Friday, September 16, 2011
The Prozac has robbed me of my appetite. The first time I ate today was around 3:45 p.m. I forced myself to eat two bananas. I am beyond not hungry. I will try to eat some greek yogurt before I go to bed. I have lost 2 more pounds in 3 days. The Prozac is working for the depression and I am not willing to loose myself again...just to eat more.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
A glitch in the journey
Due to a life altering change in my life...walking has taken a back seat. I am still losing weight due to the stress and when I got home from the hospital I weighed 217. I have gained around 3 lbs. back, but am sure that I will start losing again due to the fact that the medication I am on has started to work and have lost my appetite. So I shall continue to track my progress until I start walking again.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Fabulous walk it was
How I long for a walk that will be pain free. Just a tad of pain today...never the less, it was a good walking day. First time in a while, that I was able to pick up the pace, at various times during the walk. Also my heart rate must have increased, as there was a bit of sweating here and there...during the 2.3 miles.
Today I had 1/2 banana before my walk and the other half when I came back...which was soon followed by a bowl of organic corn flakes and non fat milk. Just finished lunch and that was the usual...two pieces of toasted sprouted grain bread with mustard, alfalfa sprouts and grilled chicken.
Today I had 1/2 banana before my walk and the other half when I came back...which was soon followed by a bowl of organic corn flakes and non fat milk. Just finished lunch and that was the usual...two pieces of toasted sprouted grain bread with mustard, alfalfa sprouts and grilled chicken.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Today was a no go
I woke up this morning achy, to the point where it was limiting my movement. I decided to listen to my body, so...no walk. I did do the weight training for my arms and that seemed to go a bit easier than the last time.
Yesterday I did not eat lunch until 2:30 and was quite hungry at lunch...too hungry. I can not wait that long until I eat lunch. Yesterdays lunch, two pieces of toasted sprouted grain bread with mustard, grilled chicken and alfalfa sprouts. Also had some watermelon. Dinner was wild rice with raw red onions, raw carrots and some more watermelon. After dinner I did have a piece of cinnamon coffee cake that I got at Trader Joes. It is yummy even frozen.
This morning I had just a banana for breakfast. I was going to run a errand around 1 p.m. and decided I had better eat before I leave as I didn't want to end up starving like yesterday. So I had two pieces of toasted sprouted grain bread with mustard, grilled chicken and alfalfa sprouts. I am just eating dinner as I type. Wild rice with raw red onions and carrots. Most likely a bit of watermelon later.
I went out this afternoon in search of a digital scale and a fitness ball. I found both and came home with a bit more. The scale I was loaned is not that accurate and rather bulky. Every time I want to weigh myself I need to move it to a flat surface and it is never on zero, after it is moved. I also bought a yoga mat, a yoga video for beginners, a portable Pilates studio and a ab gym. Both small pieces of equipment. The one thing I was looking for and did not get, was a 5 lb. hand weights. They only had one.
Yesterday I did not eat lunch until 2:30 and was quite hungry at lunch...too hungry. I can not wait that long until I eat lunch. Yesterdays lunch, two pieces of toasted sprouted grain bread with mustard, grilled chicken and alfalfa sprouts. Also had some watermelon. Dinner was wild rice with raw red onions, raw carrots and some more watermelon. After dinner I did have a piece of cinnamon coffee cake that I got at Trader Joes. It is yummy even frozen.
This morning I had just a banana for breakfast. I was going to run a errand around 1 p.m. and decided I had better eat before I leave as I didn't want to end up starving like yesterday. So I had two pieces of toasted sprouted grain bread with mustard, grilled chicken and alfalfa sprouts. I am just eating dinner as I type. Wild rice with raw red onions and carrots. Most likely a bit of watermelon later.
