I could not (in all honesty) climb those stairs.

    My barely there bear: Enjoy it before you ruin it with analysis.

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    1. Rob-bear19 November 2013 at 20:53

      Thanks, lotta! I've reached the stage in life that I can live comfortably with a lot of puzzlement and wonder. Sometimes it is better to leave thinking alone.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  3. Dana19 November 2013 at 20:30

    Congrats on the weight loss!

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    1. Rob-bear19 November 2013 at 20:54

      And I hope your weight gain is going well. You are eating for two now, which is wonderful news. I hope.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  4. Susie - Walking Butterfly19 November 2013 at 20:39

    My dear Mr Bear, I will keep my tone civil even though this post makes me crazy! You lost weight and sizes without WORKING at it?? So jealous right now!
    Yay you.....spoken with sincerity and true happiness for you! Susie

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    1. Rob-bear19 November 2013 at 20:56

      Thanks, Susie. Without working at it? I'm not entirely sure that is so. Chopping wood, shovelling snow, climbing stairs. Hmmmm.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  5. kj19 November 2013 at 20:47

    All good news. Ready yourself for a good holiday , please. :-)

    Love
    kj

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    1. Rob-bear19 November 2013 at 20:59

      Thanks, kj. I expect to be ready for the holiday about December 26th or 27th. I promise not to crash on the ice or have a heart attack, or something like that. More or less.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  6. Janie Junebug19 November 2013 at 21:14

    You've cut back on the size of your meals and you're moving around more. That's a great way to lose weight. Don't you feel good?

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Rob-bear19 November 2013 at 21:19

      Yup, hat pretty much captures it, Janie.

      I'm feeling generally good about the situation, though I have discovered a few muscles that I didn't know I had. They are not amused!

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
    2. kj20 November 2013 at 13:22

      no mr. bear: begin now.

      i beseech you.

      love
      kj

      Delete
    3. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 16:23

      I'm very suggestible. I'll start now, even though we haven't reached the Festival of St. James, which comes in ten days.

      I suppose it's never too early to plan ahead.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  7. Anonymous19 November 2013 at 21:31

    I think I've found the weight you lost!!

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    1. Rob-bear19 November 2013 at 21:55

      Thanks for the news, fishducky. But since I'm a gentleman kind of Bear, I'll let you keep it. Besides, I have for use for it.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  8. Erika Lee @ A Tiny Rocket19 November 2013 at 23:31

    Congrats on the weight loss- I think it makes a difference to just try and eat healthy.

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 08:18

      Thanks, Erika, and welcome to the Bear's blog. I am trying to eat well. People will agree with that; they say I'm very trying.

      Blessings and Bear hugs.

      Delete
  9. Jean20 November 2013 at 02:58

    Well done!
    It only takes a few small, bearly noticeable changes to lose weight when we're older, I find. Just a little more exercise and a little less to eat is often enough.
    Unfortunately most people make the opposite changes so they gain weight. Or like me, they never sit still but can't resist nibbling the occasional slice (more like a slab) of cake, resulting in a net gain.
    It's a delicate balance to get right.

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 08:25

      Thanks. Jean. Bearly noticeable changes are leading to less Bear, for sure. Being a bit of an unbalanced Bear, it may take a while to get it right. But I'm working on it!

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  10. Mary Kirkland20 November 2013 at 03:41

    I bet it's all that shoveling snow, chopping firewood and walking up and down the stars that's doing it for you.

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 08:26

      I think you're entirely right, Mary. Thanks.

      Blessings and Bear hugs, too!

      Delete
  11. Buttons Thoughts20 November 2013 at 04:40

    Oh Bear do not worry I am sure it is because of what you are dong. Eating right hiking up stairs chopping wood sounds like you have joined a gym without paying. Do not worry if your Doc is not worried don't you be. B

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 08:30

      Joined a gym without paying. That's a good line, Buttons; I had not thought of it, but it seems right. Thanks.

