174.4 From Desperation To Inspiration

As I was thinking about what to blog about today, two words popped up. The words are desperation and inspiration.

When I finally acknowledged the desperation I was feeling about my weight (about 250 pounds - EEEK!) two and a half years ago, I knew that I had to quit living in that most favored state of Denial, and move into a new place. That new place would provide tools for weight loss as well as be a place that would provide inspiration. And as you know, I am filled with gratitude for all the help that Jennifer Scott has given me in finding myself in this new, much happier, healthier place called Awareness.

Desperation for me meant without hope, being really stuck and not seeing a way out. From that low point, I reached out for help and became inspired and filled with hope.

Out of desperation came this blog, a lot of self discovery, and change, and my hope that for others this journey may prove to be a source of inspiration.

181.0 Getting The Hang Of It!

Now that was a great surprise this morning as I stepped on the scale. In fact, I got off, let it go back into its sleep mode, woke it up and stepped on it again to be sure.

Jennifer has been encouraging me for a while now to do interval training on the elliptical instead of staying around the same speed throughout the workout. I've been doing that lately and I think my metabolism is wondering what the heck is going on, but has sped up in response to the change! Now I go for 3 minutes at about 3.5 mph and then do 30 seconds as fast as I can move my legs, and then go back to the slower pace for 3 minutes, etc.. And the workout lasts for between a half hour and 45 minutes. It's funny, but as the end of the 3 minutes is approaching, I get excited to speed up. I think my body really likes the switching back and forth. Another shift in response? The old me would have dreaded the impending speed up and work involved.

We are heading to the Boston area for a couple of weeks to see our daughters, son-in-law, and friends so the posts will be intermittent. Not that I'm counting :), but I've lost 22 pounds since visiting there last November. And, 3 of those pounds have been lost in the last 8 days! Maybe I'm getting the hang of it:)!

183.2 On a Lighter Note...

A comment in yesterday's blog brought up the question about whether quitting smoking or losing weight and keeping it off is more difficult. Both are very difficult, but I think it's easier to quit smoking because, although you may think you need to smoke to live, you don't. However, you do need to eat to live and that means you are constantly faced with making decisions about food.

And now on a lighter note...I just bought a pair of size 12 jeans! Considering I was wearing a size 22 when I started on this weight loss process, I am thrilled. We are getting ready to spend a couple of weeks in the Northeast with family and these new jeans will keep me honest and help me continue to work toward reaching my goal (instead of reaching for a second helping)!

202.2 A New Elliptical Record For Losin' Susan

In the midst of all the preparations for Christmas today, I went over to our community center's workout room to do the elliptical. Another record was set by Losin' Susan ~ 8 minutes and 3 seconds! Pretty soon, I won't bother with the seconds but I am still aware of each and every second! Tomorrow I head to PT for my last visit for a while. My physical therapist is hard to impress, but I would like to be able to hit the 10 minute mark tomorrow, for me as much as for her.

Food issues are going pretty well since we have been here at home over the last several days. Tonight, Dover sole and Brussel sprouts and I am really looking forward to it. I will probably go out on a limb (remember that book by Shirley MacLaine?) and add a salad! But truth be told, I can't think of what I would rather have for dinner. So, Bon Appetit as Julia would say!