I went out this afternoon in search of a digital scale and a fitness ball. I found both and came home with a bit more. The scale I was loaned is not that accurate and rather bulky. Every time I want to weigh myself I need to move it to a flat surface and it is never on zero, after it is moved. I also bought a yoga mat, a yoga video for beginners, a portable Pilates studio and a ab gym. Both small pieces of equipment. The one thing I was looking for and did not get, was a 5 lb. hand weights. They only had one.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Perseverance is my drug of choice
I had a rather good walk today, not totally pain free in my foot...though tolerable. I do think a shoe size bigger is going to make the world of difference and then I will be able to fly. Today was a 2.30 mile walk day. Yesterday I only did weight training in the morning.
This morning I ate 1/2 of a banana before my walk. The other half when I got back and when I got out of the shower, a bowl of organic cornflakes with non fat milk. Yesterday morning a little while after I ate a banana, I had a bowl of organic corn flakes with non fat milk. For lunch some grilled chicken and for a noon snack a frozen strawberry fruit bar. Dinner was a grass fed ny steak and watermelon. After dinner I had three dark chocolate powerberries. They are the size of a cranberry and they are amazing. I picked them up at Trader Joes and this was the first time I have tried them. They are made with the centers of real fruit juice pieces made from the juices of acai, pomegranate, cranberry and blueberry and covered in dark chocolate. One serving is 1/4 cup, which is 180 calories of which there is 7 gm. fat, 29 gm. carbs and 25 gm. sugar. There is also 20% vitamin C in each serving. They are some what rich so I did not need to indulge in 1/4 cup. Three of them was all that was needed.
This morning I ate 1/2 of a banana before my walk. The other half when I got back and when I got out of the shower, a bowl of organic cornflakes with non fat milk. Yesterday morning a little while after I ate a banana, I had a bowl of organic corn flakes with non fat milk. For lunch some grilled chicken and for a noon snack a frozen strawberry fruit bar. Dinner was a grass fed ny steak and watermelon. After dinner I had three dark chocolate powerberries. They are the size of a cranberry and they are amazing. I picked them up at Trader Joes and this was the first time I have tried them. They are made with the centers of real fruit juice pieces made from the juices of acai, pomegranate, cranberry and blueberry and covered in dark chocolate. One serving is 1/4 cup, which is 180 calories of which there is 7 gm. fat, 29 gm. carbs and 25 gm. sugar. There is also 20% vitamin C in each serving. They are some what rich so I did not need to indulge in 1/4 cup. Three of them was all that was needed.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Finding a way to fix the foot comfort issue
It was a good walking day. My knees are not giving me any problems so far. The only issue is still the pads of my feets, irritated with blisters once again...even with the double layered socks. Yesterday I ordered a pair of shoes 1/2 size bigger. Today I ordered the same shoe, one size bigger. That way I will have them both at the same time to compare, which one fits the best. Then I will just ship back the other. For the next two weeks I am going to alternate walking 2.30 mile days and one mile days. Then the two weeks after that I will ease into 3.5 miles, by alternating that with 2.30 miles. Slowly easing my way up to 5 miles.
Yesterday I did not do the weight training, but did after my walk this morning. Two weeks with no lifting weights, threw all the weight training I did out the window...cause I was a sweating more than usual and I had to pause between repetitions, this morning.
This morning I ate a banana after my walk. Not really hungry and not sure why. Yesterday I was running errands and really not hungry, so lunch did not happen. For dinner I had a bowl of wild rice blend with raw red onions, raw carrots and grilled chicken strips. Later I had a banana and a frozen strawberry fruit bar.
Yesterday I did not do the weight training, but did after my walk this morning. Two weeks with no lifting weights, threw all the weight training I did out the window...cause I was a sweating more than usual and I had to pause between repetitions, this morning.
This morning I ate a banana after my walk. Not really hungry and not sure why. Yesterday I was running errands and really not hungry, so lunch did not happen. For dinner I had a bowl of wild rice blend with raw red onions, raw carrots and grilled chicken strips. Later I had a banana and a frozen strawberry fruit bar.
