There are many things that have changed over the last several months.  I am happily down 22 pounds and am working through some problems to get beyond that.  I am fluctuating around 193 and have been for the last month and a half.  This can be blamed on returning to work and all the grading I am doing, but really, it is me sliding back into old habits.  So what have I done to lose 22 pounds?  I have been even more careful about avoiding all dairy products, I am trying to eat fewer snacks throughout the day, and I have protein when I eat carbs.  This is harder than it sounds.  I tend to just eat the carbs and forget the protein because the carbs taste so good.  I am also walking at least 2 miles three times a week.  I had been working in my yard all summer and that was a great workout because I have about an acre I have been clearing.  But I need to stay on task and keep positive throughout all of this.  For a few days before I get on the scale, I tell myself the weight I want to see.  I keep this realistic by remembering that losing 1-2 pounds a week is healthy and long term.  This week I really want to see 192.  To do this, I am making sure that I keep up with my physical therapy and my walking.  I have increased my speed and my angle on the treadmill.

I have gone through a lot of tests, x-rays, and MRIs to learn that my back is sore from sitting a lot and scoliosis.  This I knew because I have had it since I was a teenager.  But in doing this I have been set up with a physical therapist.  She is an hour drive away from my home, so I only see her once every couple of weeks.  I have learned that this is the best way to make what I am learning and doing with a professional a long term practice.  I have to do my physical therapy three times a day.  Because I do this on my own, I am making it a habit unlike other times I have gone to a physical therapist.  In the past, I have gone three or more times a week for a limited amount of time, never did the work at home, and when the therapy was over so was my working on the issue.  Now I have to make sure that I am doing this on my own and check in once in a while to make sure I am doing everything correctly or if I need to change something.  This has been much more successful for me.  I am excited to incorporate it into my daily routine.

I have also learned from my physical therapy what I need to do to help me and my back and legs out before, during, and after the hikes.  Whenever I come across something that strains my body, I ask how I can help it or prepare for it.  Most of the time, the answer is to continue with the stretches already given.  This is great because I know that I will be able to do them on the long hike.  From these stretches and exercises, walking regularly, and hiking once a month, I am noticing that I am recovering much faster than I ever had.  I can also walk longer without too much regret.  I feel better most of the time and my attitude is almost always positive with a happy outlook.   Life is looking better.