My Love-Hate Relationship with Exercise!

Mountainsong129

Hello,
I am just a week old on MFP. I wish I had discovered it before I paid for my first-ever diet program on the internet, LOL! Still, that program (The Venus Program, or something like that) did point me in the direction of MFP. After 2 years of severe depression, then being hospitalized and subsequently leaving my physically active profession...well, the weight began to pile on for the first time in many years. In my pursuit of Wellness, I am slowly being able to put into action what I already know: purchasing and eating the foods I see as healthiest for me, in any given moment, being brave enough to pursue Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, even when it takes me to some uncomfortable places, and yes: EXERCISING!

I had a short-term goal of learning to self-monitor and handle the hills and valleys of a life strongly affected by depression and anxiety. It took about a year, but I do believe that I have begun to get a handle on that. Now, I have a long-term goal of reducing/eliminating as many psych. meds. as possible. And, as part of getting that handle on things, I want to return to a healthier weight for me. I know, as someone who wants/needs/loves to control (!), that there is much I have no control over. But if I could drop the 15 pounds I gained in the last year--weight held at bay when I was still working at my active job 60 hours and more a week--I could feel that I do have some healthy control in my life.

So, I am doing something I never thought I would do: I am counting calories. This does give me many choices over what foods I will eat. Because I want to be as full of energy as possible, and deal with/ prevent health issues, I am going to choose the absolutely most healthy foods I can find. By counting calories, I can ensure I am eating them in healthy amounts, and in balance (not all vegetables, nor all proteins, nor too many carbs, etc,)

The exercise I do is pretty much dictated by the arthritis I have developed in my knees, I can walk, most days, without excessive pain. After a gradual build-up, I am back to hill-walking with the dogs, (That nasty winter most of the U.S experienced wreaked havoc with my walking mojo,) I do a comprehensive work-out at a gym, when I can get myself to go. Lately, I have experimented with changing out what equipment I do for the aerobic component, to see which equipment is easier on the knees., I have also omitted lower-body weights, to see if that helps reduce somewhat intense workout pain. Finally, I also do gentle yoga, as stretched muscles are healthier, and I want a calmer approach for just about everything in my life.

Friend me, if you think we might have something in common. I am committed to my marriage, please no flirtations, but wholesome friendships based on pursuing wellness despite some health challenges, would be most welcome!!

Mountainsong