Friday, July 8, 2011
I am back in the saddle again
Awoke this morning late...no alarm went off (which felt like a oh no moment, for just a moment) as it was just before 6 a.m. Got up, hurried to get out the door...as I wasn't going to let getting up late throw me off, my first day walking again.
Pure exhilaration, when my feet hit the pavement. Cranked up the sound on the iPod and off I went. Knees well rested, though my thighs started to get a little achy after a mile or so...which is to be expected after not walking for two weeks. Also the pads on the bottoms my feet were getting irritated once again. After I had bought these walking shoes...a friend who is a runner, told me that I should have bought them 1/2 size bigger, as the feet swell when walking or running. Even though my shoes are new; I have ordered another pair 1/2 size bigger, as I want optimum comfort for my feet...as I am in this for the long haul.
These past two weeks, the choices I made when it came to nourishing my body, were a bit healthy, a bit not. Money was a bit tight and some of the foods that I was routinely eating, I ran out of. That in combination of frustration and disappointment over not being able to walk...kept my eyes off the prize at times. No binging, just a bit of unhealthy choice making.
The path I am on has now come full circle...one more time, to where I was a few weeks ago when I first started this amazing journey. My body is healed, I am financially blessed (to be able to buy nourishing food) and once again I am passionately determined...to get back on track.
I have just weighed myself for the first time in two weeks and I did not gain but lost three pounds. Breakfast today was a bowl of steel cut oats.
I am off to do a bit of weight training for my arms...another thing that was neglected these past two weeks.
Pure exhilaration, when my feet hit the pavement. Cranked up the sound on the iPod and off I went. Knees well rested, though my thighs started to get a little achy after a mile or so...which is to be expected after not walking for two weeks. Also the pads on the bottoms my feet were getting irritated once again. After I had bought these walking shoes...a friend who is a runner, told me that I should have bought them 1/2 size bigger, as the feet swell when walking or running. Even though my shoes are new; I have ordered another pair 1/2 size bigger, as I want optimum comfort for my feet...as I am in this for the long haul.
These past two weeks, the choices I made when it came to nourishing my body, were a bit healthy, a bit not. Money was a bit tight and some of the foods that I was routinely eating, I ran out of. That in combination of frustration and disappointment over not being able to walk...kept my eyes off the prize at times. No binging, just a bit of unhealthy choice making.
The path I am on has now come full circle...one more time, to where I was a few weeks ago when I first started this amazing journey. My body is healed, I am financially blessed (to be able to buy nourishing food) and once again I am passionately determined...to get back on track.
I have just weighed myself for the first time in two weeks and I did not gain but lost three pounds. Breakfast today was a bowl of steel cut oats.
I am off to do a bit of weight training for my arms...another thing that was neglected these past two weeks.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Feeling a bit like my old self
Two days ago was the first time, that I could actually walk and my knees were not in a incredible amount of pain. Today I feel like my old self. I am going to give my knees one more week to heal. Next Saturday I shall resume walking, with in moderation at first...just until my body gets acclimated to walking distance.
Friday, June 24, 2011
A wee glitch in the plans
After waking up in pain one more day, I have decided I want off this roller coaster ride, of walking one day with slight pain to not walking the next day with more pain. I need to let the muscles in my knees heal a bit more, before I hit the pavement again. Which means more than one day, because what I am doing now...just ain't working for me.
So until I resume walking I will still be lifting the weights for my arms and nourishing my body with amazing healthy choices. I did just say, that this was a wee glitch in my plans...and not that this journey has come to a end.
This morning I had a lovely bowl of steel cut oats with a bit on non fat milk. I say lovely, as I am quite enjoying this oatmeal. I do add a bit of salt to the cooked oats, which for me brings out the flavor. Plain and simple I have never been one to salt what I eat. In fact the only two cooked foods that I have ever added salt to is corn on the cob and oatmeal. Love pepper though.
So until I resume walking I will still be lifting the weights for my arms and nourishing my body with amazing healthy choices. I did just say, that this was a wee glitch in my plans...and not that this journey has come to a end.
