Off to the Zoo—And I Didn't Think about Eating

For the past couple of weeks, I've only posted on Mondays. It's not that I haven't been exercising and watching what I eat. It's just that when I sit down to write, I feel like I have nothing new to say. I worked out four days last week—much better than previous weeks. I lost two pounds—of the weight I put on from not exercising. I really do enjoy going to the gym—and I'm getting my motivation back. So that's good news.

I've also been trying to find things to do besides sit around trying to figure out what i can eat next. I took the girls to the zoo on Saturday and walked around for two-and-half hours. My legs were tired, but it wasn't bad. I also didn't think about eating while we were there. And that, my friends, was a big plus.

Someone emailed me this page. I looked it over quickly, and it looks like a legitimate site. I hope you find something you can use.

Well, it's Monday. And I have two meetings today. What a way to start a week.

I Don't Want to Waddle through Life

You probably thought I left town or something. I've been busy getting my house fixed up—oh, and babysitting. But I love having my girls around.

I've made up my mind to get back into my habits that got me this far. I've been back sliding for a while now, and I don't feel any better for it. I feel worse. I made it to the gym this morning. I've been eating better. The thought of returning to what I was has been too frightening. I could not face life if all I could do was waddle through it.

So I'm back on track. Yea.

Nothing to Say

When I woke up this morning, I couldn't believe it was Monday already. I had four days off. I used them to organize my house. I feel much better about living there now. I got some new furniture for the living room and a bed for the girls. Life is better, but I've still got a ways to go.

The girls stayed all weekend. And a good time was had by all. Ha, ha, ha.

I made it to the gym this morning. My eating binges have slowed.

Works sucks.

I think that about covers it. Sorry I haven't had much to say lately. I hope I have a lot to talk about soon, but I can't be sure.

You Can Get Fat on Anything

I'm still looking for that motivation that got me started. While I don't want to end up in a deep depression like I was before, I'm not sure how to really wake myself up. The pain in my knee and leg is making me want to baby myself. And it's not that that's a bad thing. I think I'm babying myself too much. Why? Because there are exercises I could be doing. But again today, I'm resting. I will be at the gym tomorrow.

My eating has slowed down a little. That's the real damage. Depression and emotional eating have been my downfall throughout my life. As I have said many times before, I use food the way an alcoholic uses alcohol. But at least I'm using healthy food, right? (That's sarcasm. Ri-i-i-ight.) Believe me, you can get fat on anything--whether it's white or wheat bread, too much is too much.

I have the next two days off from work. I'll be cleaning my house today. I'm getting some things done around here with the help of my brother. And I have to say, it has improved my mood. But there's still a long road ahead. Sometimes, just the thought of how much there is to do overwhelms me. But getting it done will not only lift my mood, it could help me lose weight because so much of it is physical labor.

Anyway, that' my day. If you have struggled through emotional eating and have found a way to deal with it, please give me advice. I need it.

Jumper's Knee Is the Culprit

I was thinking back to when I first started this journey. And i was trying to remember what the breaking point was for me. What made me decide that it time to lose weight? I was tired of being out of control. I was tired of not being able to get around like I wanted. But I feel that way now. And I'm not able to stay motivated. One reason, my leg injury. After some research, I think that it's something I've been in denial about. It's not my hamstring. It's not a muscle cramp. It's my knee. And the pain is now radiating down my leg as well as up my leg. It's on the outside right of my leg, but the back of my knee is where the real pain is. I have all of the symptoms of "jumper's knee." At least there's a name for it.

In younger people, jumper's knee is caused by, well, jumping. In older people, it can be related to osteoarthritis. Guess which one is likely the cause of mine? Really, it's probably a little—or maybe even a lot—of both.

What to do about it? Wrap it and take an anti-inflammatory—which I can't take because I have an ulcer. If it's really bad—surgery. I think I'll start by wrapping it and taking Tylenol.

So that's one thing that's gotten in my way. Another is a plateau that I hit last year. It was a real chain jerker. I started to feel like: What's the use? But now I've gained back 10 of the pounds that I lost. I think today is a new awakening. The shock when I got on the scale this morning was a real motivation booster. I cannot go back to what I was two years ago. It would be too painful.

So how do I start? Like I did two years ago—slowly. First I'll start with the diet. Then I'll walk more—which, believe it or not, is good for osteoarthritis. I'll keep up with the strength training. At the gym, I'll do either the glider elliptical, the rowing machine, or walk on the track. I want to be healthy—not model thin. So my goal is to be healthy.

Groggy and Spastic

I had my final of four personal training session today. The workout was good. It was something I think I could do on my own. Lots of rowing and then walking the track—followed by some strength training.

Over the weekend my hamstring muscle started acting up again. I wish it would just get better. It's a muscle spasm, for sure. I try to keep it stretched out, but it always comes back. Sooner or later.

The time change has left me tired—although once I get used to it, I like it much better.

Well, once again I don't have much to say.

Are there really any new ideas?

I made it to the gym today. I did aerobics and stretching for about an hour. I've got to remember to stretch in between periods of aerobics. My legs are feeling better, but they did get crampy while I was on the treadmill. I need some new music as well. Being back at the gym regularly is more natural for me. I feel at home there. I probably will continue with my gym after I finish the weight management program.

Geez. I wish I had more to say. It's hard to come up with some new idea about losing weight. Everything boils down to calories in/calories out. Sure, low carb diets seem to work a little better. But they cut the amount you're eating, too. I try to stay away from simple carbs—but I do eat lots of fruit and vegetables. I just don't know what else I can tell anyone about dieting that hasn't already been said.

I enjoy exercising. And I think that's the key to making it a habit. I wish I could afford more personal training sessions. I guess I'll have to come up with my own workout soon. I have several exercises to pick from now. During my personal training sessions, I have done a few exercises that I really like. I'll see what I come up with and write it down here.

Well, I have much to do this afternoon.

Time Change Next Week

Another personal training session this morning. Ugh. But, in reality, I wish I could afford a personal trainer three times a week. She works me harder than I would myself. I tend to take it easy on me. It'll be good to know some other exercises to do besides the ones I was doing. Maybe I can workout my own plan for a month or so, and then switch it up.

The time changes next week. That's gonna be hard for me. But I like Daylight Savings TIme better than standard time. I like having more time in the evening to do things. And since Caleb has dug up my background—it look like a family of gophers, including aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, moved in—I'll need lots of time to repair the damage he's done.

I wish I could retire—you know if I had enough money and everything.

Well, it's going to be a long day. So I better get moving.