5 Day Pouch Test Starts Today!

Greetings Neighbors & Happy First Monday of Summer to you!

After many consecutive days of rain the sun is finally shining and it does seem Summer has arrived. So for me it is the perfect time to refresh and restart. I'm doing the 5 Day Pouch Test in part to test some new recipes, but also to give myself a clean start to summer eating and grilling season. Today started with a protein shake (Atkins Advantage Vanilla Shake blended with 1/4 cup frozen raspberries). I've had coffee and lots of water. My friend Evelyn is joining me this week and you can follow us on my Facebook page as well as in the Neighborhood and in this blog. I'd love to hear from you if you are also doing the 5DPT this week.

In conjunction with the 5DPT I am beginning my 8 week walking program as outlined in our newest publication: Walk Your Way to Fitness (You can link here to buy it in our LivingAfterWLS General Store.) This handy pocket-sized walking guide is full of helpful information that has me inspired to pursue a more formal walking plan. For those who have been sedentary the plan is quite easy to follow with only three 15-minute walks the first week. Following the program you gradually work up to 30 minutes of walking for 6 days a week during week 8. Quoting from Page 3 of this handy guide,

"This program is designed to help you effectively integrate a beneficial walking program into your life. On it, you will gradually increase the number of days you walk per week, beginning with only 15 minutes three times the first week. Then you will increase the number of minutes you walk each session until you reach your goal of 30-60 minutes per day. Walking at least 30 minutes is needed to gain health benefits. If weight loss is one of your goals, you may need to walk at least 60 minutes daily. Log your progress in this book. Logging helps you stay motivated to reach your goals."

I know it seems like a little thing to be excited about having this little walking guide to keep me motivated and accountable. But the longer we continue in our pursuit of healthy living with weight loss surgery the longer we need to seek new motivation, no matter how simple, to keep us fresh and inspired.

Look for the Walk You Way to Fitness Guide & Daily Log under Publications in our store.

Look Mom - No Training Wheels!!

Hello Neighbors!

So it's been about 100 years since I last rode a bike. I have to be honest with you -- I never got over the fear of being judged after some mean kids hollered at me one day "Look at the fat pig on the bicycle." Yeah, sticks and stones break bones but words can wound for life. I'm sure many of you endured similar experiences and I'm so sad about that.

So last week I told my husband that I've seriously been thinking about getting a bicycle. While we live way out of town and dirt roads are the rule the LivingAfterWLS office is in the "metropolitan" heart of our tiny community. And There is a wonderful biking/walking trail between the office and the grocery store where I visit the salad bar nearly every day. "How fantastic it would be," I told him, "If I had a bicycle and could ride to the market for my salad?" Jim is not one to spend time on Pro's and Con's and the very next day he surprised my this darling baby blue Huffy with whitewall tires! I am crazy in love! It is simple and sturdy and nothing so complicated as gears and hand brakes. All that's missing now is a pretty basket for going to the market. I do have a helmet, but didn't wear it for this posed picture - so don't worry.

It has been such a joy, a childlike joy, to ride a bike again. I am so happy that I finally screwed up enough courage to take back this pleasure. I'm sad that cruel words from so long ago kept me from doing something so carefree and healthy and fun.

According to my Sports & Recreation Chart I can burn 200 calories in just 30 minutes of cycling! And that's not counting the valleys & hills! I really cannot think of a better statement of "LIVING" than being able to take a break in the workday for a little fitness and fresh air. I bet I have inspiring words to share after a mid-day ride!

For some great bicycle safety tips visit BicycleSafe.com

Walking to my Birthday

Hello Neighbors!!!

You may have noticed my new signature ticker:




2009 is a big year for me. This summer is my ((gulp)) 25 year high school reunion and in September is my 10 year Arrivalversary. I want to be my best for these events. Lately I'm not particularly motivated by a weight ticker as my maintenance is pretty steady give or take a few pounds. But I have become a bit lazy when it comes to my cardio workouts - you know - hit and miss, nothing regular.

So my birthday is coming up in April and I've set myself a goal to treadmill 160 miles between now and then. Walk to my Birthday! I'm not going to count my outdoor walking because I don't get the burn from it like I do the treadmill. Yesterday I did 2 miles and today 3. I have 45 days left to walk the last 155 miles to my Birthday! And the reward? Strong toned legs and a new pair of shoes!! (A friend asked me, "What happens if you don't make it?" and I answered, "That is NOT an option.")

So join me in this personal fitness challenge or create your own!

Remember, we all do better when we have a challenge, a goal and a plan.
I will keep you posted of my progress: follow this thread in the Neighborhood.

Happy trails . . . . .