Current Progress

I started API on March 21, 2011. I have been keeping a daily log since May 19, 2011. I find it useful to keep a record of my feelings, good days, and even not so good days. Keeping a daily food journal was helpful to me when I first began training. It brought into focus what I was doing right and what I needed to change. It wasn't easy or fun and there were times I wished to God I could have changed an entry or two but wouldn't dare do that. I only did the food journal for about two weeks, that was enough time to get a good idea of what I was doing. Keeping a daily food log really opened my eyes and made change much easier. I continue my daily log so I am able to track my progress. I look forward to looking back over my entries to see what I went through and what I felt.

I have cut out junk food and especially fast food. I do not eat bread, pasta, or rice at night. I allow myself only two cokes per day.  My trainer and Josh told me it was not necessary to cut out all soda just reduce my intake gradually. For every soda I leave off, I replace with a glass of ice water. I always have a coke when I first wake up. I admit to not being a fan of coffee. I don't know what it is, I cannot stand the stuff. Anyone who knows my dear mother knows that her coffee is strong enough to walk away on its own! I'm serious. My eating plan is not about what I have to give up but rather making adjustments here and there. The word "diet" is not in my vocabulary. I feel that two things are important when losing weight: eating good healthy food in moderation and finally exercise. By exercise, I am not talking about biking for twenty miles per day. If you are one of those lucky few I admire you. I can't do that just yet will I ever be able to? I'm not worried about it. My primary aim is to become fit and healthy. That does not mean I must be a size 7 and weigh some magical number I pull out from the sky. I am excited to see how far I can take myself. One of the most important and fun elements to my meal plan are two treat meals per week. It can be anything I want but I never go crazy and eat till I can pop. As I have progressed my treat meals have become less about eating fast food but taking the opportunity to eat mashed potatoes something I don't eat every day. I usually go see my mom for my treat meals. I love eating her good Southern cooking. We eat healthy but do have a dessert that's worth waiting for.  It works out well. It also gives me something to look forward to. I can have my treat meals any two days of the week too.  The purpose of the treat meals serve as a reward for being good the other days of the week. It helps psychologically too. It helped me not feel as if I had to make a million sacrifices just to lose weight.

Back to my exercise routine. When I first began I could only walk in increments of one minute maybe 3 or 4 times per session. I didn't realize even just a little bit could make a huge difference but it did. The point I'm trying to make is just get moving at what ever level is best for you. Now I can walk ten minutes without any problems. On Thursday, I walked while carrying a fifty pound keg of water. I was thrilled and it showed me what sticking with the program has done for me. Sam has told me repeatedly that anything in life worth having is worth working hard for. I agree wholeheartedly. I can understand that seeing progress can take time but I've learned to be patient with myself. I feel this last thought is a good one to leave on. Today has been a terrific day. I feel so blessed.