So, I am a 57-year-old pear-shaped woman with asthma and allergies and now knee problems. I have to get healthy or I will end up in a nursing home chair watching the world go by. I am too young for that. I love to travel (backpacking and camping), read, play Guitar Hero, surf the web, play with my cats, laugh, and enjoy friends and family. To continue to do these things I enjoy, health has become my priority. Focusing on health means I have to cook and not snack. Too bad I really don’t like to cook. I can cook; I am just not a willing cook. Thank the gods that I have a husband who is willing to clean up my giant kitchen messes and take turns cooking with me.
This my blog about my journey to health–a blog and journey that I started on in 2007 and didn’t get very far, but knee issues and gout have finally pushed me over the edge to cooking healthy foods and learning to deal with my food addiction. I love to “graze” in the evenings–a very, very bad habit and one that is going to be extraordinarily difficult to break. I am focusing on 20 pounds at a time, but that means about 5x the 20.
This blog is definitely a great way to keep motivated! I have asthma too and I find it really difficult to get myself to go to the gym and exercise regularly. My dad has type 2 diabetes and I know that I need to take care of myself. I really admire your dedication! I take BreatheFree Multivitamin for my asthma now and so far I’ve been able to get to the gym and exercise w/o feeling winded – when I’m motivated to go, that is. It’s definitely a new, but wonderful experience for me.
I don’t know how bad your asthma is, but it’s helped me a lot and I thought I’d share since we have that in common.
Anyway, I was hoping you could give me some tips. When you’re feeling unmotivated, how do you keep yourself going?
Thanks!
moonjellii,
Thanks for the BreathFree tip. I will give it a try. I wish I had tips for staying motivated. I have a range of things I do. I have posted less-than-pleasing photos of myself on the refrigerator door. I have an exercise buddy this time, so that has helped but she is having surgery next week, so I am a little worried about keeping going. I really enjoy the Wii (especially RockBand) and even though RockBand burns fewer calories at least I am not on the couch thinking about what I want to eat.
Stress is my enemy and I am headed for a stressful week. I plan on drinking lots and lots of tea. My new favorite drink is POM juice (2 ounces) mixed with about 6-8 ounces of key lime sparkling water (Sam’s Choice from Walmart). Only 38 calories and tastes sinful to me. I love it. Hot tea is also my friend. Takes awhile to drink (with skim milk and two truvia packets) which is also good.
I’ve lost over 100+ pounds since March 1, 2007 (last year) I have 150 to go!! And, I’m gonna do it. It’s a major lifestyle change. Even going for a walk, it’s a change.
Good Luck.
fatboyslimmed
Hey,
You can do this. I have not had great success with diets either. I seem to only succeed when I do both diet + exercise. When I do only one, I seem to just maintain or even gain.
I know I was never very successful with exercise till I found something I enjoyed. I think that is the key. Find something you like, whether it’s basketball, biking, walking, roller skating, etc.
Good luck! Keep up the hard work! I think the blog is a great idea to help you stay motivated!
JG