Weight Loss Challenge

My older sister convinced me to join a weight loss challenge where we live. I didn't really want to do it but I am told I need to get out of the house without Ella sometimes. So this is about one hour every Wednesday night for ten weeks. I can handle that, I thought and I am always looking for ways to improve my health and eating habits. I want to be a good role model for Ella for one and I want to be healthy so I can keep up with her.  Plus who doesn't want to lose weight?

Last night was week seven and so far I have lost eight pounds total, now that might not seem like much but hey this is over the holidays. Everyone is asking what I have been doing and I'm not doing anything special, no pop for one but just eating a balance of foods. The big thing is I have been doing Yoga and Pilate's almost daily. Each routine is less than thirty minutes so it's pretty easy to fit into a schedule. For those of you who have never tried it, I strongly recommend both. They are low impact and fairly gentle on your body. I have back problems and I am not supposed to do anything high impact. They both help with getting that long and lean look, improve flexibility and give you more energy because you aren't so tired when you finish. They loosen up the body and help with stiffness and soreness, which is so common in these colder months. Yoga also helps with stress and giving your mind focus as most yoga practices end in meditation. Usually it is a guided meditation and they have you think of your intention for the day (in the a.m.) or reflect and re-visit your intention from the day (p.m.). That always helps me remember why I am doing this challenge and by extension why I am exercising in the first place.

So all the benefits I have gotten so far from this weight loss challenge are; better eating habits, more energy, exercising regularly, weight loss and sleeping better. Oh yeah and the top three "losers" get cash prizes, whoopee, I hope I win!!!