This morning I had a lovely bowl of steel cut oats with a bit on non fat milk. I say lovely, as I am quite enjoying this oatmeal. I do add a bit of salt to the cooked oats, which for me brings out the flavor. Plain and simple I have never been one to salt what I eat. In fact the only two cooked foods that I have ever added salt to is corn on the cob and oatmeal. Love pepper though.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
My spirits were lifted by the end of todays walk
As soon as I woke up, I sprayed the pain relief spray on both knees, even though I was just a bit sore. I was hoping for some preventative relief, but once I walked out the door and the shoes hit the pavement is when I felt the pain in my knees once again. I came back in, sprayed other spots on my knees that I had missed the first time and left for my walk...one more time. For the first 1 3/4 miles the pain did not subside. I walked slow, making sure my feet hit the ground as soft as possible,(if as though my knees were worn shocks on a car) to avoid hard impact when each foot hit the ground. Around the 1 3/4 mile point the soreness in my knees became just a dull soreness. Movement became easier. At around another 1/2 mile the soreness got worse again but not intolerable. My goal today was 3 1/2 miles and that is what I did. Although a bit sore when I came home, I felt better than before I left. The double layered socks were a success, as no new blisters appeared and I did not wrap my feet at all today. I did notice along my walk, that my leggings felt lose around the stomach area...which put a smile on my face. Today was the every other day and that means, the weight training for my arms. I hope to soon retire the 3 lb. weights, in exchange for some 5 lb. ones.
For lunch yesterday I had 2 slices of sprouted grain toast with mustard and turkey. I also had peach greek yogurt. For dinner wild rice with raw red maui onions and low fat cottage cheese with sunburst tomatoes and a few pieces of Tuscan flat bread.
I have never been a emotional eater, but late last night I was. I have felt extremely frustrated due to the fact that my knees are hindering my ability to walk as far and as often as I want to. I ate one protein bar, which would not have been bad in its self...if it would not have been for the four chocolate chip cookies that followed. It is what it is and today is another day. This morning again I forgot to eat a banana before I left and so when I came home from my walk I ate one, followed by a bowl of steel cut oats with just a bit of non fat milk and a hour later I ate
20 almonds.
For lunch yesterday I had 2 slices of sprouted grain toast with mustard and turkey. I also had peach greek yogurt. For dinner wild rice with raw red maui onions and low fat cottage cheese with sunburst tomatoes and a few pieces of Tuscan flat bread.
I have never been a emotional eater, but late last night I was. I have felt extremely frustrated due to the fact that my knees are hindering my ability to walk as far and as often as I want to. I ate one protein bar, which would not have been bad in its self...if it would not have been for the four chocolate chip cookies that followed. It is what it is and today is another day. This morning again I forgot to eat a banana before I left and so when I came home from my walk I ate one, followed by a bowl of steel cut oats with just a bit of non fat milk and a hour later I ate
20 almonds.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Keeping my fingers crossed
Nope...I didn't walk today. Knee joints very stiff and sore. I am sure this is what arthritis feels like. Hard to bend the knees. I ordered some runners double layered socks, like my friend suggested and they arrived yesterday. Today I picked up at my moms a pain relief spray that has in it... eucalyptus leaf oil, wintergreen leaf oil, peppermint oil and coconut oil. Sprayed it on and immediate relief to where I can bend my joints easily. It sprays on cool and then warms up quite a bit. The plan is tomorrow, I spray my knees as soon as I wake up and cross my fingers that my joints will cooperate...so that I can get at least 3 1/2 miles in.
Yesterday I had turkey breast meat and a protein bar for a snack, 2 slices sprouted grain toast with peanut butter for lunch and for dinner wild rice with raw red onions, tilapia and a year of corn with a pat of butter. Later last nite I had two chocolate chip cookies...but I am okay with that. Breakfast this morning was a banana and Cheerios.
