Journey to health

My latest and greatest journey has been on the road to better health.

I've never been miss fit, but the last three years, I have really done a number on my body. I remember specifically saying that I was not going to be one of those people that get into a relationship and gain a bunch of weight, but I successfully gained 40 pounds after I found myself in a relationship with Alex.

One of my best friends, Cassandra, and I decided that it's the joint income that makes you gain weight since even the girl who has lived off of Maggie Moo's and wears a size -3 (okay, slight over exaggeration on both accounts) has managed to gain some weight being with her now husband, Chris. So obviously...what else could it be? Glad we could solve that mystery for you.

Realistically, I did not take into account that nights out dancing with the girls, rocking out at local concerts, and my go-go-go life style would all come to a sudden halt and be replaced with cuddling on the couch, dinners out, and skipping a lot less meals.

Plan of action?

As of last November I began to get my eating habits under control. I joined Calorie Count and started to learn about things like....nutrition. calories. balanced meals. Things I was not taught growing up. What I did learn as a kid was to clear my plate - you take it - you eat it. I've been practicing not clearing my plate. If I take it - can't eat it - I save it for later. Unless Alex's mom is cooking...that's tough to pass up. I have not been dieting by any means...I hate the word "diet"...but I have been making some lifestyle changes and being smarter about what I put into my body. I am not going to refuse myself certain things, I am just eating less of those bad things less often, and when it is not a must-have craving, choosing the healthier option.

I mean, I literally started as simple as reducing how much diet coke I drink...then for the most part eliminating it. I might have had one or two in the last six months. I won't deny myself, but I don't *need* it either.

I have also drastically reduced how much I drink alcohol. I was drinking wine at home pretty regularly and my answer to a migraine was a shot of tequila. I had head aches every. single. day. Some of the migraines were debilitating and made me physically ill regardless of what ibuprofen, Excedrin migraine, or combination of pain killers I took. A glass of wine or shot of tequila did not solve the problem by any means, but it numbed me to the fact of my head was going to explode.

Instead, I have been getting a massage every two weeks. It started as maintenance and now is just preventative care. I honestly do not remember the last time I had a head ache let alone a migraine. I knew all the tension in my neck and shoulders caused a lot of my suffering, but I guess I didn't realize to that extent.

Now my alcohol intake is minimal and when I go out with friends, if I drink at all, I set a limit for myself. Not having to much means no hangover and no hangover means not only being more productive the next day, but also no gobbling up a bunch of heavy food to sit in my belly.

I started drinking a lot more water. I know most people hate water, but there's two things
1. It really does help.
2. That's a few more steps your taking everyday to get more water or use the bathroom.

You can calculate YOU, personally, should be drinking on a per day basis HERE

The results from these changes? -18ish pounds

I hadn't really incorporated exercise into the plan until the middle of June. I just did not have the time, interest, or energy. When I got home from work or school I just wanted to cuddle up to the adorable hunk on the couch and call it a night. Can you blame me?

My sister and I decided to sign up for a gym membership together. She used to go religiously with a friend at something crazy like 5:30 in the morning every day. She was looking really hot, but then got pregnant. Two kids later, she decided it's time to get back in the groove - minus 5:30 am.

Even the day that I agreed to go get the membership I was racking my brain as to how I could get out of it. What excuse I could use to not have a gym obligation. I'm always looking for an excuse or a "what if". I did it though. Paid my dues and signed the papers, then we immediately went into our first work out. Tell you what...it was fantastic! The time flew by and I wasn't bored to tears. I managed to incorporate family time with exercise so it didn't feel like a huge waist of time. I understand that the time is being invested in myself and my health, but to me, that alone was not a good enough use of time. I've been hitting the gym, with or without company 4-6 times a week for anywhere from a half hour to almost two hours. In the beginning I had a hard time going for more than a half hour when I went along, but a half hour is better than no time at all. Now I, miss I-HATE-EXERCISING, really enjoy going and sometimes stay up to two hours even when I'm alone.

Of course even with the added exercise, I, with no surprise, gained a few pounds going camping in Petosky a couple weekends ago between PMS indulging in Tom's Mom's Cookies and sleeping instead of hiking.

My goal for the summer was to do the Falling Water Trail to Concord and back. 20.82 miles. The plan was to start small and work my way up to the full length. I did not make a first attempt until this week. Prior to this trip, I kept making excuses be it the weather, free time, not having a bike rack, whatever. Well I got my bike out of storage, bought a bike rack, and had zero excuses left so finally I was off. I kept pushing myself to go further, stopped a couple times to stretch, and made it the entire way there and back. I averaged about 10 miles per hour, which isn't all that great, but hey....I did it. Now I can work on my time.

The results after adding exercise? -22.4 pounds all together

I feel fabulous. My moods are better. My self esteem is higher. I have more energy. It's been a great journey and I'm looking forward to shedding another 40 to be in the best shape I've ever been in. I wouldn't be where I'm at though if it weren't for my older sister, Wendy. I wouldn't have joined the gym, I'd still be putting off the trail, and I wouldn't be nearly as excited about getting in shape.

Thanks, Wendy.

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Part of trip: Journey to health

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