Am I totally nuts to begin an exercise and wellness program at this time of the year? I think so, but I was not give a choice!! The YMCA called yesterday and asked if I could come in for an orientation today. I thought I could handle that. Today I filled out lots of paperwork and was introduced to the machines I will be using and given a tour of the new facility. I was told the dietitian would be calling to set up another appointment to develop my eating plan.

Then I was asked when would be a good time for me to come in tomorrow to meet with my personal trainer and begin the exercise program. Hey, wait a minute, I didn't want to actually start until January 2nd. They told me I would have to start tomorrow and that this is a good time to start so I won't gain weight over the holidays. What a bummer!! Half the fun of the holidays is packing on a couple extra pounds. Anyway, I'll be meeting with my personal trainer tomorrow and begin the exercise program. In order to stay in the program I have to agree to go in and exercise a minimum of three days a week, keep a journal which the dietitian will give me, and stay on the eating program. This may be difficult since I haven't finished my Christmas shopping. But, you know, seems like the more I have to do the more I get done. And, just think of all the energy I will have.

Do I have you convinced yet??? What matters is, do I have myself convinced!!!

Wish me luck.

When I was having my stress test a couple months ago, I met three ladies who told me about a weight management program that was recently established through my health insurance provider. These ladies were having a stress test in order to participate in the program. At the time of my stress test I had a lot of irons in the fire and calling about this program was not a priority.

Friday, I finally called to get more information. This program will provide a personal trainer, dietitian, and coaches who will develop a diet and exercise program specifically for me if I am approved for the program. Based on a brief telephone consultation I was told I would be approved, however I would have to complete an application and provide copies of certain medical and lab tests and a signed authorization from my physician. Since I've recently been through a battery of medical tests, I will not have to be poked or stabbed. I will be receiving my application kit sometime this week.

I was told my local YMCA has been approved as a training facility for my community and will begin participation on October 15, just in time for my approval. This YMCA is a new facility and has been open about a year. Ever since its grand opening I've been wanting to stop by and check out the new facility, but just haven't. You know how that is.

The cost for participating is very reasonable. It will be $45 a month for the first three months and $15 a month there after if I show results.

Keep your fingers crossed that I'll be approved.

Ultrasound

The technician who administered the ultrasound told me she did not see anything wrong except one very small cyst on my kidney, less than a centimeter. I don't know if the technicians are told not to give the patients any information or if her observation is correct. I will hear from my doctor on Wednesday after the radiologist reads the ultrasound. Until then, I'm going to live in the pink.

After my ultrasound I went shopping. One place I stopped was in a shopping center where Curves is located. I saw people going in, so I dropped in too. I told them I use to be a member and I would like to try again. I'm going tomorrow for my first workout.

The lady at Curves asked if I had a special event coming up that I would like to target. I told her I would like to lose 40 pounds by July 28, 2007. Another lady standing by yelled out, "Me too!" Actually, I set Christmas to lose 2 dress sizes. I'm really looking forward to getting back into shape.

First Place Diet

I can't believe today is the last day of February. This month has flown by for me. I want to record my progress with the First Place Diet.

Have I lost any weight? I lost a couple pounds early in the month, then my husband brought Hershey candy bars into the house. That is my weakness.

What the diet is doing for me is making me more mindful of what I am eating and why. I learned I was eating out of boredum. Now when I feel hungry I drink a glass of water or have a piece of fruit. I've also incorporated the following:

1. I'm using a smaller plate. The visual has been helping me.

2. I'm eating more fresh fruit and vegetables. When I fix my plate, over 1/2 is filled with vegetables.

3. I'm adding a salad to every evening meal.

4. I'm not skipping meals. I will have a piece of fruit when I'm in a hurry and don't have the time for lunch.

5. After the candy bars were gone, I began eliminating most sugar from my diet. Boy this is hard because I love sweets, bread, pasta, and potatoes.

What I will be doing from here on is exercise. I started out exercising, but soon dropped out. I know increasing my activity will help the pounds come off and will give me more energy.

I'm hoping by end of March I'll be able to say I've dropped 6 - 8 pounds.

It's the end of January ....

and I want to share a diet I recently started. I have tried them all, Atkins, South Beach...these two limit carbs, Physician Weight Loss, this one too restricts carbs and everything else, and Weight Watchers, just to name a few. The only one where I lost any weight (12 lbs) was on Atkins. But, and I must stress this but, once carbs are incorporated back into the diet, weight begins to pour on again.

This time I'm taking a different approach. I have started the First Place Diet. First Place ,which is offered through my church, is a Christ-centered health program, emphasizing balance in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual areas of life. At the first meeting we all made a commitment to live by the nine commitments of First Place.

When I've been on other diets it has been soooo easy to lie to myself. I really didn't eat that cookie!! I didn't eat an ice cream cone at lunch!! I can't see myself lying to God. I've been on the program for two weeks and have lost 4 pounds.

I'll be posting the end of each month on my success or lack of.