Down 4.4

This morning brought the total weight loss over the last two weeks to 4.4#.

It is pretty amazing how the body lets go, when you are doing it right. The body clings to stuff when it isn't getting the nutrients/calories it needs.

And there was an interesting report by Dr John Berardi, a nutritionist. He recently did a self-experiment on intermittent fasting. It is funny to hear people chatter about this.....

we all fast at night, generally for about 12 hours when we are sleeping, and then we break fast with the first meal of the day. And then you hear people who need to eat every 3 hours.... i always raise an eyebrow... b/c this is what the 'industry' wants people to believe is 'healthy'.... and i just think ok. I always wonder how someone can eat to satisfaction and then be hungry in three hours, what is wrong with their blood sugar levels. It sounds like addiction, not hunger. *True hunger, BTW, is experienced in the throat.* And then I wonder how much fruits and veggies they are eating, compared to the protein sources.... and what are the protein sources. *Yes, when I follow a controlled fast with fruits during the day, I am 'hungry' more frequently.... b/c it takes less to satisfy, and then it needs to be replenished. I have also found this to be true, when eating processed food-- can't get enough.... part of the way the food is made, creating addicts. And then when I eat lots of lean meats.... the protein takes longer to process but as it is digested, b/c of the lack of fiber content, creates an emptiness in the gut....

And all of this reminds us to eat balanced. I eat when I am hungry. And most of the time this is in the form of three meals a day..... sometimes less.

Most importantly: I am eating.

Lessons from Aries

Aries is my newly adopted cat.

There is one thing Aries does in the morning. He goes in the kitchen and drinks lots of water. I hear him lapping (he is a very loud drinker) up the water. And then he goes off for the day.

I hear him throughout the day drinking water.

What a great way to start the day!!

Drink water. Let your body wake.... and then, have your coffee (tea or other) because you enjoy it, not because you need it.

*I have noticed that I am drinking a great deal of coffee. Yes, I enjoy coffee. But there are times, that I could/should be drinking water, and I reach for a cup of coffee.

I need to heed the advice of Aries and drink more water in the morning.

Long Walk

This morning, I woke with the sun. After spending some time reading, I went for a long walk... bought the paper, and enjoyed the peaceful morning. I weighed in and I am down two pounds.... which I am pleased with, especially after the up four from last week. Sometimes, being female is a challenge. Grrrrr.....

The day is unfolding, and I am looking forward to another sunny day. I am planning to go to the beach. I am going to hike along the trail at Nasketucket Bay. Love that beach!!

Have a super day!!

Thanksgiving Weekend.

Because of different family stuff during the past month, my parents were unable to voyage to the south coast of MA to visit for Thanksgiving.

I had hoped to do a turkey trot in the morning.... and I woke when the race was expected to begin. I felt tired, achy, tired, and not wanting to do much of anything. I got up and went for a walk/run anyway, hoping it would help with my mood. It did a little.

I am spent.

The college semester is almost over. The commute back and forth is consuming lots of energy and trying to find work (substantial work) is less than amusing. I could write a book about the mentality and attitude of some, because I am doing the responsible thing and working, albeit in NJ until I find work here. I could write another book on all the people who give advice. I know it is well-meaning. I am grateful. But sometimes, I am just like... really?

And so, Thanksgiving found herself alone with Aries, Leo and me. The cats have been getting along better. I cannot believe it has only been a week since Aries came to join the tribe. He has definitely made his mark. He runs the roost, so to speak. Leo yields to him.

I enjoyed a peaceful walk/run. I went to the beach. It was great. The sun shining.

And then I returned home to enjoy a quiet day with a book, a movie and a NCIS marathon. It was great to do much of nothing. It was great to rest.

Yesterday, 'Black Friday'..... I left the house after 8am and returned with all my errands before noon. I am grateful for Black Friday because the stores were open earlier, and I did find a new robe. I haven't seen a flier (I don't buy the paper..... maybe I should start. Sunday's only). But I had to get stuff that I need to live. I wasn't Christmas shopping-- I was doing the mundane stuff I need to do to live.... and then I came home and cleaned. (Oh, I did buy a christmas tree. A norfolk pine. It is on my deck... and I trust someone will want to plant it after Christmas).

This morning.... I cooked the pork chops, I enjoyed a grapefruit and two hard-boiled eggs, and some quiet time on the deck. Aries joined Leo and myself this morning. Well, he is part of the family now. He needs to learn that the deck is the only outside.... or he will not go outside.

Today, off to storage and laundry--- i need to wash my linens and rugs. The sun is coming up... I can dry them outside!

there is a road race going down my street....

My training plans changes slightly this morning as I was running into a group of runners, running toward me. I still ran 40 minutes, at an easy pace, but I had to radically change my running route. It was like surprise.

And in that, I was reminded to be flexible.

Otherwise, I was over-dressed.... it was unseasonably warm. And the second layer was a bit much. Perhaps, I need to go outside before I run.

quote

If you want to become the best runner you can be start now. Don't spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it. -- Priscilla Welch, who won the NYC Marathon at age 42.

Weighing In....

Week one weigh in: I am down 3.7#. YAY!

Keep in mind, I am eating and I am eating to satisfaction. Someone questioned my fasting yesterday, and it is good to fast. It is not good to starve oneself. I am eating lots of foods, including fruits and veggies and meats and fish. I feel satisfied. And the fasting isn't a starvation session.... if I feel hungry because of training, I will eat. Please also keep in mind, that I do eat between the meals (posted in yesterday's note) if I am hungry. I will eat more fruit or veggies.... yesterday, I had carrots with hummus.... the difference is that I am not reaching for 'junk.' I am making the choices that will assist the achieving of my goals, not hinder them.

Last night, I was extra hungry. Who knows why? It was cold yesterday, I have been training hard, or something else. I had another serving of veggies. I felt satisfied.

So, I am off for my run. Today's goal... 3 miles.