A Health Update

I’ve been swamped at work and busy outside of work, but I’m popping in quick for an update of sorts.

Health/Fitness:
Well, since the beginning of the year, this has gone quite well. The strength training has really helped with my speed in running – now dropped below 10 minutes/mile for shorter distances.

I’ve also dropped almost 10 pounds since January 1 by not dieting, per se, but just making little dietary changes:

• Drinking my coffee black instead of with creamer.
• Not having the random cookies/cake/breakfast pastries that show up at the office
• Changing my morning breakfast from yogurt/light English muffin to oatmeal (Trader Joe’s Whole Grain Oatmeal in blueberry or cranberry).
• Switching from beer to wine when I drink.
• Eliminating almost all diet soda from my diet. I still enjoy a diet soda now and then, but for the most part, all I drink is water, fizzy water, coffee and tea. No sugar, no artificial sweeteners, nothing.

I don’t deny myself anything, but I just say “you know, I only need 2 pieces of pizza, not 3.” It’s amazing what just little changes can do.

Also, since the first of the year, my BMI has dropped from 28.3 to 26.8. My goal is to get to what calculates to 25.0 on the antiquated height/weight measurement calculation. I’ve been measured – I have a large frame* and I’m pretty fit for an old lady. Sure, I have some extra padding in places, but for the most part, I’m in pretty good shape with some well-developed muscles. So, for someone like me, a simple calculation isn’t a true reflection of my BMI. But, I have a weight goal I would like to achieve, and at this rate, I’ll hit it by the end of the year.

Without “dieting.” Not too shabby.

Allergies:
Since I discovered the chemical/perfume allergy, I’ve been on the hunt for products that I can use without causing me to react. Enter the glorious company known as Lush!

I’ve been using their face care, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel for about a month and a half now. My skin hasn’t looked this good in YEARS and my hair, which had been thinning over the past 4 years due to stress and, most likely, this allergy I have, hasn’t looked this good in a LONG time. Also, my scalp, which has always been a bit problematic, is healthy and not itchy at all. This, for me, is HUGE. People I work with have noticed the vast improvement in my skin and hair and have said so. That never happens!

At first glance, the prices for the products seems to be a bit expensive, but you only need to use a tiny amount of anything to get results – so it lasts a LONG time. I can’t stop singing their praises. Fresh, natural, handmade cosmetics that I can use without breaking out? Yes, please!

I think I’ll have to join a group for Lush-aholics soon…lol.

Wow…this “quick” update turned into a long one! Hope you made it this far.
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* “I’m not fat, I’m big boned!” -Eric Cartman