Current Mood:  Dumbfounded

Current Goal: To loose the 4 lbs I gained and reach my goal of 145

Yes, I am dumbfounded as to why is so much easier to lose weight than it is to keep it off.  It is a constant struggle and I don’t think my eating habits have changed that much.  What has changed is my commitment to counting my calories and staying aware.  I have decided that what truly makes the difference is keeping a food diary and I have been very remiss in keeping mine.  One good thing is I have kept my exercise routine and my size 10 clothes still fit and don’t feel snug.  However, gaining a pound here and a pound there translates into creeping obesity and we all must avoid it!     I am anxious to see how well I do during the holiday because we have a house full of relatives coming up to GA to celebrate our Independence Day.  I will miss running the Peachtree this year, but with my foot problems that is not possible!  Those of you that do it, congratulations in advance.

Another thing I miss is the accountability.  Weighing once a month for Rachel was much more intimidating and rewarding than once a week at home.  Guess part of my incentive was the recognition for my efforts.  I promise to do better and keep on track.  I have even started aqua fit training and that certainly is refreshing during the hot weather.

Hope everyone is doing well…look forward to seeing everyone’s progress over the holiday.

Later….Anne

Current Struggle: Maintaining

Current Weight: 151

Current Mood: Bored

Current Goal: To stay the course and reach 145 lbs.

This past week I have been sick with bronchitis so I have not been able to exercise or keep my normal routine. I am a person who needs a routine. I haven’t been too interested in food so I guess that is a good thing. However, I have also stopped keeping a food diary and that I know (for me) is a bad thing. I like the accountability and the constant reminder of what I have accomplished. In my younger days, I kept an exercise calendar and each day I exercised I pasted a gold star (just like the ones we used to get in elementary school) on that day’s square. Go figure, it motivated me to see an entire month covered in gold stars. My philosophy is to do whatever keeps you on track or motivated. I recently read an article about how keeping a food dairy often makes the difference in a dieter’s failure or success. Those who kept a dairy doubled their weight loss. So as of today, I am starting my food journal once again! After all, it’s bathing suit time again.

Will catch up with you in May,

Anne

Current Struggle: Eating less chocolate and more veggies.
Current Weight: 152
Current Mood: Content but not satisfied

I guess it is still the same old challenges as before …I struggle because of my plantar fasciitis foot problem and going to the gym every day to use the stationary bike instead of being able to walk out my front door and exercise.  I miss the walking, flexibility and convenience.  However, I find I am doing more weights and taking yoga classes because I am already at the gym and that’s a positive.  This complicates traveling because I can’t pack the gym in my suitcase like I can my walking shoe, but most hotels do have fitness centers these days.

My weight vacillates between a 1 and 2 pound gain, which isn’t bad considering the holidays and Super Bowl.  I weigh each morning so I can keep on-track and watch my food intake.  I know if I could just eliminate the small chocolate rewards and eating out, I would have less of a challenge.  I am still committed to losing at least 5 more pounds and I feel certain with warmer weather and more exercise I will meet that goal.  I am pleased with the muscle mass and the increased tone in my legs and arms because of the weight training. Sekou would say it’s all about the core. As the age increase so does the loss of body tone.  If I had one piece of advice for the “newbies” I’d say listen to your trainer, do the weights and mind your nutritionist.  Doing weights is the thing that has given me the most impact for the effort and eating a more healthy diet has improved my overall well-being.

I spent 10 days in FL with my Mom and since I drove down I was able to take my trail bike. Each day I road at least 10 miles, but I really missed the weight training. I truly feel for my body type that has made the biggest difference. We tend to be fluffy in our family and not as toned. My Mom is 94 and what I notice most is her loss of muscle mass and the strain it puts on her ability to do normal activities…she never gives up, but she does struggle. She encourages me to be diligent in my pursuit of weight loss and healthy exercise. Besides Mike, she is my greatest cheerleader.

Later…

Anne