Going Down?

Yes, I am!

I weighed myself this morning and am now 306.5! That is 13.5 pounds LOST! WOOHOO!

So let's see the differences since the beginning:

I no longer have back pain due to standing too long- unless I really overdo it.

My clothing is getting loose- not only from the weight lost but also because of toning!

I'm much more toned. I can actually see my body shaping up, and I can now find 'skinny spots' all over me!

I have a lot more endurance. In fact for the first time, I actually rode my bike all the way home from the gym today!

I am not afraid to sweat. I used to be- I hate sweating! Not only because of the wetness, but because I don't like the idea that people think I smell. I don't smell! I'm amazed at how many thin people say fat people smell bad. I take showers just like they do- I just need more soap! ;)

I'm more aware of what I eat. Four and now sugar are on the list of 'avoid as much as possible', because I've done a lot of experimentation with my meals. Potatoes don't affect me, and rice does a little- but not nearly as bad as bread or pasta. When I avoid flour I feel much better and have a lot more energy. Same goes for the sugar- I won't use substitutes, but I also won't be eating it a lot either. It sucks out energy like a vacuum!

Fruits and veggies rule! I've found that if I just have lean meats and veggies (non-starchy ones) and have fruit on a regular basis, I feel much more energetic and yes, happier. And it tastes awesome too- no additives!

Sometimes you need to push yourself and/or step-up the program. I admit it- I'm lazy when it comes to many things. Exercise is one of them. Once I get into a comfortable routine, I hate messing with it! But when you're doing 30 reps like they're nothing, you need to do more reps or add weights- or both. I found that once a month is good time to do some upgrading- that way you're not straining your muscles by going too fast, but you're not getting bored either. Once your body is comfortable, add weights, more reps or add a new regime entirely.

I'm adding walking to my routine on my off days.

I can't get to the gym each day yet (at least on my bike), so I'll start using my laundry rack...er- I mean treadmill to start walking more. It has a varied routine already programmed into it, but I might just do some regular walking first to warm up first. I also have some DVDs called Walking off the Pounds, and I'll use those as well, just to shake things up a bit since I'll no longer be walking my daughter to school during the summer months!

The weight is coming off slower than expected, but that's okay- I would rather it came off slow and stayed off, than to lose it fast and have it back within a year!

As Aesop once said about the Tortoise and the Hare, slow and steady wins the race. Even if that race takes me two or three years!