Lean Green MP

Celebrate the Little Victories

May 17, 2013 by Mary Pat Baldauf Leave a Comment

It’s been a rough couple of days. My hip hurt. We very suddenly had to put our cat Pikachu down. A little leak turned into a flood in our bathroom. I came to work Friday utterly smileless and unmotivated. The best thing I could say was that I was there, but that was all. I even slipped out and had a fried bologna and cheese sandwich for lunch, hoping it would perk me up. No such luck.

When I came back to work, I saw a great tease on Twitter: When you don’t lose a sock in the wash, and 10 other little victories to celebrate today. I clicked the link, and I’m glad I did. The gist of the article was basically this: It’s easy to focus on what went wrong in the day, but making an effort to focus on your wins will pay off, and could eventually become second-nature. It goes on to give 11 great examples of little victories, including:

When you’re out of toilet paper — and there’s another roll hiding underneath the sink.
When you don’t lose a sock in the wash.
When the seat next you in the movie theater is empty, and you get full, uninhibited use of the arm rest.

And with a new frame of mind, I added a 12th, which actually happened as I was running lunch errands:

When you forget to feed the parking meter and see a meter reader beside your car, but return to find that somehow you didn’t get a parking ticket.

Check out the article and the accompanying “Morning Mantra” slide show. It may help turn your frown upside down. (It did mine!)

Filed Under: Healthy Lifestyle Tagged With: celebrate, happiness, little victories

When It Comes to Flower Arranging, Don’t Be a Late Bloomer: Six Tips on Making Beautiful Bouquets

May 10, 2013 by Mary Pat Baldauf Leave a Comment

Armed with good intention, I joined Apartment Therapy’s January Cure, a thirty-day plan to “whip your home into shape, get it clean, organized and under control.” I lasted until Day Eight, when the weekend task was to “Clean Your Kitchen and Declutter/Organize as You Go.” It was just too much for a weekend.

One thing I did pick up during the seven days I participated in the January Cure was the weekly purchase of fresh flowers for my house. According to Apartment Therapy, “As simple as it sounds, the act of buying holds great significance and will heal your home on many levels. They are beautiful, they add life to the space, they help to humidify and cleanse the air.”

While all of these are reasons to buy fresh flowers, there was no “Flower Arranging for Dummies” guide. I winged it, and through a process of trial and error, have created a few really nice arrangements. Recently via Food 52, I saw some great tips on arrange flowers! (Where were these when I needed them?) Because they were such good tips, I thought I’d pick out a few of my favorites. For the full Food 52 article on flower arranging, click here.

Pick a color sequence of no more than three colors. It’s easy to get carried away while browsing a flower shop — but making something beautiful is easier when your flowers match each other.
Big flowers stretch the farthest. If you’re on a budget — or if you’re nervous about making your own arrangement — go for a larger type of flower. They take up more space in a bouquet, so you can buy less of them — and they’re easier to work with while building a bouquet.
If you’re using a round, wide-mouthed vase, make the arrangement in your hand first. Start with the flowers you’d like in the center, and start building around them, rotating the bouquet in your hand. When you’re satisfied, you can cut them all together — and just plop them in your vase!
If you’re using a tall, skinny vase, think about height. Since these vases look beautiful standing against a wall, take advantage of your point of reference. Starting from the front, build your bouquet upwards, so that the tallest flowers stand up in the back. Here’s where your filler flowers come in; use them as your tall backdrop, while letting your colors pop in the front.
Work on symmetry. When you’re starting arrangements, it’s easiest to make things beautiful by working in symmetry. Putting a pink flower on the left? Put another on the right. Is there a big flower towards the front? Try framing the bouquet with them.
Change your water every day. If you have time, wash the vase with soap and water, and add a tiny bit of bleach to each new change of water (this will kill the bacteria). Each time you put your flowers in new water, you should give the stems a fresh cut.

Are you a fan of fresh flowers? What are your favorites? Any great tips for arranging them?

