Jan 25 - Day 16

Today was a beautiful warm day.  I actually wore shorts today and it felt great.  Sorry about the weather you are having in the east! Warm weather, warm pool, aren't you feeling sorry for me?  hehehe

I got a bit of a surprise this morning when they tested my glucose.  The level had jumped to 159, up from 117 on Friday. Don't know the reason, I really was good at the restaurant Saturday night! But folks who know, say that even that level is not terrible.  I have my Medical check-up on Wed and will find out more then.  HOWEVER I did weigh myself and I now have lost a total of 18.1 Lbs. in two weeks. Folks who are been here a number of times told me that during the first two weeks it is typical to lose lots of weight, and the third and fourth week are bummers, usually only a couple of pounds a week.  Hey, four pounds is four less pounds!!

After breakfast, I did one circuit on the weight machines.  I am now beginning to increase the weights on some of them. My legs do feel a whole bunch stronger and the weights are easier this week than last.  From there I went to water aerobics.  Believe it or not, I am beginning to enjoy the class.  I was less tired when I got out, yet I knew I have worked most of my muscles. They have devised a chart so that you know how much you are putting into an exercise call the Rate of Perceived Exertion:

6. No exertion
7. Extremely light
8.
9. Very light
10.
11. Light-notice your breathing
12
13. Somewhat hard breathing
14.
15Hard/heavy breathing-difficult to talk comfortably
16
17. Very hard

and a few more, but you get the idea.  During an exercise session, the instructor will ask at what level we are at, or ask us to increase our level of exertion til we perceive our level at 14.  They like us to keep within the 11 - 14 range. I have found this to be very helpful, even when I am on the Nu-Step machine.

I attended a group therapy session on "deeper issues" and then just before lunch went to a class, "Eating trigger foods Mindfully". Toward the end of the talk,  we were given the opportunity of eating one potato chip ot one Hershey's Kiss.  I chose the kiss.We opened up the kiss and are told to eat just 1/4 of it. Then we closed our eyes and experiences the taste, texture, and any other sensation we felt as we ate it. We did this three more time until the kiss was consumed.  Then we talked about the experience.  I agreed with those who said trhey felt satisfied with just one kiss! As I ate it, I was aware of the wonderful flavor and the sensation of it melting on my tongue. The point of the exercise was mindful eating.  I challenge any of you to try it and let me know your experience.

After lunch, I went on a grocery store tour to Krogers.  A nutritionist came along and led the tour pointing all the healthy foods that are available.  One favorite was Amy's brand.  I don't remember seeing it at Hannifords. I was late getting back to a class on Cardiovascular Fitness which discussed the use of all our muscles in our bodies - facinating!

I went downstairs and Nu-steped for 40 minutes, then back upstairs to a "Relieving Stress" class before dinner.  For the first time, I didn't care for what was served, so I am a bit hungry, but the snack I have just eaten should fill in the cracks.