I'm back, baby!

blisterpeanuts
blisterpeanuts Posts: 67 Member
in Introduce Yourself
After a few years away from dieting, and a few too many calories, I'm back on the program, eating 1200/day and hitting the gym 7 days a week.

After a back and hip problem a few months ago, I avoided the weight machines, but now it seems to be resolved and I'm hitting maybe one machine every other day, trying to build up my core but not trigger another lower back episode. Mostly I do the cardio machines–elliptical and tread (at 25% slope) to work up a good sweat. Then top it off with 10 minutes in the jacuzzi or steambath. Feels so good!

I believe it's important to stay active outdoors. We have backyard chickens and I spend some time out there every day, carrying buckets of water and the like. As the spring progresses, there will be lawn mowing, planting vegetables, and outdoor running and biking. I'm planning to get an e-scooter soon––maybe not as good exercise as a bike, but not nothing! And frankly anything that gets me out of my car and into the sunlight is a good thing.

I restarted mfp on March 1 2024, and as of now, 8-9 weeks later, I've dropped 8 pounds, which is about what I want, not too fast and not too slow.

My BMI is high, as is blood sugar and bp; all used to be very low when I was younger. Sleep has been terrible the past few years, acid reflux, balance not as good, the aforementioned back and hip pain, plus various other symptoms of poor body maintenance. The price of growing older, I suppose.

My goal is to return to my "30s" body, maybe even my "20s" body if I have the discipline. I have about 40 pounds to lose before I can get there. My motivation is obviously to reduce all of those health issues mentioned above, and also feel lighter and nimbler so I can run long distances. It's my lifelong dream to run a marathon or at least a half marathon!

I've found a good motivation is to go to the weightlifting area at the gym and pick up one of those 35-lb plates. I'm carrying this around all the time, I think to myself. It's hitting my knee and ankle every time I take a step!

Replies

  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 11,689 Member
    Welcome back!

    Tied into your weight-plate routine, you can keep a large water jug near your home scale. Every time you lose weight, add a corresponding amount of water to the jug. (Make sure the jug is sealed, so evaporation and animals don't help themselves to the loss-water!) Now even on days you don't lose and feel discouraged, you can pick up the jug, get a visceral feel for just how much you have already lost, and hopefully feel better about your progress.
  • blisterpeanuts
    blisterpeanuts Posts: 67 Member
    nossmf wrote: »
    Welcome back!

    Tied into your weight-plate routine, you can keep a large water jug near your home scale. Every time you lose weight, add a corresponding amount of water to the jug. (Make sure the jug is sealed, so evaporation and animals don't help themselves to the loss-water!) Now even on days you don't lose and feel discouraged, you can pick up the jug, get a visceral feel for just how much you have already lost, and hopefully feel better about your progress.

    Great idea!

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