Filed Under: Go Green!, Misc. Tagged With: Apartment Therapy, bouquets, flower arranging, flower arrangments, flowers, Food 52, January Cure

April 2013 Non-Scale Victories

May 1, 2013 by Mary Pat Baldauf Leave a Comment

This
Walked right by the half-price Easter candy table at Publix
Registered for the In the Pink May 11 5k and found a “Six Weeks to 5k” training schedule that I start tomorrow
One of the recycling drivers said to me this a.m.,”You better come in from that wind. You’ve lost so much weight your skinny butt will get blown away.” LOL! Those guys are always such fun encouragers!
Started a “six weeks to 5k” training. Today was “run three minutes/walk two minutes” for six intervals. I really didn’t think I could do it and almost stepped down to the walk/run option. But I tried, and I did it! A total of 18 minutes of running.
Someone who works in my building that I don’t know told me that I was doing a great job with the weight loss.
Did a second and later third “run three minutes/walk two minutes for six intervals” on the treadmill.
Planned my day’s eating around the fact we were having birthday cake for Beth; I was able to enjoy a piece without blowing my day or unleashing a binge.
Had a close to perfect eating day: ate veggies twice, stayed within calorie range, met but didn’t exceed carbs and other nutrients.
My silver Michael Kors belt fits again.
I stood up for my healthy eating. An upstate colleague was in town for a workshop and asked me to dinner. I agreed and chose M Vista. He looked at the menu online and said he couldn’t eat there; he said he would prefer Carolina Wings and Ale. I decided that I was not going to either tempt myself to eat something I normally wouldn’t nor deprive myself because I couldn’t find a good option. I just told him that we could do it next time. I went home and had a healthy dinner instead.
My “sisters” ring is practically too big to wear anymore. Sad because I love it, but it’s a great sign that I’m losing weight again.
Fourth run-walk in the books, and I’m still standing.
Caught a glimpse my booty in a three-way mirror; starting to see some positive changes there, finally.
Did an AMT workout on a day I’d decided to nap in. Thanks, Sister, for the encouragement!
Found out the hard way that shins do indeed sweat.
I can now take off my jeans without unbuttoning and/or unzipping them.
I noticed today that my face looks thinner.
Seeing new muscle definition in my calves.
Added one more repetition to my run-walk sequence.
Noticed new muscle definition in my arms. My forearms, of all places.
My favorite PJ pants are getting too big. “Come off while I’m sleeping” too big.
Was all ready to have a “cheat lunch,” but happily settled for Taco Soup and sliced strawberries.
Actually requested to do my squats on the BOSO ball
Someone at work told me that my thighs were getting small
I am thisclose to being able to wear my 12p jeans in public again
This
Got 14,000+ steps
Got right back on the horse – trained and did cardio even though I was a little apprehensive because of my hip. Did fine.
Treated myself to some ice cream tonight, but couldn’t eat it all. May be the first time EVER I left ice cream in the dish.

Filed Under: Changes and Milestones, Healthy Lifestyle Tagged With: Changes; non-scale victories, NSVs

Off and Running

April 28, 2013 by Mary Pat Baldauf Leave a Comment

Yesterday, I experienced something wonderful: being part of a team.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been “training” for a 5k. I tried late last year, but took a break because the running was bothering my back. A month ago, I signed up for a 5K and got back on the wagon. I’ve been doing intervals on the treadmill, and it has been going ok. But I’ve still been worried about actually running on roads vs. treadmill intervals.

Earlier this week, my trainer, Danny, invited me to a group run. Warren, a runner and fellow morning workout devotee, was going to introduce folks to Galloway running. Danny explained that this style of running is a great way to run injury-free and thought I should come check it out. After making sure he thought I could do it, I agreed to go.

Between Wednesday and Saturday morning, I rethought the decision 100 times and came up with at least that many reasons not to go. I hadn’t yet received the Gymboss that Danny suggested we all order…I didn’t know what to wear…I wasn’t sure how my shoes would do “on road”…I didn’t have good socks…I wasn’t fit enough…I weighed too much. You name it, I came up with it. I woke Saturday morning to rain, and while most runners I know will run through anything short of a monsoon, I hoped maybe the run would be canceled. No such luck. I reluctantly met the group at 8:30 a.m.

The apprehension didn’t stop once I arrived. The group consisted of experienced runners, no beginners like me. I totally had my doubts, but once I was there, I figured there was no graceful way to just leave. After a Galloway 101 lesson and a short prayer from Danny, we kicked off the run. We ran two minutes, walked one; run-walk intervals are a hallmark of Galloway running. Throughout the run, I was usually in the back, but I wasn’t alone. Both Warren and Danny accompanied me, and thankfully, encouraged me the entire time.

