Day 42: Feeling the Changes in my Body

Day #42
Pounds Lost: 17lbs
Goal: -50 lbs.

This week, I have really been able to feel my body change.  It is more than being able to fit into clothes that used to be too tight, although that is a really good feeling.  It is about having more energy, feeling more flexible and less pain in the joints and feet.  But the real weird thing is the desire to exercise!

Now we are talking about a real couch potato here.  Gloria and wanting to exercise are not two things that usually go together!  But it started with a desire to be a little more active and I added daily walks into my life.  Then one day, I picked up the exercise bands to do a little stretching.   Now that is a daily habit too.

A few days ago, I went down into the basement to pick up some old dusty weights.  I started adding some afternoon exercises using the arm weights and ankle weights.  Each day I seem to add a few more repetitions.   The more I do, the better I feel.

When I first made the decision to lose weight, I wanted to start going to the gym three times a week, too, but I made myself slow down and focus on one major change at a time.  I did not want to set myself up for failure in one area that would rollover to another area.  Also, I know that dropping your calorie intake and starting a new exercise program at the same time can actually slow your weight loss down because the body jumps into conservation mode and actually slows your metabolism.

But after over a month on the Capitol Hill Cookie Diet and the significant changes in my weight, I am ready to add exercise back into my life.   I leave tomorrow for an out of town trip that I am sure will bring it's own challenges, but upon my return I look forward to adding some gym time into my weekly routine.

Adding the exercise component not only helps keep the weight coming off, it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.  And I want to shape and tone as I lose weight for a better final result.    It is not easy to change lifetime habits but I am just working on it one day at a time.