Progress Report

Well, I've come to the end of my journey to lose weight.  Sadly, enough I didn't meet my goal of losing weight.  However, I do have some insight into how much it takes to make a lifestyle change.   It is difficult to muster up the motivation and maintain that motivation on a day to day basis.   

I'm still taking Alli and I've lost a few pounds so far, but the one thing I've noticed was the amount of organization and planning you have to do in order to eat healthy and exercise.  It isn't always easy to keep life out of the way, especially when you are always on the move. 

I've learned two things from this exercise:

1.  If you fall off the wagon and have that cupcake, it's not the end of the world.

2. Change is a process that is ongoing.  You can't ever say you've changed.

That's all for now.  I hope to keep this blog up just for my own encouragement.  

My partner in weight loss

My Alli.  Yep, I've decided to give Alli a chance.  I read about it online while watching Lost.  I called and talked to a representative about it.  She was extremely helpful and suggested I talk to my doctor. 

I went to speak to my doc and she thought it might be a good idea.  Particularly, to teach me how to cook and enjoy foods with low fat content.  She gave me a free starter kit (20 day supply) so I'm giving it a try. 

It has some nasty side effects if you eat more than your fat allowance per meal.  I won't get into the details but they are pretty gross.  I logged into the website this morning and it is the most comprehensive website I've ever seen.  

They have meal plans, shopping lists, other resources.  It is a lot like WW, but I think the pills will help to keep me from overeating and indulging.   The meal plans help with suggestions and methods of cooking without butter (hmmmm) and other fatty items.  I find that is where I have trouble is keeping the portions and fatty foods out of my diet.  

 I'm excited to try this so maybe this will be the last time I lose weight.

Back to work

Today will be first day working out at the gym in weeks.  Eek!  I'm scared.  I will be tackling the elliptical machine along with butt and legs.  

My physical therapist is slowly adding activity to see where to make modifications in my exercise routine.  We have an appointment on Friday which I'm looking forward to seeing how I respond to today's workout.

I just bought 2 new iTunes songs so the workout mix is complete!

Until next time...

Sick

That's all there is to say ;(

Physical Therapy

So I've got the go ahead to get back to exercising.  But I can't do treadmill work so I'm going to say good bye (for now) to Barry's Bootcamp. 

The pain is better so I'm going to give my all to keep a regular workout schedule using some of the classes at LA Fitness.  I'm not sure if I will be able to hit my goal of 13 pounds, but I'm sure going to try. 

I'm trying to see if I can afford to hire a personal trainer.  I'm not familiar with the machines in the gym and I think it is time I start to get familiar so that I can workout on my own without a trainer.

If any of you know anyone, please let me know.  

Until next time...

On the Road to Recovery

My visit to the doctor was a great idea.  I'm glad I went.  He's got me on a good dose of anti-inflammatory and the most wonderful medical miracle:  muscle relaxers :)

The first couple of days were difficult.  The pain was intense and unrelenting, but by Sunday I was feeling much better.   I've had to stop taking the muscle relaxers because I need to study for exams, but as of Thursday I'll be feelin' no pain.

The doctor says I should continue to workout, so I'll be taking a yoga class this weekend to start.  I start physical therapy next Thursday so I'll get a little more information on what exercises I should focus on for strengthening my back.

I'm glad I went to the doctor.  Until Sunday I thought I would just be in pain.  I was sure that was simply how it was going to be.  I know now I can be healthy, strong and pain free.

Until next time...

PS  Very afraid for tomorrow's exam...very afraid.

Oh my neck and my back....

My valiant effort to lose weight has resulted in some seriously sore muscles.  My back has been VERY sore the past few weeks.  I've decided to give myself a little bit of a break.  One week off...

My sore back is the result of an injury when I was but a wee lass of 11 years old.  It hasn't been right since that nasty fall on the rainy steps.  So I've decided to go visit the doctor and the acupuncture doctor.   We'll see what these two experts have to say about the pain and soreness. 

I can see very easily how injuries that don't heal can keep you from exercising.  The pain I'm experiencing is about an 7/8 on a scale of 1-10, so if you aren't able to have access to care (quality) I can see how you can gain weight.  The vicious cycle is evident.  You get hurt, you gain weight, you try to workout, but it is too painful.  So you stop, then you gain more weight and then you eat more cause you're upset that you've gained more weight.  And so on and so forth...

Well, I'm committed to healing and strengthening my body so that I can be free to move pain free.  Even the thought sends endorphins through my body :

BTW, totally off the subject:  What's up with the Bachelor?!  WTF?!?!?!

Until next time...