Around the last mile, I felt a little pain in my right hip, so I slowed down a little more. Later, I felt a small, but scary pop, so I walked the rest of the way back. I was really glad to have Danny there, and as we walked back, we talked about my hip. We decided that it was likely a flare up of the hip bursitis I had a few years ago. Danny advised me to take 800 mgs. of ibuprofen and while not to immediately rest, ice my hip when I did.

Even though I had to walk the last bit, Danny and Warren said that I could definitely count the run as my first 5k run. Considering where I was two and a half years ago, that is a pretty big damn deal. I remember my first weeks at the gym, when at 232 lbs., even the easiest thing was difficult. Three minutes on the elliptical, at the easiest setting at that, was all I could do. Even then, I was left breathless and exhausted. I am definitely now doing the thing I never thought I could.

Before we all went our separate ways, Warren took me aside and told me how impressed he was at what I was doing. He has been there since the beginning, probably my first week of training, and knew me when I was some 80 lbs. heavier. His words were very sincere, and they bolstered my spirits. And as I got in the car, Danny tossed me a cap from the half-marathon a couple of weekends ago.

As the fat girl who was always picked last for kickball, yesterday was probably my first positive experience of being part of a non-work, activity related team. And unlike grade school gym, it was fabulous! The sharing, the support, the fun – everything about it was great. Oh, except the bum hip, but even then I had a lot of support. I definitely enjoyed it more than running solo on the treadmill, which I thought I preferred, and I hope to do it again soon, hip allowing.

Speaking of the hip, Danny has checked in on me twice, and it looks like after a day of rest today, I can get back to the gym on Monday. He says that we can do cardio and upper body Monday, and that by Wednesday’s training, he expects that I will be “right as rain.” My fingers are crossed!

As for the May 11 “Get Into the Pink” 5k, I’m going to play it by ear. At the very least, I should be able to walk it. And if not, I’ll volunteer. I’ve learned that the most important thing is to train wisely and focus on my well-being and progress instead of the somewhat artificial deadline of any particular event. If Get Into the Pink doesn’t pan out, I’ll continue to train toward another 5k; there are plenty from which to choose!

Filed Under: Changes and Milestones, Fitness/Exercise, Healthy Lifestyle Tagged With: 5K, Galloway, Get Into the Pink, team

Easy Ways to Green Your Cleaning

April 23, 2013 by Mary Pat Baldauf Leave a Comment

Earth Day Week is the perfect time to discuss green cleaning, the growing trend of using environmentally-friendly ingredients and/or packaging for your household cleaning.

Why does green cleaning matter? Consider this:
• Some cleaning products contain ingredients that pose health hazards and/or harm to the environment.
• Cleaning products are frequently involved in home poisoning, many involving children under the age of five.
• According to the US EPA, levels of pollutants indoors can be two to more than 100 times higher than outdoors, and the number one culprit for indoor pollution is our use of cleaning products.

Contrary to popular belief, green cleaning doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive or time consuming. Here are some quick and easy tips that you can start implementing today.

1. Look for products in containers that are:
• Minimally packaged
• Recyclable in your curbside or drop-off recycling program
• Recycled content, preferably post-consumer
• Large (a gallon instead of four quarts)
• Refillable
• Pump sprays (not aerosols)

2. Purchase products that you reuse instead of throwing away:
• Buy rags or cloths instead of paper towels and wipes.
• Use a mop, not one-use wet floor wipes
• Select a feather or static duster instead of disposable dusters
• Use a traditional toilet brush, not clean once and flush scrubbers

3. Look for eco-friendly ingredients like grain alcohol (instead of toxic butyl cellosolve), plant oils (rather than petroleum) and plant-oil disinfectants such as eucalyptus (not triclosan).

4. Avoid toxic ingredients such as nonylphenol ethoxylates, antibacterials, ammonia, butyl cellosolve, butyl glycol, ethylene glycol, monobutyl, chlorine bleach, d-limonene, diethanolamine and triethanolamine.

5. Be on the lookout for “greenwashing,” misleading claims regarding product eco-standards. There are no standards for words like nontoxic, eco-safe, environmentally friendly, natural and green. Read the labels and research products before purchasing them, and look for third-party certification. Also note that unless you compost them, biodegradable containers end up in the landfill, where very few things ever degrade.

6. Make your own cleaners with ingredients you already have in your cabinets. These cleaners are less expensive, safer and more environmentally friendly. One of the best sources I’ve found is Apartment Therapy’s 25 Green Cleaning Recipes for the Entire House.

