Finally!!!

I exercised today!...finally.

I decided that I would use my second hand eliptical machine today for the first time (don't ask how long I've had it for). However, when I got downstairs, I realized it wouldn't turn on and we were out of D batteries. So, trying to avoid the default 'difficult' setting and hating the machine forever because of it, I decided to go up and down my basement stairs. So, I did this 10 times in a row. Wow, I'll be feeling that tomorrow.

Then I did 15 calf raises on the bottom stair, holding my up position for 10 seconds every 5 lifts. Then, I did 30 crunches, 20 reverse crunches, 30 back lifts, and 36 shoulder raises and 36 incline dumbell presses. I used ultra-light weights, because my muscle tone has gone to pot. I used to be really strong and had great muscle, even if I have never been really slim. I think that is the part that I'm most looking forward to: being strong again, not just looking and feeling good.

I decided to try Smart Balance Peanut Butter (I already use the Smart Balance buttery spread--what a great product! I love the compromise) made with peanuts, flaxseed and palm fruit oils, molasses and salt. I always equate the taste of omega oils with fishy oil, because that's the first experience that I had with that stuff and the oil was ULTRA fishy. So, when I tasted this peanut butter, my first thought was, "fishy peanut butter...eww!" Don't get me wrong, I really like fish! I love halibut, salmon and trout especially. However, this didn't taste like fish...it tastes fishy...just to me, though. It doesn't help that I still have really sensitive taste from pregnancy. I'm going to keep using it because it's a better alternative right now, for me, than regular peanut butter while I'm trying to change my eating habits. I'm sure that I will get used to it pretty soon. I just need to limit the amount of jam or honey on the sandwich and not get too zealous about covering up the flavor.

I made cinnamon rolls yesterday. I really wanted one this morning for breakfast. I decided that I wouldn't restrict myself, but just discipline myself. I realized that if I had one in the morning, I would probably start to sugar crash later, and then eat another, and then probably eat yet another one later. So, I decided I would have one this afternoon after I have something else good (like carrots &/or lettuce & a little bit of cottage cheese) around snack time and then let that satisfy my want of sweets for the day. I think if I allow myself one thing each day instead of trying to pull everything out at once, there may be a point when I don't care to have any at all for more than a day at a time. I totally feel good about that.

My friend has invited me and some other ladies over to watch "The Biggest Loser" at her house every week. She says it's good motivation. I'm excited to go this week.

I'm feeling peaceful knowing that I'm heading in the correct direction and that I will soon be feeling better than I have in a long while.