Friends for Weight Loss

Have you heard about Friends for Weight Loss?  When I began researching the new Weight Watcher's program, I followed a link to a blog called Danica's Daily, which had a lot of recipes and inspiration regarding the new PointsPlus program.  Danica also started a new blog, Friends for Weight Loss.  It's so nice to have suggestions for recipes that use real food and allow me to cook healthy meals for the entire family.  *whispers* During my previous attempts at weight loss, I usually made something for me, and something else for the rest of the family...I know it sounds impractical, but it was easier than trying to do the calculations for portions, points, etc., as far I was concerned.

So, what's more exciting than find a free community of like-minded friends?  A giveaway!  Click here for more information.

As for me, I'm still feeling great.  I wasn't able to schedule a formal workout yesterday, but I did walk over 10,000 steps, which is my default "get the ol' body movin'" goal.  Today I completed week 5, day 2 of the C25k program and a 10 minute walk this morning.  I think my body is recovering before the full three minutes of walking, but I've just decided to follow the plan, although I am pleased to say I was able to jog a little longer than the final five minutes, so I did!  I'm happy to report that's an improvement over my 'run' two days ago (week 5, day 1).  As my Dad says, "the benefits of physical exercise are mind boggling."  Amen, Dad!

I feel good!

I'd started the couch to 5k program back in November, and I've certainly made good progress in my fitness, endurance and ability to even jog!  You see, I'm not much of a jogger.  I liked to play games - volleyball, racquetball, basketball...or go on hikes, ride bikes, work out on an elliptical machine (or at least I did when I had a gym membership), but I didn't enjoy jogging.  It's so much work, and it's hard on my body.  However, I'd never approached jogging in bite-sized chunks, despite experiencing my Dad's success utilizing a '30-second jog, 30-second walk' approach, bacj when I was in my early teens.  He went on to run a number of 10k races, and continues to jog even into his 70s.

I guess I'm a slow learner.  I think I just figured I was better off - in better shape, younger, etc., than my Dad was when he started running.  After all, he was a long haul truck driver who sat behind the wheel most of the day.

Ahhh, humble pie.  Now I'm in my mid-40s, a mother of four children, and while I'm always busy, I rarely make the time for exercise for me, unless it was in the wee hours of the morning. 

Back to couch to 5k!  I managed to improve my running, but the weight wasn't moving.  Of course, neither were my efforts to improve my nutrition.  Can you say chocolate?  Daily?  Multiple times each day??? 

So, I managed to eat conservatively and lose four or five pounds (from May - Dec.!).  Nothin' to write home about but better than gaining.  Well, with the new year, I decided it was time to be mindful of my choices.  After the birth of my third child, I lost weight with Weight Watchers - I bought the materials and did it on my own.  I tried to do the same thing after kiddo number four, but I never really got serious.  Until now...

Fast forward to January 6th, 2001. I went to a Weight Watcher's meeting and bought the materials.  They have a new program, and it's really, really good.  Fruit is now zero PointsPlus.  Free.  Since I'm not a big raw veggie eater (unless there's ranch or hummus), this is pivotal for me.  If I get hungry, I can grab a banana, clementines or grapes guilt-free.  If I need some protein, bananas w/ peanut butter is fave for me.  Or cheese.  Did I mention I love cheese?  Anyway, I made a careful, conscience, mindful decision to really work the program, and I lost five pounds in a week. Yep.  FIVE pounds.  Now, I'm on the tall side and my BMI is was 29.6, and I worked out four times last week, marched in place while folding laundry or cooking, did a yoga DVD, etc.  Basically I really tried to increase my activity level.  Nonetheless, I feel proud.  It feels weird to say that, but I'm going to embrace it.  I did the work.  I feel good, and I am proud.