I think I’m going to quit the gym.

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve updated. I’ll be honest and say that in the last couple of weeks, I didn’t want to do anything exercise related. I’ve spoiled myself by having a really great personal trainer, and I guess that I didn’t feel like doing anything by myself. It’s a lame reason not to at least go out and take a walk, but there you go. Funny thing is, I don’t really feel all that bad about it. In fact, I enjoyed the break. Hehe. I’ll even go so far as to say that the break did me good…mentally speaking, because yesterday I was really ready to exercise!

 

Since my trainer doesn’t work at the gym anymore, we’ve moved our sessions outside! We’ll be meeting three times a week for an hour. So, Rachel and I met up at the park yesterday evening. It was nice and chilly, but at least it didn’t rain. I was a bit apprehensive about working out in public public because at least in a gym, everyone is there to work out. At a park, people are there to relax and enjoy the scenery…and I hardly think a sweaty fat chick is a part of that. (yes, I JEST) Because it was cold and wet out yesterday, no one was really around, so it wasn’t that bad. I hope that by the time the weather gets nice, I’ll either be a) thin enough or b) confidant enough to not mind working out in public.

 

It was a weird session, though. I felt like I was working hard…like, I was putting effort into it, but I didn’t FEEL like I was working hard. Maybe the chill numbed my muscles or something because I am SORE today. And I stupidly forgot to push ‘start’ on my heart monitor. Gah! Oh well. I’m back tomorrow for more.

 

As far as diet goes, I’ve been mostly good. I’ve had my moments, to be sure, such as, Pascha (Orthodox Christian Easter). Mounds of food! Mounds of dessert! You best believe that I partook most heartily. Other than this weekend, though, I’ve been fairly good on my diet. For the last few months I’ve been working on portion control, still learning what is a normal meal and what is too much. I’m getting the hang of it, but I visited a fast food restaraunt. Only once, though! My huge craving for ice cream has not subsided, but I’ve also not given in to my desire to get a gallon and eat it all in one sitting. A couple weeks ago I was at the store and saw these teeny tiny little servings of Ben and Jerry’s in the ice cream section. They’re like, the perfect size. About 200 calories each, so even then it’s a lot. But, I can eat the whole thing and not overdo it. I bought three and they lasted a couple weeks. Yay for me! To give you an idea of my progress, six months ago I fancied a whole pint to be a serving. So, anyway, the point is, I have a friggin’ huge learning curve.

 

Last summer when I went to visit my dad and stepmom at my stepmom’s mom’s house, my stepmom’s mom (there’s gotta be an actual term for that relationship) gave me an awesome Crock-Pot recipe book. I’ve never been able to use it…UNTIL NOW. I finally bought a Crock-Pot. Most of the recipes are just made of meat and vegetables, so HEY. Healthier eating, plus leftovers. And I don’t have to actually be there to watch it cook. There might be an issue with the excess of potatoes, in the interest of eating in line with the glycemic index, but right now I need to learn the basic habit of cooking food for myself as opposed to eating fast food. If I need to, I’ll cut out potatoes later.

 

Another sign of victory. These last two weeks, while I did feel pokey and fat again, I must have done something good. This morning I threw on my jean jacket and it was feeling a little loose. Usually it’s pretty snug and I can only button the top three ‘cause my hips and stomach have been so big. Well, this morning I could button the last two! Around my hips! It was a little tight, but I didn’t have to force the jacket to fit around my hips in order to button the last button. Woo! I couldn’t do THAT two weeks ago.