Back in York

Since I have returned, I have been putting into place many of the pieces of my plan which I developed in classes at Duke during the last week. Sudie has been a wonderful support during my transition back to York.  We both have been working hard to change habits but it was not difficult to adapt to each others new regimens.  The house looks fabulous and we make the bed when we get up and are keeping things organized and put away (it's been two months now since Sudie started.)

One of the first things we did was to empty out the pantry of all the "bad" food and buy health substitutions.  I have been putting on serving of my snacks (pistachio and almonds) in plastic bags so that when I want a snack, all I have to do is grab  a bag.  I also bought health popcorn.

We are now eating suppers and some breakfasts at the dining room table.  This has been a wonderful boon to our marriage..catching up with each other over a meal. Most of the meals have been from the Duke Cookbook and Sudie has enjoyed the spicy flavor of the recipes.

I have contacted some friends about walking together and once the weather improves we will begin walking.  The Rector of my church (and others) have asked me to do a presentation of what I learned while at Duke.  I am on the docket for April 18 at 5PM. I have been able to put together some of the power point slides that were used for classes at Duke. I plan to make some sample food so the participants can taste some of my favorite recipes.

Fitness wise, I went back to the York Fitness Center for the last two weeks and have been averaging 90 minutes 5 days a week.  I had put in my application to join the York Health Heart Institute and I finally had my intake interview and medical check-up yesterday. My weight was a few pounds higher than it was when I left Duke because I was wearing my sweat cloths when I weighed in and they weighed probably 2-3 pounds.  So now I have a base mark to keep track of my weight loss over the next year.  When I weighed myself this morning just before I took a shower, I was 3 pounds less than at Duke, so I am feeling good about what I am eating and the amount of exercise.  Wednesdays will be my weigh-in day so I will blog each Wednesday to keep you posted on my progress.

Finally I want to thank all of you fabulous folks here in York and all my relatives too for all the kind words and support that you have shown me on my way home and since I returned.  With that kind of support, I know I will be successful. When I left Duke, many people asked me if I planned to return (many do return for multiple times.)  I told them that I do not plan to return as I know that with the wonderful support I have, I will conquer my weight problem. AMEN!!