      Do you still chop firewood at your place? My parents lived in rural central Ontario, and my dad was chopping firewood well into his 80s.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  12. Janice Grinyer20 November 2013 at 04:53

    ITs woodsplitting! if you are doing it by hand, then you are doing a top activity that burns the most calories...http://www.mensfitness.com/training/build-muscle/chop-your-way-to-a-solid-core

    400-500 calories burned an HOUR!

    however, i am a woman, use a 6 lb maul instead of an 8, and i dont do it for an hour lol; but i do take time out to fit it in - thriced warmed as they say...esp. when your woods burned up LOL

    Congrats - on your way to healthier living, bear!

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 08:52

      Coming from a foresterwoman, I believe that without even checking the link (though I did, for the details). I don't have the proper boots, but I've got a seven pound axe, and it works pretty well. (It's all in the wrist movement, right?)

      Thanks for the info and support.

      Blessings and Bear hugs, Janice!

      Delete
  13. Frances20 November 2013 at 08:15

    Metabolism is a wondrous process, isn't it, Bear?

    It's grand that your new home came with a built in "stair master."

    (I once had a similar quick weight loss when a change of employment caused me to do similar up and down travel on foot many times a day. It was a bit of a relief when after about six weeks my weight stabilized.)

    xo

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 08:57

      Home with a "built in 'stair master.'" I had not thought of that, either. Of course, you're right! Thanks. Glad to hear of your success, too.

      Blessings and Bear hugs, Frances!

      Delete
  14. Jeanie20 November 2013 at 08:45

    It sounds like you have lost the weight in just the right way. Kudos to you for doing this and setting such a good example for the rest of us.

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  15. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 08:59

    Thanks, Jeanie, for visiting and sharing your support. It is much appreciated!

    As for setting an example, I'm not sure how many readers are going to start chopping wood, because most homes don't need it. However, . . .

    Blessings and Bear hugs, Jeanie!

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  16. ReformingGeek20 November 2013 at 09:33

    As long as you can stay warm and nourished in the den during hibernation, all is good.

    Hee Hee. Being more active and eating better is a good thing. Keep it up!

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 11:09

      Thanks, Reffie. But I have this feeling that I'm going to be too busy this winter to hibernate. The cubs are here almost every day, and they are busy little Bears.

      But being more active and eating better are also incentives not to sleep. I think.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  17. Rosaria Williams20 November 2013 at 10:01

    Proud of your new you! Getting around in a three story place is remarkable accomplishment all by itself. Be sure your doctor knows and is aware of your changes.

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 11:12

      Thanks, rosaria! I see the doctor once a month, when I weigh in and he checks my blood pressure. Weight and bp are booth down = happy doctor. And happy Bear.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  18. Lisa @ Two Bears Farm20 November 2013 at 11:40

    Congrats on the weight loss! I bet you feel lighter :-)

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 11:44

      Thanks, Lisa. Strangely, I don't feel any lighter at all, even though I know I am. Must consider that. Hmmmm.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  19. Helen20 November 2013 at 13:01

    Hi Bear! I believe the move to a new cave, one that has stairs heaven forbid, reducing portions, no hibernating ... all of it has resulted in twenty-three pounds GONE! However, I will say that twenty-three pounds in eight weeks is pretty aggressive. Be certain you are getting all of the protein, fiber, good stuff that keeps bears healthy.

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 13:18

      Thanks, Helen. I must admit that 23 pounds lost in nine weeks is a bit more than I had expected. One to two pounds a week is considered healthy; 2.5 pounds per week is still OK (says the doctor), but I wouldn't want to be losing any faster. And, yes, I am conscious of what I'm eating — that's the only way this will work long-term.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  20. Inger20 November 2013 at 13:02

    As long as the doctor thinks you are OK, I wouldn't worry about it.

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 13:24

      Oh, yes; the doctor is very happy. He checks me out once a month, to make sure things are going well. (That was the deal we made when I started in September.)

      Still, I cannot help but be a bit mystified by the overall amount I have lost. I had thought 10 pounds by now, maybe 15. So 23 is a bit of a surprise. But a good surprise.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  21. Rachel Westfall20 November 2013 at 13:36

    For you, Bear! http://www.petermather.com/PhotoStories/Fishing-Branch-Territorial

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 16:27

      Wow! Excellent Bear pictures and story! Thanks Rachel.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  22. susan20 November 2013 at 14:10

    This sounds like an excellent development, unintended as it may have been. I think you answered your own question - less food and more activity will tend to make you a leaner and more spry bear.

