Going strong, a little at a time (Week 25 Update)

Here's my week at a glance:

583 calories under weekly budget
10.4% protein consumed
3,853 calories of exercise done (cleaning, yardwork, gardening, aqua aerobics, weight lifting)
1 pound lost (down to 345.4)

I got a fairly uncomfortable sunburn on my upper back and shoulders from aqua aerobics class. I did put on sunscreen but it's very hard to reach there, and I would feel incredibly weird going up to a random person in the locker room and asking them to do my back for me. In the past I've sometimes worn t-shirts over my suit for protection from the sun; my teacher recommended a certain kind of water wear that doesn't have any elastic in it, is built for wearing in the pool and lasts a long time. I'm thinking about getting one; it's long sleeved with a zipper in the front. But it's about $50 bucks, money I don't have right now, and I also figure I'm losing weight and something to wear in the water you don't really want to be baggy and flowing. I have 2 shirts from REI, one short-sleeved and one long-sleeved that are thin enough to dry quickly and actually have some sun protection. I should probably just wear those for now.

It has been a good week overall. I'm kind of nervous waiting for the results of a job interview I did last week, but there's nothing I can do at this point but wait for a phone call.

My foot is still bothering me. I had been on 500mg of Naproxen twice a day almost the whole last 3 weeks while I was doing physical therapy, and then ran out just before the end. I didn't really realize it was helping until it's gone. I've got a refill on it, I just haven't used it yet. I need to stay on top of my physical therapy exercises and stretches as well. I was thinking last night before bed that I should really bring a rope or something up and put it within reaching distance in the morning for doing my hamstring stretches while still in bed.

I'm a little sad because I feel like I wasted the last 3 months or so that could have been good weight loss months and instead I actually gained. I think it's just really hard for me to stay focused on something like physical health when I feel so blahhhh. I'm back on track now though, so that's what matters.

Cholesterol Update

I had my 3 month check-in with my physician, with accompanying lipid panel. I am on 20 mg of lipitor (the lowest dose) and take a flax oil liqui-gel once per day. Exercise is supposed to help raise HDL and weight loss helps the big picture.

I didn't get a copy of the report like I usually ask for, but here's what I remember:

Total Cholesterol: 167
HDL: 49 (up from 40 in December)
LDL: 99 (about the same)
Triglycerides: don't know.

My doc seamed pleased, and all numbers are within heart-healthy range. I'd like to try going off of the lipitor once I get my weight down and see if I can do without it.

A higher number on the HDL --- maybe 60 would be attainable? -- would be great. If I keep losing weight and getting physical activity, maybe I can get there in time.

Doing a better job now (2011 Week 24 Update)

Here are my stats for the last week:

Calories: 354 under weekly budget
Protein: 10% of diet
Weight Change: -0.3 pounds
Exercise: 2,376 calories worth. yard work, gardening, weight training, stretching and house cleaning.

My mood has continued to improve. I feel more like myself these days; I am able to genuinely smile and laugh. I am still anxious sometimes but doing a better job of coping. I have been sleepier than I am used to though, and I wonder if that might be a reaction to the increased antidepressant medication dose. I suppose it also could just be spring allergies. Here's hoping it passes soon.

I've been going to physical therapy twice per week for my plantar fascitis, to learn and practice stretches and strength training exercises that will make my hips and legs more balanced, and everything stronger and more flexible. I have also been doing some core exercises there, like planks, bridges, etc. It is very hard work but I think it will be a good habit to get into, and not just for my foot problem.

My birthday was last month and one of my gifts was a lightweight, fabric hammock. I just got around to putting it up in a tree in the back yard several days ago and I have really been enjoying hanging out (literally!) outside in it, reading, working on the computer, or just relaxing. And I went back to aqua aerobics again today.

I want to do lap swimming at the pool, but I'm a little intimidated by the crowded lanes, especially since I swim more slowly than a lot of people. I used to go to an indoor pool when I lived in a different city, and it was open all day long, so I could choose non-peak times to go and do some laps. They also had lane markers: "slow", "medium" and "fast", so I felt like there was a spot set aside for me!

I still can't get back to walking and hiking yet (says doc) which is disappointing. Maybe I'll take a cycling class this week at the gym.