Life as a Thinner, Uncaffeinated Person

You might remember that I am losing weight mostly to deal with some health issues. I want pressure off of my arthritic knee. I want less acid reflux. I want better breathing for the dust allergy. How's that going?

I remain in the 20 pounds lighter zone. This last month at work was pretty bad, so I haven't really been working on it. More or less, though, I've been maintaining. Work has lightened up considerably this week, as you can see by the fact that I have written 3 journal entries, so I'm back in the swing of things.

About this time last year, I was considering using a cane for those times when my knee just ached. My knee still hurts on occasion, such as when I step down from a giant firetruck platform without noticing the size of the step, but I climb stairs now, and descend stairs now, which was the more painful part, quiet easily. Taking 20 pounds off my knee has been a success. I can even run a little bit, although I don't push that.

As to reflux, I would have to say that my diet has helped there more than my weight loss. Of course, losing weight is helpful. BUT that said, what is more helpful is the no coffee, no chocolate, no soda thing. The new slant box for the mattress is also helpful.

Breathing is also a considerable change. Not lugging around 20 pounds more means it's easier to breathe. I am less likely to hack up a lung when I try to exert myself, and I no longer snore or pop at night. The dust allergy and triggers seem less severe.

From a health perspective, I will definitely say that even if I didn't drop more weight, these results are worth it. I do have plans to try to take off more, because I want to feel better than I do now. When I started, I had 76 pounds to lose. Now I am over my "ideal" weight by about 56 pounds. As I mentioned above, work has settled down considerably, so now I will begin phase two. It took me six months to lose twenty pounds. Slow and steady wins the race. By the end of October, I would like to have 36 pounds left to lose.

The next stage begins today, as this is the day I weigh in. I have come to think of the first phase as the thyroid med phase. This one will be labeled the fruits and vegetables stage. Over the summer, I plan to cook at home more, and make fruits and veggies my habit. Not just fruits and veggies, but they will be what I plan my meals around, and they will become my go to snack.

Anyway, I'm feeling better.

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.