    All good wishes.

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 16:30

      Actually, it was very much intended, susan. But the results exceeded expectations, and caught your Bear off guard, hence a bit puzzled. But I know enough not to mess with a good thing!

      Best wishes to Crow.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  23. A Lady's Life20 November 2013 at 16:50

    Keep up the good work Bear!!

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  24. Chatty Crone20 November 2013 at 18:19

    I have no idea - but if you find out let me know - I need to lose weight! Seriously though - you are doing it with the doctor?

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 18:40

      A bit less food and a lot more exercise seems to be the answer. But I don't expect you have much snow to shovel or firewood to split.

      And yes, sandie, this is being done under the doctor's supervision. I wouldn't be trying this were the doctor were not on side.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  25. Unknown20 November 2013 at 20:47

    That is awesome!!! Congratulations for the healthy news.

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 20:57

      Thanks Julia! The process is working well. For which I am thankful.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  26. Hilary20 November 2013 at 21:55

    Good for you. Your carefully chosen mystery formula is clearly working well.

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    1. Rob-bear20 November 2013 at 22:32

      Thanks, Hilary! Things are working well.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  27. Sylvia Ney21 November 2013 at 08:40

    Glad you are feeling healthier! In addition to your diet and exercise routine, mood can affect the ability to process food and shave off weight. If you had previously been sad, depressed, angry quite a bit, and now the move has improved your mood, your body's ability to process will improve as well.

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  28. Rob-bear21 November 2013 at 10:04

    Thanks, Sylvia! I have a long history of depression, and that is improving as well. So this is a win-win-win situation.

    I hope you are making good progress with your writing this month.

    Blessings and Bear hugs!

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  29. Coloring Outside the Lines22 November 2013 at 18:54

    Congratulations on the weight loss- however it happened, I'll bet you are getting a good ratio of exercise to calories and that is always a good thing. Now don't go hibernating or anything! LOL!

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    1. Rob-bear22 November 2013 at 19:26

      Thanks, Terri! I'm afraid life has suddenly become so busy, I won't have time to hibernate over the winter.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  30. About Last Weekend22 November 2013 at 21:59

    This is incredible. If you can figure it out you will make loads of dosh or at least get a book deal, because lets face it, most people want to lose 20 something ibs - well done you. we should all get homes with loads of stairs!

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    1. Rob-bear23 November 2013 at 11:53

      Wonderful idea, Jody. But when the message is "eat a little bit less, be a little bit more active," that hardly fills a book. I'd rather just share the information than make a lot of cash. And you've just written half the book yourself: "we should al get homes with loads of stairs!"

      But that's just me. (Bears are not really into consumerism.)

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  31. Manzanita24 November 2013 at 06:40

    There are some things we don't question but are just grateful. Sounds like you are enjoying the new space and now you can run up the stairs and down the stairs and maybe even jump over the candlestick. LOL

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    1. Rob-bear24 November 2013 at 09:23

      You're right, Manzanita! Being thankful great start. And I am. But jumping over a candlestick sounds a bit dangerous; I think I'll leave that out.

      Blessings and Bear hugs.

      Delete
  32. Unknown25 November 2013 at 08:16

    I wouldn't question it or worry too much as long as you feel good. Just go with it and celebrate it!! ♥♥

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  33. Rob-bear25 November 2013 at 09:58

    Things are going well, and the progress does feel good. I just want to make sure things keep going well. I believe I have found the answer.

    Blessings and Bear hugs, Kathy!

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  34. Susan Kane25 November 2013 at 13:59

    Less food + more exercise seems to be the key!

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    1. Rob-bear25 November 2013 at 16:48

      By George, I think you've got it!

      Thanks, Susan.

      Blessings and Bear hug!

      Delete
  35. Unknown27 November 2013 at 10:12

    life changes are truly chain reactions aren't they?
    Glad you are well and loving the new digs.

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    1. Rob-bear27 November 2013 at 20:19

      Agreed: one change can lead to a hole bunch more. We truly enjoy our new place.

      Blessings and Bear hugs, Zoe (and Skiperoo)!

      Delete

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