Let me know what you think about green cleaning! Are you already using some of these tips around your home? If so, how do they work for you? If not, which one(s) are you willing to try? Do you have a tried and true recipe for green cleaning? Please share it!

Filed Under: Go Green!, Healthy Lifestyle Tagged With: Earth Day, green, green cleaning

My Annual Spring Morning Glory Story

April 6, 2013 by Mary Pat Baldauf Leave a Comment

Earlier this week, I spotted the first morning glory sprout of the season, and it made me smile!

Morning glories amaze me. Each year, I harvest seeds from the spent blooms, but I never need them; they re-seed themselves. It always amazes me that those little seeds that fall from the vine into the dirt somehow survive months of cold, wind, rain and animals to germinate and pop up in early Spring.

What will I do with all of those seeds I harvested? I’ll probably plant a few more in the bottle tree bed for effect; I love to see the bottle tree covered in blooms. I may also plant some along the back yard fence and retaining wall, and maybe a few at the mail box. But what I’d really like to do is “morning glory guerrilla gardening.” (Stay tuned; this could be fun!)

If you aren’t familiar with my affinity for morning glories, especially as it relates to my lifestyle change, it all started here.

If you want some Lean Green MP “heirloom” morning glory seeds for your yard and/or a “morning glory guerrilla gardening” mission, let me know. I’ll be happy to send you some; I have hundreds!

Filed Under: Changes and Milestones, Go Green!, Healthy Lifestyle Tagged With: guerrilla gardening, morning glories

Hands Down the Best Healthy Recipe I’ve Tried: Perfect for Your Pickiest Eater

April 3, 2013 by Mary Pat Baldauf Leave a Comment

I’ve been eating healthier for two and a half years now. I best describe my “diet” as simple clean eating: fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins instead of pre-packaged, processed foods or fast food. I love eating this way, but do occasionally miss some of those comfort foods we all know and love. That all changed when I tried a recipe for Cheesy Taco Bake from The Naked Kitchen. The best way to describe this recipe? A healthy “Hamburger Helper,” without the hamburger. Double this for freezing! Your kids and/or picky eaters will LOVE it; I know because I have a palate of a six-year-old.

Warning: There’s a little upfront work with this recipe as you must pre-make the enchilada sauce and taco seasoning. However, once you make both, you’ll have plenty to use for several batches. In a hurry? You can always use store-bought enchilada sauce and taco seasoning.

Cheesy Taco Bake

(Makes 8-10 servings)

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp whole wheat flour
6 heaping tbsp nutritional yeast
2 tbsp Taco Seasoning *
4 heaping tbsp Homemade Enchilada Sauce **
1 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp low sodium vegetable broth
1 small onion, diced
1 can (15 ounces) no salt added black beans, drained and rinsed
7 ounces organic firm tofu (you can also substitute with quinoa or any other protein source)
8 ounces whole grain pasta of choice, cooked
1/2 cup croutons, finely crushed
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
4-6 ounces shredded cheese

* Homemade Enchilada Sauce

1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp whole wheat flour
3 tbsp chili powder
12 ounces no salt added tomato paste
2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cumin
3 cloves garlic, minced
sea salt to taste

** Homemade Taco Seasoning

2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp sea salt

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium sauce pan heat olive oil over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot add the flour, reduce heat to low and stir until completely dissolved.
Add in the enchilada sauce and broth. Stir well and then add the nutritional yeast and taco seasoning. Mix well, remove from heat and set aside.
In a large sauté pan add 1 tbsp broth and heat over medium high heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent.
While the onions are cooking, use a fork and mash the tofu into small crumbles. Add the crumbled tofu and black beans to the pan and stir well. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl add the cooked pasta and rice, the onion, bean and tofu mixture and the cheesy enchilada sauce. Stir well and transfer mixture to a 9 x 13 glass baking dish.
Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top (if using) and then the croutons. Place in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Filed Under: Healthy Eating/Nutrition Tagged With: Cheesy Taco Bake, delicious, healthy Hamburger Helper, minus the ground beef, Naked Chef, picky eater

I Met the Trainer’s 5K Challenge!

April 1, 2013 by Mary Pat Baldauf Leave a Comment

This is no April Fools’ Day joke; I met the DWC April AMT Challenge today!

