Hi!
My exercise plan is going well. I went to the "Body Pump" class today and lifted some pretty heavy weights. Still kept it at my own pace, somewhat slower than the rest of the class, because I don't want to hurt myself or have bad form. I also lift less weight than the other classmates, who seem to be long-term devotees. Even fifty pounds thinner I am still the heaviest or second heaviest in the class. Oh well - obviously the class is working for them! I actually talked to the teacher of the class, who is very muscular and lithe, and she said she herself used to be obese. Anyways, even though the class is very hard and I sometimes feel in over my head, I know I can just adjust the instructions to my own abilities. It's pretty fun.
Yesterday I went for a run-walk around my neighborhood which was about 2.2 miles long. (I thought it was longer! I found a 4 mile long route today to try tomorrow. That's better.) I found again that I was walking most of the time because of the 150-180 limits I set for myself. I was considering adjusting it up to 155-185, or 155-180, or 160-180... but, I won't tamper with it for a while. I am also going to see if I can get my heartrate up to the 180 level and sustain it at a trot... instead of just slowing all the way back down. If I can't, no biggie. I wish I could run more and faster but I will be consistent and build it. I actually think this street is hillier than the place we went in California, so that effects it too. Sometimes my HR gets up to the high 170s just walking up hill.
I also made my lean tuna casserole for dinner yesterday and there is still leftover. I LOVE that dish! It has a lot of protein too. It is: My light(er) white sauce (almond milk, olive oil, nutritional yeast, a dash of salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast), a bunch of chopped veggies (bell peppers, tuna, mushrooms, onion, garlic, spinach), quinoa-based pasta, and quite a bit of tuna. I throw some chia seeds on top as a garnish. I have to watch the portion size on it because the sauce is still high in fat because of the oil and milk, but it looks and tastes decadent and reminds me of my mom's tuna casserole... favorite dish from my youth.
I am also REALLY digging hummus in general and craving it a lot. Maybe I need more magnesium or something else in it. Now that I have read "Born to Run", which I really enjoyed, I have been putting chia seeds in everything. (Except water... have you tried the chia fresca? I think I might have trouble with the texture and I'm afraid of swallowing down the wrong throat and choking). So, I put nutritional yeast and chia seeds in my hummus and eat it with veggies and apples.
Another superfood I am a huge fan of is blueberries. I put them in my oatmeal and just generally eat them throughout the day. Super fun. Learning which healthy foods I love and crave is an important step to lifelong health.
Hope you are doing well, readers!
Elizabeth
Be patient with your body and it will reward you. It sounds like you are approaching things the right way. You are establishing a foundation to build on in the years to come.
ReplyDeleteDon't wish you can do more, be glad you can do what you are doing and that you are taking steps to be a healthier you. The important thing is exercising every day, getting your heart rate up, and doing the strength training. Whatever gets you there is the right thing for you to do. Yes, eventually, you will have to run more to keep your heart rate up, but for now, if walking up a hill does it, good for you!! That's all that matters. This is your program, your body, and your time table. You are doing great!!!!
Can't wait to see you sometime soon!!
Love,
Aunt Roberta
Heck, my heart rate gets to 170 walking up a serious hill. Fogettaboutit.
ReplyDeleteThink about it this way, you can get a great cardio workout without having to beat your body up running. Stick to the plan and you will eventually wish you could still get a good workout walking.
I'm with Ruth and almost said the exact same thing, but didn't want to sound like I was whining. It seems like I have to run faster and faster to get a good workout in...it would be nice to be able to do it walking. Ruth is right, you look back at these days and wish a nice brisk walk is all it still took to get it done!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are having a good day. I woke up an hour ago and it was nice a bright out. Now it is 8:15am and it is getting darker by the minute. Looks like it is going to be an interesting day, with regards to weather.
Thanks guys! Yeah I will just keep going forward with the plan. I hope to see you sometime soon too :)
ReplyDelete