Summer Heat

Lately with the temperatures rising I have found it harder to get out and exercise. The heat has been very draining.

Today we had our nutrition class (thanks Jessica...you do an awesome job and we all appreciate you). We learned about all the nutrients your body receives when eating certain foods and I found it pretty enlightening. I now look at food in a different way. My life doesn't revolve around eating anymore. It revolves around family, work & exercise.

Tonight after I finished my Zumba class my son wanted to go out to dinner. I try not to eat out because that has been my downfall in the past. I ended up going to Wendy's for a chicken salad (and I'm about to start clucking with all the chicken I have eaten lately). My son on the other hand, went to McDonalds for a 900 calorie 1/3 lb angus burger. I gave him the lecture that one day he will be older (not old) like me and he won't be able to eat like that and not become the good year blimp. Right now he is a little twig so I guess he can do that. As much as I wanted a cheeseburger and fries I am glad at my choice and feel more empowered every time I turn down a "bad option".

There have been so many bonuses to this challenge: I was able to buy some pants that were two sizes smaller, I sleep better, I feel stronger, I am able to cope with stress and life's challenges better, I have more energy, I don't feel like I'm not good enough anymore, I am able to go out and have fun again and I am overall happier. This is something I could really get used to!

Although I still have a long way to go in the battle of the bulge I have hope because I look at how far I have come in just 43 days. It is amazing to see the changes in everyone that is doing this challenge and it has been fun to get to know everyone.

Heidi, my trainer, has been awesome to work with. She really challenges me and is always so positive. I have promised her that I will run in Mike's Mad Dash in August. This will be a stretch for me but I know I can do it. I have to keep reminding myself that although I do not like to run yet...I WILL SOMEDAY.

Thanks to all my friends, family and co-workers for supporting me. This has not been easy, but well worth it.

Cholesterol & Memory

Interesting tidbit I just read from Woman's Day (August 4th) issue. Having high LDL not only makes you worry about heart attack and stroke but also more prone to memory problems, including Alzheimer's. The article says to aim to keep your LDL below 100.

I'm thinking my memory isn't that great so I must keep moving and eating right.

Fresh Air

Friday I went hiking at Brighton with my friend, Melanie. The hike was vicious and we hiked to two different lakes. I almost smiled as I was hiking because it made me think of the movie "What About Bob" where he is taking baby steps. The initial hills were torture and when I said I don't know if I can do this she would tell me to take 70 steps and then rest. Those 70 steps made my legs feel like the were on fire. Thanks Melanie for getting me up the hill!! As you can tell from the picture I was so excited that I actually did it.

The scenery was incredible and the weather couldn't have been better.

Afterwards we went and had a healthy lunch at Mimi's Cafe and had a good chat.

I felt so good that when I got home I worked in my yard for almost two hours. I am anxious to go on a few more hiking trips now that I know I can do it!

The next morning (around 2:30 a.m.) I got the stomach flu and it wasn't pretty. So Traci, what I want to know is....do I have to count that food on my food log? :-) I have been sick all weekend so chicken noodle soup, crackers and poweraide have been my friend. I guess in a way it was a blessing in disguise so I didn't have to worry about some of the food challenges I would have getting together with family.