Long Time No Talk!

Hi all!  Sorry, I have been away for a little bit, but I wanted to bring everyone up to date on what is going on with my challenge!  I have researched what I was given in the last episode I was on The Bert Show and let me tell you....fascinating!  I will go into further detail when I go on air again, but I am amazed at the wealth of information that can be found for free online.  Now, don't get me wrong....it is inevitable that you will think you find a helpful free website that end up asking for your credit card info for the rock bottom price of $xx.xx, however, as we all know, there are those of us that don't have $.xx to spend on weight loss and fitness tutorials.

One thing I've learned is that you must brush up on your math skills while figuring this out.  Remember how we all (well most of us) said while we were in school, "Why do I need to learn this math?  I'm never gonna use it in daily life...except for may addition and subtraction."  Well, this is just not true especially when figuring out percentages of fat, carbs, and protein.  Not to mention caloric intake and burning.  Math has become my friend...albeit an annoying friend sometimes, but a friend that is helping me get into shape and lose weight.

Even though I have not been told by The Bert Show or Daniel, my mentor, I have begun to incorporate exercise into my daily routine.  My fellow single parents know how difficult it is to squeeze any lengthy workout into our day, but I read this statement and it resonated.  Even 7 minutes of something is better than 7 minutes of nothing when it comes to exercise.  How true!  Although I really haven't concentrated too much...YET...on the types of exercise are best for me because of being focused on the nutrition part of this journey, I'm going with the whole something is better than nothing mantra.

Another thing....WATER is VERY IMPORTANT.  I'm sure we've all heard this but did you know:

Initial weight loss is largely due to loss of water, and you need to drink an adequate amount of water in order to avoid dehydration.

The process of burning calories requires an adequate supply of water in order to function efficiently; dehydration slows down the fat-burning process.

Burning calories creates toxins (think of the exhaust coming out of your car), and water plays a vital role in flushing them out of your body

Dehydration causes a reduction in blood volume; a reduction in blood volume causes a reduction in the supply of oxygen to your muscles; and a reduction in the supply of oxygen to your muscles can make you feel tired.

Water helps maintain muscle tone by assisting muscles in their ability to contract, and it lubricates your joints. Proper hydration can help reduce muscle and joint soreness when exercising.

A healthy (weight loss) diet includes a good amount of fiber. But while fiber is normally helpful to your digestive system, without adequate fluids it can cause constipation instead of helping to eliminate it.

Drinking water with a meal may make you feel full sooner and therefore satisfied eating less. Note, however, that drinking water alone may not have this effect. In order to feel satiated (not hungry), our bodies need bulk, calories and nutrients.

(Source http://www.caloriesperhour.com/tutorial_water.php)

Ok, well that is it for right now.  I'm going to save giving away how much I've lost so far and more importantly how many inches I've lost until I can bring it to The Bert Show...the people who have supported me with pep talks and guidance (although minimal as that IS the experiment of course).

I promise to update and give the tips I find more often though as well as put into words the struggles I face everyday when trying to stay steadfast in my journey.  (I have a co-worker who brings in Oreos and frankly, I've never met an Oreo I didn't like! :) )

Have a wonderful day and happy, healthy eating!!!!