Diet Update

Other than my trip out of town last week, when I had some fish and chips and shared a pitcher of beer with Smyrish, (after swimming all day, I might add!) I have been sticking to my doctor ordered diet. It has been quite easy, and I have actually figured out what foods make me feel yucky in the tummy, (pasta, bread and ice cream, potatoes, draft beer) which ones make me itch, ( processed sandwich meats, and fake, but yummy cheese) and which foods make me feel heavenly,(veggies, rice, steak, eggs and fish) by process of elimination. I lost about 8 pounds, fast. Then it all stopped.

To me, losing 8 pounds, is nothing. It doesn't show, and if the scale didn't tell me that I lost weight, I'd never know. I figure I'll have to lose at least another 10 pounds, before there is any visual difference in my body. Sticking to the diet will help, but I've got to find a way to get more exercise in.

I swim, and I swim hard, 2 to 4 times a week with work. First of all, because I like to, second of all, because I want to be a good role model for the residents, and thirdly, I love the fact that I'm getting paid to do something I want and need to do. But it just isn't doing enough for me. I am terrified of going to a gym, because I don't know how to work any of the machines, and I never see any fat people there, and even if I wasn't, it's so hard to get motivated to find the time, with my wacky shift work schedule. I looked into taking a spin class, or belly-dancing or something, but with my rotating schedule, financially, it won't work. I can't justify paying money for a class I will only be able to attend every other week, if that.

I want it to be spring. I want to go for daily walks around the lake, I want to be able to ride my bike, instead of drive. But, Mother Nature says I can't have what I want, for another month or so.

Anyone have any exercise tips or ideas for things I can be doing, while I wait?