
It’s been two and a half months since I began my healthy living and I am so pleased with my progress so far. I was in Florida at the end of April/beginning of May, so I did take a few weeks’ break from my no gluten, no sugar and no dairy lifestyle. But how can you go to the USA and not eat pancakes, fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits? Hmmm, buttermilk biscuits. Anyway, before I start daydreaming about unhealthy American food, let’s get back to healthy eating.
In the March update I revealed that I had lost seven pounds in the first 2 1/2 weeks. I lost another seven pounds for the April update, making it a total of one stone (14 pounds). This month has seen less of a weight loss. This has not come as a shock as I took time off from the diet to gorge on ribs, washed down by copious amounts of margaritas. I am actually surprised that I did not put on any weight in Florida. My weigh-in revealed a weight loss of four pounds, which I am happy about. I am now at a total of 18 pounds which is almost half of my goal of 42 pounds (3 stone).
Since last month’s update focused on healthy eating, I thought this month’s update would focus on exercise. While I firmly believe that what you eat is the most important part of losing weight, I think that exercise is a firm second. I have found a local yoga class. Though I have only attended a few times, I have enjoyed the hour of stretching and toning.
In March, I joined my local gym. I have previously tried doing exercise DVDs at home, but too often I would put it off. And since Dubz now attends pre-school three mornings a week, I couldn’t make the excuse that I did not have the time. And when I have had particularly busy weeks, I have been heading to the gym in the evenings and on the weekend. I began just using the stationary bike, followed by a few stretches and abdominal curls. After so many years of not exercising, I did not want to do too much and injure myself.
I now alternate between the treadmill and the elliptical trainer. I then do abdominal exercises before either using free weights on my arms or the machine leg weights. Even though I only workout for an hour twice a week, I feel like my body is more toned. I would obviously prefer to go to the gym three or four times a week, but I am busy and I cannot always prioritise exercise over blogging and chores.
It is now almost exactly three months until my 40th birthday. Hopefully I can lose these next 24 pounds and become fit in time for 40.