Weight loss question -- Help!/ **Jane**

[Guest guest]

Hi Jane,

 

I'm totally with you on the wish to NOT have to exercise, but it's a

necessary 'evil' that must be done. I had just graduated high school

when I finally had the motivation to lose the extra poundage and go

veg. At that point, I decided to lose the weight for *myself*, because

I no longer had to do the dreaded Phys Ed class and no longer had to

put up with the immature teenage fat jokes and remarks . I started

off by walking more around town, doing low-impact exercise videos,

lifting light weights at home, doing a few sit-ups, gardening...not

huge changes, but enough to make a difference from my previous inactive

lifestyle. I also ditched the junk food in my diet, which made a big

difference to the weight loss process. No more Big Gulps and ketchup-

flavoured potato chips. (Eeeek!!! I can't believe I used to eat that

stuff!!)

 

Over the years, I gradually evolved into a running, biking, hiking,

backpacking, snowshoeing, weight-lifting Queen . This is partly

because I discovered that I actually *do* love to exercise if I can do

it solo (as opposed to those awful team sports in a competitive, school

setting), and partly because I have a career that requires me to be in

good shape (forestry). I enjoy how I feel when I am doing something

physically, being able to go the extra mile in a strenuous activity,

being strong, being able to clear my mind while I exercise...I don't

think I could ever go back to being inactive, because I would just feel

too crappy!

 

Jane, whatever kind of exercise you do, make sure you choose one that

*YOU* will enjoy and do it at your own pace. It's hard to stick with

something if you consider it a chore. I love the outdoors, which is why

I choose activities that get me outside, into nature, which allow me to

stop and admire the trees and flowers and birdies, and to do it all at

my own pace. Walking is always a great activity to start with,

because it's cheap, good for the environment, and you can do it slow,

fast, long, or short. I do a lot walking to and from work (a good 2.5

miles return with a brutal hill), during my work (not recommended

unless you *like* to do 8-10 hours of bushwacking!!), and just around

town, listening to tunes and clearing my mind. I think of it as my

meditation technique.

 

I wish you all the best, keep us up-to-date on your exercise 'program',

and if you need more motivating, just let me know!

 

Cheers,

Kathleen

 

--- Jane wrote:

> Kathleen, I enjoyed reading what you wrote and you certainly have

valid points. Wish we didn't have to exercise to complete the process,

but, we DO! Just a question for you, to help motivate myself, what

exercise did you include with your switch to the vegetarian lifestyle?

> Jane

>

> Kathleen wrote: " Increasing the amount of exercise you do is crucial

to taking and KEEPING the weight off. I don't think I would have been

able to keep my 35 pounds off for so long if I didn't try to move my

body on a regular basis. "