Toward the end of March, I was really excited to hear Danny mention that April’s challenge would be a 5K challenge, thinking this might be one challenge I could actually do! I even tried (and completed) the 5k program on the AMTa few times in March, with times ranging between 33 and 35 minutes. Imagine my disappointment when I saw that the Challenge was a 5K on rolling hills; I’d done all mine on a flat “course.”

Today started the first day of the “5K the Trainers Way” Challenge, and when I arrived for training, Danny said that he wanted me to do the challenge. I quickly told him that I didn’t think I could do it, but he told me that he thought I could and that it was the first part of my training. So I climbed up and did my thing.

The Challenge was indeed quite a challenge. When I’d done the regular 5k program, the settings were Stride 2, Resistance 1, and that took me 33-35 minutes. The Challenge program was Stride 2, Resistance 10-17, with a 30 minute time limit. Throughout the program, I kept watching the time elapsed and mileage trackers, but I was working too hard to do math, too. I gave it all I had, and as I hit 3.1 miles around 28 minutes and some odd seconds, I thought that 5k was 3.2 miles, giving me another .10 of a mile to do in a short period of time. I busted it that last minute, and when Traci went to give me a high five as I finished, I couldn’t high five, check my time or anything. I went straight to the restroom because I thought I was going to throw up! I didn’t, and the nausea passed, but I did rest about 10-15 minutes before I did the rest of my training.

I really felt kind of stupid. I was nauseous, my face was bright red and I was whipped! Traci explained that was not bad; it just meant that I had worked toward the very upper end of my fitness level. She said that she was that way after most of her workouts with her husband. Danny asked me if I wanted some Gatorade, but there was no way I was going to drink something with calories after THAT workout.

As I was returning to “normal,” this sweet young man told me that he had a hard time doing a strenuous workout that early and asked if it was the Challenge I’d done. When I told him yes, he asked if I made the board. And it wasn’t until I asked Danny that I found out that I had! I squealed what little squeal I could make and did a little happy dance (with my arms because I was still resting). Once I recovered fully, I told Danny that I would continue the morning’s strength training only if he promised not to put me back on a machine. Thankfully, the rest of the morning was an upper body focus.

Today was a huge milestone for me; I don’t think I’ve EVER done such a vigorous workout in my entire life. I don’t expect to stay on the board for long, but I’m on it now – and have a picture to prove it. Traci said something about me trying that once a week for the month of April, but I pretended I didn’t hear her. I know that my Type-A personality will get the best of me, though, and that I will try it again. I expect that she realizes that, too, after all of those weeks working with me.

On an unrelated note, I weighed in today nine-and-a-half pounds less than I did on March 1. And I weigh less than I have all year; the last I weighed it at this weight was December. I still have a bit more to lose to get back to where I want to be, but I’m finally back on track. My goal for April is an eight pound loss, which will put me even closer to where I want to be.

Filed Under: Changes and Milestones, Comeback, Fitness/Exercise Tagged With: 5K, AMT, Trainers Challenge

