<p>Hello all! I haven’t posted for a while, but see that Ema did an amazing job losing weight and was able to buy much smaller clothes. Incredible … I hope she will tell us about the wedding!</p>
<p>I am doing pretty well. Caution: You may roll your eyes with how optimistic I am feeling. </p>
<p>I stopped focussing on the number on the scale, but instead on how I felt and how my legs and butt actually looked. I found that as I dropped out ridiculous carbs (white flour, anything with sugar) my body composition changed faster, and my weight hovered around the same ± 2 lbs. The cellulite on my legs has greatly reduced, and with all the walking and now slow running, my butt is not so floppy. I also have been listening to a podcast (the Health Bridge) which emphasizes optimal health and talks about Eastern and Western approaches to medicine and health. This is good for me, because they talk about how hormones play a huge role in you body’s set point for weight. Basically, if you eat healthier and avoid any processed foods, your body’s hormone system will kick back in and help you lose weight.</p>
<p>So, similar to Ema, I am watching my stupid carbs, making sure I am eating protein throughout the day, and not gorging when I go out to eat. I also do more social events that revolve around movement … An hour walk is a great way to catch up with a girlfriend or sister or daughter. I even use my cell phone and coordinate walks with my sister out West. If no one can join me, I load up a few podcasts on my iPhone and learn about healthy things while I walk.</p>
<p>With all my new movement, I had to see a physical therapist that recommended some hip strengthening exercises, and that has paid off nicely as I have been able to exercise as I build up muscles so I can eventually run. Apparently my cross country skiing helped my core and lungs, but certain muscles in my butt and hips were sleeping all winter, also because I sit so much at work.</p>
<p>So, my vote for all is to stop focussing on the weight (what number we should strive for) and instead focus on healthy eating, which changes your mood and body, and movement, which keeps your hormones in tilt.</p>
<p>If anyone wants more info on the different podcasts I like, let me know and I can point you to a few that help explain why exercise is good, why processed food is bad, and why just counting calories and your weight doesn’t always work.</p>
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