So far...

Since January I have lost 25 pounds.

I have discovered muscles in places I didn't think muscles could be!!!

I exercise every day on my lunch break with my friend Cara who has an exercise science degree and trains me!

I joined Spark People today!

I am doing this!

We Begin Again

And so I begin again. A new day, a new time. I have been working out every day and committed to an eating program that seems to work for me.
So, look here for more updates and maybe even some photos soon. I am working really hard, have way more energy, and feel generally more positive about life.
So far so good.

Keeping on

Definitely noticing some changes in energy levels. All of a sudden I am listening to my body. Trying to figure out what it needs . What a concept, huh?
I feel so much better. It is really going to work out!

Some perks (and the fun sesame street version of the hit by Feist!)

So, my energy level is way up! I am down to two cups of coffee a day and I feel pumped up most of the time.
Crazy!
I also, feel better in general, more confident, inspired, courageous, etc.
I have plans for a lot of things I would like to get involved with, one is a free yoga class here in Winslow.
The other is roller derby. I hope to start going to practices this summer. I love roller skating, shuffle skating, the whole nine yards.
So I am stoked. Ready for the adventures of an active life.

One thing, from a book I read recently, was a rule change. First, I had to recognize I was already living with unspoken rules about food, and then had to change them to new ones.
i.e. : Old Rule- I eat whatever I want when I watch tv at night. In fact I eat the whole time, and keep eating until I go to bed. New Rule- I have a salad or some oatmeal while I watch tv at night, then I do some some crazy embroidery or just go to bed.
This has been a really helpful examination of the way I have been approaching food. Especially in mindless and emotional eating. I am a bit more edgy and irritable, because I am having to go through my emotions all the way. Which is never easy for me.
So anyway....keep on moving!

And so it goes...my big fat story...

So I got sick...it started on Friday, but I very stealthily denied it until Sunday after lunch when I felt sooooo sick. I loosened the eating reins, and wow, that will make you aware of a lot of things!
Food comforts me. It is available and seems when it is still on the shelf and in the fridge to be what I need, what will complete the moment. I never was overly heavy when I was growing up, but I also danced for hours in front of the sliding glass doors. I was on the drill team, or dancing, or hanging out with friends. But if I could find a way to "eat out" , I was stoked. For some reason, fast food, restaurant food, hell, even convenience store burritos called to me. Texture, MSG, sugar, baby....I wanted it. So imagine when I had a baby, and had just exited the Eden of a teenaged metabolism, and the weight gain began. I rebelled. I dug my heels in and ate whatever I wanted to. I convinced myself this was only temporary, I would regain my balance, I should be able to indulge and indulge and indulge.
Three more kids later, and I knew I was in trouble. I even craved healthy foods, but found temptation luring me again and again.
So here I am. Five pounds lighter. And freaking determined. Because I am ready. And it is time.
Because I want to look like the person I feel I AM!
So another week goes....

Days 4 and 5

Day four began with a walk, this time pushed through by the Cure. Day Five was what I call a "Weak Day" where I stayed in my calories, but ate crap so I wouldn't feel all denied, and so today I am doing a little renewing, on the day 6! I am planning on shaking my booty for a while later, since there is snow on the ground, although a crisp walk is starting to sound kinda fun.
I am keeping my eyes on the goal. It is exciting, but s-l-o-w. I think that is why most folks slow down on their weight loss dreams....it takes forever, and in the mean time there is cake! So I am tweaking my balances.
So today's song is my favorite Cure song. For inspiring the masses!

Day 3 (Belle and Sebastian Expectations)

Day 3 is off with a bang. Taking my walk at the Riverside Park in West Fork with the lovely Canadian geese in the river, the day is so gorgeous...it was a good walk. On my last lap, I was losing speed, and then on the Juno soundtrack came this amazing Belle and Sebastian song and I walked faster and felt reinvigorated. It is a very reliving the adolescence but overcoming song.
Also I am noticing my poor creaky body is so much more energetic. And I am more loving and taking more time for it. I think I was avoiding it. Trying to pretend it wasn't there.
Life.
So revelatory!

Anywho, so far so good. I am sticking with this. If not now, when, you know?
I have great support and great accountability! From my homeys.
It is getting better and better!