Yesterday I had turkey breast meat and a protein bar for a snack, 2 slices sprouted grain toast with peanut butter for lunch and for dinner wild rice with raw red onions, tilapia and a year of corn with a pat of butter. Later last nite I had two chocolate chip cookies...but I am okay with that. Breakfast this morning was a banana and Cheerios.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Frustrating and disappointing walking day
When I awoke at 4:15 a.m. to go to the bathroom, my knees were stiff and painful. There was no way I would be able to walk today. So I took 800 mg. Motrin, hoping that would help. I got out of bed maybe 15 minutes later and there was quite a improvement, to where I could move around quite easy, so I decided to walk. I was full of frustration as I wanted to walk so bad but my knees were so sore as I started to walk. I had to stop in the middle of my walk to loosen my shoe laces on my left foot. The gel insole I put in the night before seems to be hindering me more, than comfort for my feet. I walked around 2 miles, knees sore and decided that if I want to walk tomorrow I better not push it. When I got home I took a nap and when I awoke I was so stiff once again, that it was hard to bend my knees.
Yesterday I had a greek yogurt for a snack. For lunch I had two slices of toasted sprouted grain bread with mustard, turkey breast, avocado and alfalfa sprouts. For dinner 1/2 english cucumber, wild rice with raw red onions and tilapia. This morning before my walk I totally forgot to eat a piece of fruit so I had the banana, Cheerios and non fat milk when I got home.
Yesterday I had a greek yogurt for a snack. For lunch I had two slices of toasted sprouted grain bread with mustard, turkey breast, avocado and alfalfa sprouts. For dinner 1/2 english cucumber, wild rice with raw red onions and tilapia. This morning before my walk I totally forgot to eat a piece of fruit so I had the banana, Cheerios and non fat milk when I got home.
Monday, June 20, 2011
What a difference a day makes
Awoke at 4:30 a.m. and was able to move with much better ease than the day before. I was loaned a scale yesterday and with much anticipation, weighed myself. I have lost 5 lbs. down to 230 lbs. As I started to walk I found that my knees were not cooperating, as they were so very sore on the sides. I never really picked up the pace today; but was just so very grateful to walk once again. As I got to the 3 1/2 mile point, which happens to be at one of the entrances to my apt. complex, I decided to end the walk. As much as I wanted to walk the 5 miles, I was even more determined to walk tomorrow. Skipping another day of walking because I cant move, is something I want to avoid if at all possible.
Yesterday I had 2 slices of sprouted grain toast with peanut butter for lunch. For a snack I had 1/2 of a Balance bar and a peach greek yogurt. Dinner was 1/2 of a english cucumber, tilapia and wild rice with a bit of red onions. Later that evening I was hungry so I had a bowl of Cheerios and non fat milk. I notice I get hungry more on the days I don't run. This morning before I walked I had a banana and when I came back from walking, I had a bowl of Cheerios and non fat milk.
Yesterday I had 2 slices of sprouted grain toast with peanut butter for lunch. For a snack I had 1/2 of a Balance bar and a peach greek yogurt. Dinner was 1/2 of a english cucumber, tilapia and wild rice with a bit of red onions. Later that evening I was hungry so I had a bowl of Cheerios and non fat milk. I notice I get hungry more on the days I don't run. This morning before I walked I had a banana and when I came back from walking, I had a bowl of Cheerios and non fat milk.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Disappointing walk day
Yesterday...all day my lower legs were incredibly sore all day, which made it difficult to walk around after my walk. When I got up this morning, my legs were less sore than yesterday, but still sore enough to restrict my movement. Regardless I got dressed and out the door I went; only to realize I needed to listen to my body again, as it was not cooperating with me. I went back to the front door, changed my mind and thought I would just walk it...but slow today. Nevertheless I would still be walking. Went a few steps and decided to listen to what my body was telling me. I came inside and did my morning weight training on my arms.
