One month down! What have you learned?

Great idea for a thread!

I have learned to be PATIENT with myself,
I have learned that using a food scale and measuring cups/spoons make a difference,
I have learned that finding a community on MFP has helped me to stay focused and motivated.
I am learning that I CAN do this.

This is not my first time at MFP... I have been back and forth for several years now. This time is a little different for me though... I was recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I cannot "work out". Raising my heart rate will send me into a flare-up that may last days to weeks. So, I'm having to focus on diet and making the most of the activities that I can do. I've lost almost 11 pounds since January 8th. I'm learning to make each bend into the washing machine a deep knee bend, each walk down into the hall a high knee march, and each time I bend to pick something up is a squat. I'm learning the importance of stretching. I think though, the thing that amazes me is how much real food you can eat for a small amount of calories! Also the importance of water. It's not going to happen fast, but each pound lost is a little less punishment that my already aching body doesn't have to deal with.

sonjavon wrote: »

This is not my first time at MFP... I have been back and forth for several years now. This time is a little different for me though... I was recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I cannot "work out". Raising my heart rate will send me into a flare-up that may last days to weeks. So, I'm having to focus on diet and making the most of the activities that I can do. I've lost almost 11 pounds since January 8th. I'm learning to make each bend into the washing machine a deep knee bend, each walk down into the hall a high knee march, and each time I bend to pick something up is a squat. I'm learning the importance of stretching. I think though, the thing that amazes me is how much real food you can eat for a small amount of calories! Also the importance of water. It's not going to happen fast, but each pound lost is a little less punishment that my already aching body doesn't have to deal with.

This is so awesome.
I caught myself doing a sumo squat at work as I was reshelving a form.

Somewhere in the last 5 or so weeks I stopped saying "if I lose this weight" and now say "when". That's proven very beneficial for me.

And honestly? I feel GREAT.