Proceeding...

Much to my amazement I am still dieting, and still, (slowly) losing weight. 35 pounds down at this point. I am following a low-carb sort of diet, mostly just avoiding flour and sugar, which limits my normal food choices a LOT. As we head into fall I am missing the comfort of creamy noodle cassaroles, bean soups and warm bread. On the other hand, I am very much enjoying food preperation and meals. I am much more thoughtful about what and when I eat, and it makes the process seem somehow richer.

I find that after 6 months of eating this way I am looking at "cheating" in a whole new light. Rather than feeling remorseful over eating a box of cookies or a pint of oh-so-delicious Ben and Jerry's, I now look back at my day and think: "Oh, I shouldn't have eaten quite so many raw almonds, and that apple was probably too rich in carbohydrates." An apple? I think I have sinned over an apple? My how I have changed!

My sister gave me a Brookstone pedometer. This little digital wonder is worn on a lanyard and is just terrific. I was honestly quite horrified to find how few steps I was taking. Between my animal care, my work and my frequent little lunch time walks I thought I was walking a good bit. Turns out I was averaging only 4,000-5,000 steps per day. One should be walking 10,000 steps per day, and 12,000 for weight loss. I have been wearing the pedometer for a week now and the last two days broke the 10,000 steps mark. This week I'll up that to the 12,000 and see where we go.


So... I am down 3 clothing sizes and have purchased some clothes that I LOVE and feel pretty in. I am increasing my exercise and feeling quite pleased with my progress. I am not stopping, I am proceeding. It is clear that this change was necessary and very fine.

The bluebird of happiness...

The bluebird of happiness swept past my bathroom scales this morning. It's been slow going but I am down somewhere between 12.5 and 13 lbs. I am more motivated than I have been in... well, a lot of years, and am feeling great. More energetic, very positive and upbeat. I have resisted some truly yummy things that I might not have been able to resist in the past and I am focusing on buying some fun new clothes and dumping clothes that I don't like. I'll have to, they will be too BIG soon!

Early bird...

I have walked almost every morning for the past week or so. My new routine; leap out of bed, take dogs outside to do thier thing. Give them all a treat and leave them snoozing by the woodstove while I walk. My hair is all wild and I am wearing clothes I would not so much love to be seen in public in, but off I go. I started this out by waking 7 1/2 miniutes, then turning around, so that I did a 15 miniute walk. After two days of that I started going one more light pole than I did the day before. This morning I told myself I didn't have to walk very far, because I am going to do strenuous yard work later in the day. But the air was so cold and crisp, and the brooks were singing so sweetly, and the birds were so enjoyable to see that I walked much further than I have been going. Happily.

AND... I have not had any sugar since Tuesday. Except the after dinner mint I popped into my mouth without thinking. Several moments later, while it was still dancing on my tounge I realized what I had done. I am turning into an avid lable reader... do you realize how hard it is to find bread or cereal that does not contain sugar? Yikes.


And I am writing down the following goal, because I read today, "Goals that are not written are still dreams." I want to lose 40 pounds by August. There. I wrote it.
Now I need to make it happen.

Time and spring and such...

In my normal "be fit" pattern, I have SLACKED off. My last post here was in January, and though I have incorporated a bit more physical activity into my life, and have backed off a wee bit on eating, I have not achieved any real measure of success.

This photo was taken yesterday. My face looks thinner, (my mare does, too!) This thinner face looking back at me, combined with the softer days as winter in New England loses its grip, has me flooded with enthusiasm.

I have walked 15 miniutes each morning for 5 days. Today I didn't want to stop at 15 miniutes ! I passed the bushes with the swelling buds, heard the babble of the brook that runs along the road, basked in birdsong. I wanted to keep walking. In just 5 days my breath is less ragged as I stride along, and it feels less like WORK. More pleasurable.

My goal is to be more fit for riding adventures this season. Isn't my fuzzy horse the cutest?

Making choices...

I am not thin yet. Darn. But I am proud of myself for gaining confidence each day in the fact that I can make healthy choices. Today I really wanted a greasy hamburger from the convenience store down the street. Instead I came home and had leftover chicken and rice curry that I made. It was delicious and satisfying. Except... when I was done I wanted something sweet. I scoured the cabinets, pondered whipping up a batch of cookies, then had an apple. It was terrific, and I am so happy with my choice. I feel I am making positive steps and I am confident that soon I will be able to buy new jeans in a smaller size. That will be sweet!

Baked goods...

It has been a week of baked good over loads and dieting lapses. Undetered, I am back on track and hope to report in with better news tomorrow. *deep sigh*

OK! I am down 5 lbs. My rings and my jeans are both feeling loose. This is a good start! (The husband is down 9 lbs. Shooting him is still on my mind.) I definitely need to increase the exercise. That is proving to be challenging with the cold and ice and such, but I am going to try to be more creative.

Meanwhile, I continue to feel quite motivated. GO me!