For dinner last night I had wild rice, a chicken breast and 1/4 of a english cucumber. Shannan and I made chocolate chip cookies last night. I was going to have one. Ate a half of one and put the rest down. That was all that was needed. Breakfast this morning was a banana and a bowl or organic Cheerios.
For dinner last night I had wild rice, a chicken breast and 1/4 of a english cucumber. Shannan and I made chocolate chip cookies last night. I was going to have one. Ate a half of one and put the rest down. That was all that was needed. Breakfast this morning was a banana and a bowl or organic Cheerios.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Week 2
Yesterday I had decided not to walk as my right foot was still so sore from of the blisters on it. I know that was the right decision as my foot today felt 100% better. Today I had planned on just walking 3 1/2 miles instead of 5 miles, so that I would not over due it. I wrapped my right foot to cushion it a bit more and prevent anymore irritation. I wish I had known before I bought these shoes that you buy them 1/2 size bigger, as your foot swells when you run or walk distance.
I seem to always start off a little slow as my body is stiff first thing in the morning. It does get better after I get going. I know I need to warm up before I walk, but first I need to research on what exercises I need to do for warming up. I had no problems with my left foot today. The right foot was good for the first 2 miles, the I started to have pain in my little toe for a bit. Then it was fine. I think the gauze I wrapped it in just moved, but it soon moved back.
I find I am having a problem with the will power to not push myself. I planned to only walk the 3 1/2 miles but it was a rather good walking day so I went for the 5 miles and completed it. It has been quite a bit discouraging to not see a any results as of yet. I am 54 and I am well aware of the fact that it is a lot harder to lose weight as you get older. I think this discouragement is the reason I am pushing myself so hard. Today all this hard work finally started to pay off...I have 1 less inch on my waist. Tomorrow my sister is loaning me her scale.
I had 3/4 of a orange before I walked. I am out of milk so after I finished walking, I had 2 pieces of sprouted grain toast with peanut butter and the rest of the orange. For lunch I just had 2 pieces of sprouted grain toast (open faced) with a little mustard, 1/4 of a avocado, 1/2 chicken breast and alfalfa sprouts on each slice. Dinner I am thinking maybe wild rice, some cucumber and a greek yogurt. Though this may change.
I seem to always start off a little slow as my body is stiff first thing in the morning. It does get better after I get going. I know I need to warm up before I walk, but first I need to research on what exercises I need to do for warming up. I had no problems with my left foot today. The right foot was good for the first 2 miles, the I started to have pain in my little toe for a bit. Then it was fine. I think the gauze I wrapped it in just moved, but it soon moved back.
I find I am having a problem with the will power to not push myself. I planned to only walk the 3 1/2 miles but it was a rather good walking day so I went for the 5 miles and completed it. It has been quite a bit discouraging to not see a any results as of yet. I am 54 and I am well aware of the fact that it is a lot harder to lose weight as you get older. I think this discouragement is the reason I am pushing myself so hard. Today all this hard work finally started to pay off...I have 1 less inch on my waist. Tomorrow my sister is loaning me her scale.
I had 3/4 of a orange before I walked. I am out of milk so after I finished walking, I had 2 pieces of sprouted grain toast with peanut butter and the rest of the orange. For lunch I just had 2 pieces of sprouted grain toast (open faced) with a little mustard, 1/4 of a avocado, 1/2 chicken breast and alfalfa sprouts on each slice. Dinner I am thinking maybe wild rice, some cucumber and a greek yogurt. Though this may change.
What was born from of two photos
As I got older I became very comfortable in my own skin...excess weight and all. I was self accepting...as it was what it was and I was okay with that. I was neither a binge eater or a emotional eater nor did I eat a excessive amount of food. I just ate very unhealthy. As far as exercising, that was as non-existent as my healthy eating habits were.
In early May I had to renew my drivers license. This time I needed to go down the DMV office and take a new picture. The picture on my current license was around 12 years old. The new CA drivers licenses have very close up pictures compared to the old ones. When the license arrived in the mail, I was mortified at the picture on it. I did not recognize the me I saw...for I saw a woman at least 10 years older than myself.
