The long and winding road to fitness, day 29

Image by jbcurio via Flickr

Well, I have mixed feelings about my vacation being over.  On the one hand, I really enjoy my time away from work.  I enjoy being able to sit at the computer in my pj’s, sleep in, and do what I want.  On the other hand, I know I eat better when I’m following a routine, when I take the time to plan my meals and prepare my food ahead of time.  I tend to do that more when I know I have to go to work.  So it’s back to my daily work routine in the morning.  I’ve already prepared my lunch and snacks to take to work, I’ve planned what I’ll have for breakfast and dinner, and I know what exercise I’ll do.  This is something I need to do even on the days I don’t have to work…it simply works better for me.  I’m not sure what my objection to doing this daily is…

While I was off work most of last week, I was able to accomplish a lot of important things that I’d been putting off (eye doctor, health assessment, BMV), but I didn’t eat as well as I should have.  I actually ended up gaining two pounds while I was off work.  I think part of that has to do with how active my job is.  I know I haven’t been anywhere near as active even though I did exercise daily.  And, of course, part of it was my eating.  I know I ate more at home than I eat at work.  So…back to the daily routine in the morning.  I’m going to do my best to drop these two pounds this week. 

I just started taking part in an online weight loss plan through my insurance company.  I mean, I JUST started it, like an hour ago.  I’m committed to taking part in this every day, doing my best to follow the guidelines, learning all I can about how to better manage my stress levels and control mindless eating.  I’ll keep you all updated as I go forward.  I think I can, I think I can…no, I know I can!!

Have you ever taken part in any kind of weight loss programs?  Weight Watchers? Support groups?  Something with a dietitian or through your doctor?  How did it work for you?

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Kai and kale at the farmers market

I didn’t set out to buy kale at the farmers market Saturday, but as I was perusing the assortment of veggies, someone stopped close to me.  When I looked up (I always have to look up unless the person is maybe five years old), I saw it was Kai, a co-worker from days gone by.  Kai had just finished her boot camp and sauntered on over to the farmers market in search of kale.  She said she’d been eating a lot of kale chips and needed to replenish her supply.  We talked for a few minutes, then went our separate ways.  But the kale stuck in my mind.  So I,too, decided to search for kale.  Once I started looking for it, it was everywhere, it seemed.  I finally decided on a nice curly kale, made my purchase and continued on my way.

In case you don’t know, that’s the kale on the right side of the picture.

My attempt at artistry…an heirloom tomato nestled up to a soft cloud of kale and  crispy green beans.

That nice fluffy mound of fresh kale bakes up into this crunchy bunch of kale chips.  Way better for you (and more importantly, for me, since I’m going to be the one eating them) than any kind of chips you can buy at the store.

Thanks, Kai, for reminding me how much I like these…and it was great running into you Saturday morning!!  Those boot camps are doing what they’re designed to do…you look fab!!

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