Progress

            It has been five weeks since John and I began dieting, and it is still going really well. I have lost ten pounds now, and I’m only five pounds shy of my goal. I’ve also been measuring myself every couple of weeks, and while I won’t share every intimate detail, I will say that I’ve lost an inch and a half in the waist and two inches in my hips. Some of my clothes are starting to look funny. And others, well, I’m actually a bit embarrassed that I was squeezing into them and going out in public. I’m sorry if I was an eyesore!

            How do I feel? Wonderful! This is the most consistent I’ve been with a diet and cardiovascular exercise in a long time. I’ve gone through phases where I’ve dieted and phases where I’ve done a lot of weight training, but I have definitely been lazy and left cardio out of the equation. It’s apparent to me from the results I’m getting now that it is necessary. It would still be much easier for me to run if I were being chased. Running isn’t something I enjoy very much, but I’m making myself do it. I am also going to a gym now, and in addition to doing weight training there, I’ve been using the arc trainer to break up the cardio monotony.

            If everything goes according to plan, I should reach my weight loss goal in a few more weeks. Then, I can start maintaining and continue to work on toning what’s left. I’m no longer scared that I won’t make it. I’m ready!

Tip:  I’ve been saving a few of my calories for an after dinner/TV time snack in the evenings, and I have discovered the best sweet treat. The other day, I plugged the recipe for Pioneer Woman’s Lemon Granitas into the calorie calculator, and one serving has only 54 calories! An added bonus to making your own treats is that you know exactly what you’re getting. This one is nothing but lemons, sugar, and water. Fabulous! It’s like eating frozen lemonade with a spoon.