Betsy's Post: Minding my energy

I've been doing a lot of physical acitivity the past few days. Hiking, gardening, yoga, walking. Some days short stretches, some long. The dieting has been up and down. I am having problems with my energy. Sometimes when I work out, not even that vigorously, an hour later I am wiped out and have to take a nap or end up eating to try to regain some energy. Which doesn't really work. My joints get sore and I feel like every move I make takes a lot of effort. I took Alleve, then the next day Advil, which worked better, and upped my fish oil. I made some coconut soy milk gelatin (which is good for the bones and joints).

I'm feeling better today, but will try to keep an eye on my energy level. I will say that yesterday morning I was feeling achey, my back and joints, but I made myself go to yoga. I was worried that the yoga would wipe me out and I wouldn't be able to do anything after that, but 10 minutes in, something released for me and I got a burst of energy. I know my hip flexors are really tight from all the sitting at the computer and is causing pain there and in my back. So I will try to do some stretches at work and before going to bed.

I have been cooking a lot so that I have healthy meals on hand. I made some kale chips, but  you know what? I don't really like them. But am trying to go back to my legumes: lentils and beans. 

Haven't weighed myself. Will wait until end of the week. I don't think I lost any weight yet.

Good Day!

Yesterday was a good day. I went to an 1hour and 15 minute power yoga class and walked in the woods with Chief for almost 2 hours and ate sensibly. I ate sensibly during the day and no snacking after dinner! What a miracle. But it helps that I had the day off. Much harder to squeeze all that exercise in when I don't get home until 6:30pm or 10pm.

Today I did my 15 minute yoga + meditation and am now cooking some Chicken Pho broth for dinner later. I have a lot of gardening to do, but will take Chief out for an hour. What would I do without my walk buddy!

I may go the Himalayan Institute for a night and day. I feel like they get me back on track about sleeping and eating. But we'll see. I have a lot of chores to do at home.

Start with the easy things

My goal is to lose 10 lbs., fit into my clothes (!), have better digestion, and better energy.

This past year I gained several pounds. In part because I would snack while working at home as a way of taking a break. Then I would binge on snacks at other people's houses because I wouldn't keep them at my own thinking that I'm eating healthy! My vices are chips or any kind of crunchy bagged snacks. I am the kind of person that will easily finish off a bag. I love nuts too. Although they are are good for you, too many can upset your stomach and be fattening. I want to be able to know when I am actually hungry, instead of eating because I am tired, worried or bored. My basic diet strategy is try to reach for fruits or veggies if I need a snack, cut down portions, and reduce my animal product intake to one meal a day, maybe even less. And as far as starches, try to choose starches that have more nutritional value, like faro or quinoa.

My fitness regimen will be to get back on track with my yoga, taking 2 power yoga classes a week, hike once on the weekend and daily do a combination of walking or swimming or whatever for at least one hour a day.

That's it!