Weight Loss

Just over two years ago I worked really hard and lost 30lbs (give or take). I was feeling great, looking good and wearing smaller clothes. When we moved out here, my excercise routine kind of halted and the weight started coming back. When we decided to head to Jamaica in January 2008 I worked hard and lost 10lbs for that trip. In February/March I found out I was pregnant with our sweet boy Tyson and the pregnancy weight gain was started.

Once Tyson started having a regular nightime sleep pattern I decided it was time to start exercising again. Obviously I want to lose weight and feel better about myself when I look in the mirror. Secondary to that is living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I had high blood pressure during my pregnancy with Tyson and had to take medication to control it. I don't want to be -- of age and taking BP medication for the rest of my life.

So I got my parents treadmill and started running/walking. I did awesome for 3 weeks, going 6 days/week. Then my motivation starting fading. I wanted to run in the morning before all the kids woke up but Tysons waking schedule was far from predictable. By the time 9pm came and all the kids were sleeping, I just wanted to veg out. When the girls were gone I was committed to running during the day when Tyson napped or right when he went to bed (7-730pm). I made an internal deal that if I ran 2 days in a row the third day would be a rest day. That means I would be running 5 days a week.

When the girls got home I decided they are old enough to watch TV quietly while I do what I need to do on the treadmill. Thus far things have been going well and they let me be.

Long story short, I am down about 15 lbs. While I would like the weight loss to happen MUCH FASTER I think the slow and steady will help with maintaining in the long run. Somedays I have awful run where I end up walking more than I want. Then there are days where I have an awesome run and can really feel the change in my endurance. Regardless of the type of run, I always get off the treadmill feeling good. The good feeling I have after is what helps me get on when I am dragging my heals.

The next thing I want to add to my healthy lifestyle is Yoga. I want to do yoga before I am ready for bed to calm my body and mind.

I also have been watching my diet. Eating lots of fruit and veggies and trying to minimize (not eliminate) bad carbs. My favorite thing to eat these days is Greek Salad. I make a huge bowl and keep it in the fridge. If I feel like munching I take it out and add olive oil, red wine vinegar, olives and feta cheese and within 2 minutes I have a great snack with a lot of crunch.

I think more than anything I am trying to make myself a priority. Its easy to lose yourself when you are mother and wife above everything else. If I don't feel I am important I am going to give off the vibe that I am not. AND guess what...I am important!!

So...I gotta run ;-)