Year Four, Day 325: My Essential 13

Hi Friends!

Again, I apologize for my long absence.  No excuses. No shame. Just busy trying to find balance in this life.

I've been quite successful about regular gym workouts. My goal is daily workouts. Mostly in the gym.  I am currently on Day 127!  

I must say, if I skip a day of exercise, I feel miserable.  

However, for all of my effort, I had not lost any weight!  Granted, I have become a tad more shapely.  Here are some pictures along my journey. The first one  was taken 02/07/2022 with my son. It was our 8th day of working out together. The second one was taken 09/07/2022.  

The third was taken on 09/23/2022 after about a week of preparing most of my meals at home. And being pretty strict about no dairy, focusing on grains, veggies, fruits, legumes and Indian spices. At last, the scale moved a few pounds downward.  

I am attempting at long last to follow the Ayurvedic principles of dieting.  It's not a fad. It's been around for thousands of years. Google it. Very interesting. I've been reading about Ayurveda for most of my life. Finally, I have the time and means to actually try it.  

An added plus, is it is focused on Indian food and spices. Which I love, but have not had the courage and patience to cook much from scratch.

And now I do! And my body is loving it!

02/07/2022

09/07/2022

09/23/2022

My belly, my belly! Whefore art thou my belly!

Just kidding! Hit the road belly! Don't you come back no more!

I've spent most of my life cursing my Buddha belly.  And come to think of it, most of my life becoming bloated and quite ill after eating certain foods.  Pizza has always been the death of me.

I'm fairly certain I am sensitive to dairy.  I've totally switched to plant based milk.  I don't even really miss the cheese.

I'm not completely vegan. I do eat a bit of meat, especially fish. I also enjoy eggs.

It's still a process. It probably always will be. But I am making progress again. At last!

When I began this self improvement blog, nearly 5 years ago, I was 60 lbs heavier!  I've learned quite a bit along the way. But it has not been a straight and narrow road. I have meandered all over the hills of life!

Now I have 40 more lbs to lose to reach my goal weight.  I'm hoping that I've finally found a solution to my eating habits.

I know that I have a lists of life essentials to keep me in balance and enjoying the moment:

Zita's Essential 13

1. Movement.  Daily exercise!
2. Eat for sustenance and the simple pleasure of taking in quality nutrients.  (No recreational or binge eating)
3. Cook my own meals using fresh, whole foods and a variety of spices. Avoid dairy, meat, wheat, sugar and processed foods.
4. Accomplish one thing each day from my list of "have to's"
5. Learn and study each day. I am currently learning how to play the ukelele.
6. Be in the present moment with my students.
7. Prioritize my relationships with my partner, family and friends.
8. Stretch.
9. Rise early
10. Take naps
11. No late night eating or drinking.
12. Drink oodles of water
13. This last one should be #1. Praise God and seek His presence always. 

Sorry for the rambling nature of today's post. I am heading out to visit grandchildren. But wanted to check in.

Happy Saturday!

Talk soon....

Love,

Zita