Maintenance Challenges

Hi Folks! Sorry I haven't done this in awhile. I'm still tracking my calories and exercise on a daily basis. This has been a busy school year for me, so it's been a challenge to be on here and do as much as I should, but that's not all of it. I've just been in a bit of a "funk" lately trying to decide what I want to do after the school year ends. I'm considering a career change due to license requirement changes. My age has a lot to do with it. It's been an enjoyable year, but I am questioning what to do after the next two weeks. We are not in a position to relocate, so that's not an option for me.

I'm doing pretty well with maintaining my weight, but I have a few stubborn pounds that don't want to come back off. I'm dealing with medicine changes as well, and I think that could be part of the problem. In addition to getting a few regained pounds back off, I'd like to lose a few more pounds because I found out a few months ago that I've shrunk in height. I'm not even 5' tall anymore. I had a bone density test about a year and a half ago, and I don't have osteoporosis. However, I do have osteoarthritis, so that may be the reason. I'm on calcium and Vitamin D to help with that.

Some disappointments I've had since reaching my goal weight are: not getting off some meds like I'd hoped I would when I started; still having some cardiac issues; people being literally jealous and nasty toward me; the "newness" has worn off, and now it's down to the "nitty-gritty" of keeping it off.

Some plusses since reaching my goal: my blood levels and blood pressure are in the normal ranges with the current, or reduced dosages; enjoying a new wardrobe that I don't have to keep replacing; being told I've inspired others to do what I have; getting to help others; enjoying a few more calories each day, although I need to cut back again because I want to lose some more weight.

Exercise: I still use my recumbent bike, but now use some new music. I discovered a new group I like, so that's my time to listen to them and accomplish something at the same time. The weather has been crazy here this Spring; it's warm a few days, and then it's rainy and cold again. I was walking outside again, but I don't want to walk alone due to the cardiac issues, and I also encountered a safety issue. So, before I go out walking again, I need to get some "protection" (as in pepper spray or borrow someone's dog). Hubby's and my schedules don't always "click," so I can't always walk with him.

So, that's what life has been like for me the past few months. I've also had sinus/allergy issues a lot this past Winter and this Spring. It was quite a challenge for me to keep a written diary of my food/exercise/medicine intake while I did my long-term substitute job this past Winter. That's when I put a few pounds back on. That school's cafeteria was just too good (a rarity!). However, one challenge I gave myself was to buy fresh fruits and veggies from the cafeterias instead of chips and sweets. One school hasn't even been charging me for them! How good is that? Seeing how few calories are in them in exchange for the way they fill me up is well worth it. Today, I get to teach a few classes about calories, BMR, and serving sizes. How cool is that?