#fatnomore

This is a snapshot of where I am now. Not a literal snapshot as I’m hoping you can imagine without the visual (to reiterate, 5’6’ ~190lbs). A figurative snapshot if you will.

Diet (as most people seem to agree makes about 90% of weightloss):

Really working to clean it up. Keeping it simple cause I’m busy. Real food, smaller portions, no mindless snacking. Listening to body cues. Cut the junk.

Breakfast- smoothie (frozen half banana, lactose-free milk, cold coffee, a tsp. of nut and seed butter and a handful of chia, flax and hemp seeds. A dash of honey). So good.

Lunch- raw veggies, lean chicken or turkey breast, some crackers or Melba toast, hummus. Few apple slices. Or might have previous day dinner leftovers.

Dinner - will vary- focus on veggies and lean protein. Quinoa, spinach, roasted or steamed veggies, lean meat. Or soup. Love making soup.

GENERAL GOAL- DRINK MORE WATER (other than the current none... I know, I know)

*the key- it has to be simple. Costco is our store (4 kids remember). So many great options there- pre-roasted packs of chicken or turkey breasts. Giant bags of frozen veggies and fruit. Same for quinoa and the “health seeds”. If it’s simple, it is more likely to work!

Exercise:

Experts seem to agree that for weightloss alone, diet is by far the most important factor. But there are so many benefits to exercise - toning muscles, increasing stamina, improving energy and lifting mood.

Now for disclaimer- I was NEVER into exercise. Somehow as a child I got the sense that I was clumsy or somehow physically inadequate and that sports are for other people. Side note- don’t do this to your children.

As I got older and more educated (it came gradually), my work became more and more stationary. When the kids were small and required more hands-on care that kept me more active. And I didn’t used to drive until a few years ago so that also forced me to walk more. Bit by bit I’ve found myself sitting for most of my day. And finally I started feeling very weak and sluggish. Simple tasks like going up stairs leave me winded. Cleaning (which I used to love- don’t judge) makes me exhausted. And the pain- pain everywhere.

My body began to crave movement. I think it was a final warning until it gave up for good and settled into final lethargy. I started coming up with ways to incorporate some of the movement my body seemed to need into my day. We already do a lot of walking and hiking (big campers in the summer too). I want more stamina. I was embarrassed how out of breath I got on the last 6k walk I hiked with my family.

Last month I signed up for an adult swimming class (it’s actually today). It’s for people who know how to basically swim but want to improve their stroke and endurance - so me.

I added a body weight routine (squats, planks etc) following a website plan every other day. It’s great. I’m now in satisfying pain all the time.

Just today I thought- hey I work in schools, which are basically big square tracks with two floors. Made myself a lunch time routine of walking bottom floor all around, then stairs up, then second floor then stairs down. Will work myself to doing it twice (and more?) as times goes on.

In January I’m signed up for a Pilates class and will do skating lessons and continue the swimming. If it sounds like a lot for an unfit person- keep in mind they’re all beginner level classes (swimming is intermediate level). It’s where I need to be right now.