I’ve been spending a lot of time lately thinking about how I can improve different aspects about myself and my life. I’ve taken up meditation again, and am attending a class at UAB specializing in shamatha meditation. I’ll also be taking a tai chi class starting next month. I still haven’t found a new place to workout. I would like to pick up yoga and/or pilates again, but the places where I used to go are either closed or not having those classes due to lack of instructors.
Oh well, hopefully something will come along soon. :) I figure, if anything, it’s warmer now and I can take up walking and running at the civic center again. That’s free. Free is good. :)
I want to lose a little weight, not much, but close enough to my pre-wedding weight. I can really tell a difference with the amount I’ve gained back and the lack of consistent exercise/activity … I ache more and generally don’t feel as well as I did. (and it doesn’t help that my meds make me want to eat EVERYTHING in sight!)
The other day when Jim and I stopped by Wal-mart, I stopped to look at a hoodia display. I haven’t seen a whole lot about this particular supplement, but I do know several people who swear by it. Part of me (the logical part) tells me that I need to talk to my doctor and see about getting something that she recommends, but another part of me wonders if it really works and maybe I should try it …
Of course, every time I bring up my weight with my doctor, she tells me that I don’t need to lose any. :P
Miranda
Do you get any privileges at UAB’s gym since you’re an employee? They may have something. (But then again…they do have the tendency to squeeze every bit of money out of anyone they can… :twisted: )
As far as the hoodia, I’d be careful. Especially if you’re on medications. You just never know how those things will react. :???:
Uncle Monster
Fat women make better lovers, you don’t need a pillow or a bed
and once you get them jiggling they keep jiggling. On a serious
note, stress and lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. As you
may know your Monstrous Uncle adores you and worries that you
may be burning the candle at both ends. Take care my dear one,
even Super Moms are susceptible to Kryptonite.
[8~{} Uncle Monster
Nicki
@Miranda – they do, but it’s 30/month. The classes look interesting, but I’m not too fond of coming up here evenings or on weekends. This area’s getting a little dangerous.
@Uncle Monster – Thanks for the concern. That’s the biggest reason I’m looking to do these things, to make sure I don’t burn out (or blow up, LOL).
Scott Allan
I’m sure you look just great as always! But there’s nothing wrong with a little self evaluation and trying to look and feel better about yourself. I’m still on my diet and I’ve been exercising again. I feel much better already.
My wife tried hoodia and I don’t think it worked for her. It’s supposed to be an appetite suppressant. I would stay away from any of those so called fat burner stimulants like hydroxycut. They will just make you an impatient, anxious, nervous wreck.
Of course the trick to losing weight is to burn more calories than you take in. Personally I would rather eat less calories than do cardio for an hour a day. Running is great but at my advanced age I’m learning that my joints love low impact exercises now.
I’m also a big believer in low carb diets or at least low glycemic carb diets. Carbs are terrible for you. They stimulate insulin production which is the hormone that stores fat and sugar in the body. Insulin also is responsible for high cholesterol and heart disease. I avoid carbs like the plague when I need to get in shape. Of course I’ve found that low carb diets are more more difficult for women to follow than men. Women seem to crave carbs more and will revolt if you ask them to give up their bagel in the morning.
Let us know how it goes! I’ll cheer you on.
Scott Allan’s last blog post: I kick ass
Nicki
Hi Scott,
re: hoodia – I’ve been reading up a lot more on it and the more I read the less I’m convinced that it will help.
re: fat burner stimulants – oh yeah, those things are dangerous to me! I made the mistake of taking one about 3 months before the wedding and was an absolute MESS.
I’ve found that eating a lot slower than usual helps me feel fuller quicker. This is pretty easy to do at work because I usually work through my lunches, but is harder to do at home because we all eat together.
re: low impact – Low impact is great for anyone. And funny enough, I found that I felt a lot better doing yoga and pilates (which I did a couple times a week) and seemed to lose weight quicker that way than I did when doing cardio and weight training a couple times a week.
re: low carb – This sounds like a great idea, but unfortunately carbs are a staple of my diet and I’m finding it very hard to give up potatoes and pasta. :(
Cutting the sugar out is getting easier, so I know this will help a lot (now that the major “eating holidays” are past), and for the most part, I don’t drink soda except for maybe once every other month or so.
Sweet tea is my only vice now, and I don’t see me giving it up any time soon, LOL. ;)
Thanks for the comments and support. It means a lot to me. :)