Changing exercise routines and eating habits

Thursday, after swimming at the "Y", I took a look at the machines in the workout room. Spent 15-minutes on the Precor bike. Love that it has back support. Also asked for and got a demo with the Nustep TRS 4000 Recumbent Cross trainer. This, too, allows you to sit and has back support.

Friday I went back for 15-min. on the bike, 15 on the cross trainer, and then 15 more on the bike. Today I did 15 each and added 15-min. on a treadmill at 3.3 mph and a 2% incline. I never did good with inclines, but that was in the overweight days, so I'm going to work more on that. Worked up a slight sweat on the treadmill. That's good, I suppose, because I rarely sweat, except in response to the humidity.

In September 2007 I had surgery for a ruptured disc (L3-4) and afterwards the surgeon said no to running and no to certain exercises. I emailed his office last week explaining my weight loss and exercise regime. Would, I ask, my new weight and fitness make a difference in what exercises and activities I can engage in? His assistant called and said the surgeon suggested I make an appointment and come talk with him in person. That's hopeful--at least he didn't give me a flatout 'No'. I have an appointment at the end of the month.

I seem to be more on track with my food intake. Weigh myself each morning when I got to daughter's to feed the fish (and to tempt the garden slugs with beer!). 154.4# this AM. Good, that's down a bit. Had gone up almost two pounds in the last month, but this gets me back in step. When I gain, it goes to my belly. When my weight drops, I don't know where it comes from -- not the belly, at least not from my point of view. One actions that's helped me with the eating is getting back in the habit of sitting at the table (place setting waiting between meals) for all meals. Also, putting down utensils between bites. What I've done is to simply notice.

What have I noticed? ...that I was rushing through my food. Forking in more when my mouth is not completely empty. Waiting, patiently, for every bit to be swallowed stretches out the eating process and slows me down. So good to have the trick in my pocket waiting to be engaged when I need a reminder.