More Health Updates

In the two months of this new year, I have so far managed to lose more than 20 pounds. TWENTY POUNDS!!! How did that happen? I almost am not able to believe that it is for real. But, it is real. My pants are loose, I'm almost able to fit into some smaller ones that I haven't been able to get into for quite some time, and every time I get on the scale, it is a significantly smaller number than I have been used to seeing. It's a good feeling.

The switch to soy milk is going well. I've been using it, mixed with some skim milk, in my cereal and gradually using more of the soy and less of the traditional milk. It's not bad. And since I've been doing that, I haven't had any problems with my lactose intolerance. I still eat cheese some (lowfat), yogurt, and sugar-free puddings that are made with real milk. But since I've cut back on the amount of dairy I'm eating, it is made a big difference. I'm keeping some skim milk around to use when I cook, because I don't want a vanilla soy milk flavoring in my mashed potatoes!

I've managed to get the recommended amount of fiber on a regular basis now for several weeks without problems. So now, my next goal is to work more carbohydrates in, and to keep an eye on the sodium that I get. I've started tracking my sodium on SparkPeople.com and I'm finding that some days I am seriously higher than I should be, while other days I am in a good range. With carbs, typically I have too few, though occasionally I will end up in the low end of the recommended range. So, I'm going to try to work on those things in order to get healthier.

More soon.

Steps Towards a New Me

Well folks, I talked recently about trying to get healthy. And you know what? I think it's happening.

My Mom and I have been working out together and keeping track of how we are doing with eating. So far, in just about 5 weeks, I've lost 12 pounds and she has lost about 13 pounds. Not too shabby. We've had a number of set-backs, at least as far as working out is concerned, but we're working through it. Our workouts are becoming more frequent and more intense, and we're feeling better after each workout!

I'm not only trying to get healthy physically though...I'm also working on getting healthy on the inside too. And for me, a lot of that is through writing. It is something that I have a true desire for, and I always push it aside because I'm so busy with other things. Last semester, being in a Creative Writing class allowed me the freedom to write, because it was for school. But now, I'm writing pretty regularly, and I'm doing it just because I want to. I'm thinking about applying to an MFA program for Creative Writing after I graduate, and so this can also help me to build up a portfolio of writings to submit for the application process.

Anyways, I'll keep you all updated on how it is going.