March 2013 Non-Scale Victories

April 1, 2013 by Mary Pat Baldauf Leave a Comment

Resisted lots of little things today, not only because they add up, but they also lead to bigger things, aka well I’ve already had that, I may as well have this…
Pushed through a lot of excuses to get in a 30-minute AMT workout
Resisted buying Girl Scout cookies
Monday morning workout, check!
After a weekend workout, the feeling you get when you walk by people waiting at the Original Pancake House
Substituted agave nectar for honey in my overnight oats; trying to loosen the grip that honey has on me!
Put pepper on my mixed veggies instead of salt
Had decided to take the day off from cardio, but 45 minutes before the gym closed, was struck my an urge to exercise! Got 30 minutes of rolling hills on the AMT.
Took Moon Pie for a walk this a.m. instead of just letting her out back. The neighbors slept a little longer; I got some great exercise with a friend.As I was walking down the hall (to get a few extra steps), someone said, “Energy to burn!” And he was totally right.
Contacted Publix for nutrition info on one of their prepared foods (Four Berry Yogurt Parfait). Was a little surprised, but it was good to know.
Recreated a cleaner, healthier version of Publix Yogurt Parfait at home.
Moved my alarm clock across the room to prevent “snooze-induced” overslept workouts.
SO sore this a.m. and wanted to do a light cardio session, but pushed to do “rolling hills” on the AMT.
10,000+ steps for the first time in a while
Worked out/did cardio every day last week; six times at the gym, once at home
For the first time I can remember, my first urine was almost clear. Trying to do better drinking water consistently throughout the day, evening.
Tried several new recipes this weekend, including one with onions and Ancho peppers.
Used my grandmother’s old Dutch oven in the oven for the first time.
Was sad that it took me 34 minutes to do the 5k on the AMT until I realized that this former “fat girl” was hitting just over a 10 minute mile.
Worked out (training and/or cardio) every day this week.
Sister said she could see that I was losing weight again. (All compliments from Sister are big NSVs as they are very genuine; I don’t get them every day!)
I ran out of chia seeds. Three years ago, I would’ve never imagined buying chia seeds, much less using an entire container and needing to buy more.
Not only back in my 12p gray pants, but tucked a shirt in them, first time in a few months.
Adding a little running to my treadmill walks and not having the lower back discomfort I was having in December.
Working out more, harder and rebounding quicker.
Took a minute off of my AMT 5k time.
Worked out every day this week, third week in a row.
Am back to being enough of a morning regular at the gym that when I went in later on my day off, Danny texted me to be sure everything was ok.
Ran 5.2 mph today on the treadmill. Not long, but progress nonetheless.
Resisted Easter candy to provide room and calories for the annual piece of Dewey’s Pink Lemonade cake.
In a related NSV, went animal free all day, including Easter dinner, to allow for the annual piece of Dewey’s Pink Lemonade cake. Had fruit salad, which I brought, green beans and butter beans; passed over the ham, bread and potato salad.

Filed Under: Changes and Milestones, Fitness/Exercise, Healthy Eating/Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle Tagged With: Changes; non-scale victories, NSV

MY March Madness

March 25, 2013 by Mary Pat Baldauf Leave a Comment

March Madness isn’t just basketball; these days, it is the phrase that best describes my life! After a somewhat chaotic four months, things have fallen back into place quite nicely. I’m not sure what did it, but at the beginning of March, I got my mojo back; I stepped back into the routine that has served me so well the past couple of years. With that, though, I’m finding that I have to use every hour wisely.

My roomie has started a great new job, but one with somewhat different work hours. With a shake-up in the norm, I’ve really had to work to stay on top of things. Take bedtime. Since I get up early, I have to be in bed early. It seems like just about the time I’m hitting my best sleep, she comes home and my dog goes bananas, waking me up. With the help of a white noise machine, melatonin and the passage of time, I think we’ve all just about adjusted, but I’ve had to work at it.

I’ve also moved my personal training sessions from Tuesday and Thursday to Monday and Wednesday. It’s always been a challenge for me to get up early on Mondays, but I like the new schedule better. I am finished with training early in the week, and it allows me a little more flexibility later in the week. For instance, Thusday through Sunday, I can get up a little later; if necessary, I can even exercise after work.

Then there was that time change! I know most of you like it being lighter later, but for someone who is an “early to bed, early to rise,” it is a scary time! I tried getting to bed a little earlier the week before, and perhaps because I was already working on my sleep, aka roomie’s new job, there were only a couple really painful days.

I think I mentioned that I was working at the gym six hours a week, but there’s that in the mix, too. Six hours a week isn’t a lot, and it’s a welcome break to the daily grind, but it has also required planning. I go two days a week after work for two hours, and one day on the weekend. Those weekdays I don’t have my evening “free time,” and I also have to do some meal planning and packing. But despite a little extra planning, it has been a great addition to my week. After all, it puts me at the gym, around motivated happy people, doing some really fun things. It’s all good.

Finally, I’m trying hard to prioritize things better. Just because it’s on a to-do list doesn’t mean it HAS to get done. I’m trying to do those things that I must do, schedule time with friends and/or free time and then know what can wait. This sounds like simple time management, and it is, but it’s not always something I’ve done well.

When I first went to Doctors Wellness Center two and half years ago, I went from being a “live by the seat of my pants” person to someone a little more regimented and purposeful. I was afraid that I was going to lose a neat part of myself, but I actually found quite a bit of freedom in being prepared. When I finished my weekly appointments with the nutrition counselor/life coach, I became a little less focused, and I suffered a small setback. I’ll wait until the end of the month to report, but I think March will find me down 10 lbs. and feeling great. I’m hoping it won’t take me too much longer to readjust and that this will be second nature, as it was before.

Filed Under: Changes and Milestones, Comeback, Healthy Lifestyle Tagged With: mojo, prioritize, routine, time, time management