This has been a good week. One thing I have been working on to living well is that of trying to increase my exercising. Being over weight does not help with my many health issues so a while back I had taken out a gym membership. I did this because I live over another person and my treadmill, I have been told, rumbles and even though it is on carpet and a mat the noise for the person downstairs is still quite loud. I try to be considerate of my neighbors and some of my friends feel that I worry to much.

Anyways I wanted to start the year off on a good note as I finally was able to breath again after having a second bout of blood clots going to my lungs. This time it took over seven months so around the end of November first part of December I really started to feel like my old self. I try to go to the gym four to six days a week. I also joined a program where we have to keep a journal of what we eat, how many calories, sat. fat, fiber, protein, and added sugars. This has been a really good window to help see what my eating habits have been and where I need to improve. I do eat what they call as being "really clean". I try not to eat processed foods from a box but aim for fresh fruits and vegetables and if I buy meat I try to find organic, grass fed meat. It is more expensive so I found that if I shop smart and cut the meat portions into three to four ounce serving sizes I can get a few extra meals out of what I have bought. Usually the pieces of chicken breast or other meat is far larger than what we should be eating anyways. I also try to eat organic vegetables and fruit as well.

We have completed seven weeks so far and even though I haven't lost much weight I have lost 9 3/4 inches, lost 3% fat and gained 1 1/2% of muscle. That to me is really good. The weight will follow as I gain more muscle. You need muscle to burn the fat under it.

Sometimes staying motivated can be hard. I try to remind myself that I am doing this for me. I even try to list my reasons such as, having stronger leg and arm muscles for my MS, weight loss for controlling my diabetes so I won't need medication, having more endurance where I can walk farther. (I use to hike some and miss that activity), and exercising to prevent further blood clots. I sometimes will list staying healthy for my kids and to be able to play with my grandchildren when they visit. There are many good reasons to stay motivated. I have roughly 80 lbs to loose so it isn't going to disappear overnight like we all wish it would. So I will be taking you on this journey.

At home exercising can be done. I have a mat, some hand weights, small yoga ball, some stretch bands and a small cycle one that I picked up a department store for about $30.00. It is getting old so I might have to look for one that has more options and other tension settings. These items don't take up much space as I stack my weights with the cycle in a small spot out of the way in the living room. I have only a small area of my living room floor to exercise in as I have a very small apartment but it works. So if I can't get to the gym or if I want to do a little extra I can do it in the comfort of my home. Once nicer weather is here I hope to get out and start walking more. I just loved hearing the robins signing this morning.

That is all for now. May you all have a great week!