Fast forward to a couple weeks later. My daughters college graduation. Pictures were taken and once again I saw a woman I did not want to see. I did not look 10 years older in these pictures but I looked much heavier than what I perceived myself to be. I am over weight at 235 lbs....there is no denial there. Once again I saw a woman who looked 30 pounds heavier than what I saw, yet everyone else in the pictures looked exactly how they looked.
The drivers license and graduation pictures brought such a state of frantic uncomfortableness, with my physical appearance; and at the same time it also brought with it such a powerful ah ha moment...drastic lifestyle changes needed to happen immediately. I was at that point, that I was willing to do whatever it took.
I made immediate, powerful life changing choices. Firstly I over hauled my diet. Not a specific diet, but what I choose to nourish my body with. A mainly organic whole foods diet that is void of processed foods, GMO, HFCS, antibiotic and hormone free. I joined a CSA (community supported agriculture). Locally and organically grown produce. I started listening to what my body was telling me. When I am hungry I eat and when I am full I stop eating. Will power is no longer a struggle. I never think about what I can't eat. I am now thinking about the plethora of healthy possibilities.
Next I bought a pair of walking shoes. I was no longer complacent. The first three times I walked every other day...that turned into walking everyday. I wake up at 5 a.m. and I am out the door 15 minutes later. Some days I wake up earlier with out the alarm and I just get going. It has been two weeks since I started walking, over one week of walking every day. Each time I walked, I walked a little bit longer than the day before. I am now walking 5 miles a day in around 1 1/2 hours. A week after I started walking, I added weight training for my arms with 3 lb. weights, every other day.
I am embracing this journey and the plethora of possibilities...of what more can I accomplish. This will be a journal for tracking this process...for I am forever, a work in progress
In early May I had to renew my drivers license. This time I needed to go down the DMV office and take a new picture. The picture on my current license was around 12 years old. The new CA drivers licenses have very close up pictures compared to the old ones. When the license arrived in the mail, I was mortified at the picture on it. I did not recognize the me I saw...for I saw a woman at least 10 years older than myself.
Fast forward to a couple weeks later. My daughters college graduation. Pictures were taken and once again I saw a woman I did not want to see. I did not look 10 years older in these pictures but I looked much heavier than what I perceived myself to be. I am over weight at 235 lbs....there is no denial there. Once again I saw a woman who looked 30 pounds heavier than what I saw, yet everyone else in the pictures looked exactly how they looked.
The drivers license and graduation pictures brought such a state of frantic uncomfortableness, with my physical appearance; and at the same time it also brought with it such a powerful ah ha moment...drastic lifestyle changes needed to happen immediately. I was at that point, that I was willing to do whatever it took.
I made immediate, powerful life changing choices. Firstly I over hauled my diet. Not a specific diet, but what I choose to nourish my body with. A mainly organic whole foods diet that is void of processed foods, GMO, HFCS, antibiotic and hormone free. I joined a CSA (community supported agriculture). Locally and organically grown produce. I started listening to what my body was telling me. When I am hungry I eat and when I am full I stop eating. Will power is no longer a struggle. I never think about what I can't eat. I am now thinking about the plethora of healthy possibilities.
Next I bought a pair of walking shoes. I was no longer complacent. The first three times I walked every other day...that turned into walking everyday. I wake up at 5 a.m. and I am out the door 15 minutes later. Some days I wake up earlier with out the alarm and I just get going. It has been two weeks since I started walking, over one week of walking every day. Each time I walked, I walked a little bit longer than the day before. I am now walking 5 miles a day in around 1 1/2 hours. A week after I started walking, I added weight training for my arms with 3 lb. weights, every other day.
I am embracing this journey and the plethora of possibilities...of what more can I accomplish. This will be a journal for tracking this process...for I am forever, a work in progress
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