results are showing?

Two days ago my mom asked me if I was working out and I asked her does it look like I've been? She said "yes!" looks like you lost some of your tummy. What have you been doing differently these day? I told her I didn't change anything and I should be working out harder. I guess I'm just a little more hard on myself and I stare at myself everyday so I don't think that there is a change at all. After hearing the comment from my mother, I felt great. It means so much for me to hear that from her because she loves to criticize me all the time.

I don't think I lost the 15 pounds that I'm suppose to lose by the end of the semester, but I do feel like I am eating more healthier and trying to be more active than before. I am losing weight the healthy way.

health widget

Be Active Your Way (open accessible version in new window)

!-- ############################# -->

Know Your Score

benefits of running

I used to be a runner. I used to run everyday and I would always try to improve my time for each mile that I run. I wish I was that person again. The older I get, the harder it is for me to run. For the past few weeks I have been trying to increase my distance. I would run in increments of .5 miles. Each week I would increase my distance. Right now I can only run 2 miles before I call it a night.

I have read several articles on the benefits of running. The links to articles are:

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/exercise-the-benefits-of-running-509436.html

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704252004574455331050172834.html

http://www.therunnersguide.com/benefitsofrunning/

These are great articles. Each time I read an article it would motivate me to run more. Not to lose weight but to be healthy and to relieve stress that would give me energy. Each time I finish running, I feel like a heavy load have been sweated off.

I need to find a safe place to run at night because the neighborhood that I live in is not too safe. Since I get home late from work running at night is a little harder. However, 24 hour fitness is going to open soon so hopefully I can stop by the gym before heading home and do some running even if it is on the treadmill.

why is losing weight so challenging for me?

I think I know why it is so hard for me to lose another pound. First I don't work out enough and when I start working out, I eat more than I work out. One of my weaknesses are carbs! I love carbs and I always crave carbs. I grew up eating rice so if I don't have rice for more than a day I get cranky. I tried cutting the size of my meal which is working for me right now, but those carbohydrates are killing me especially white food! Carbohydrates are not the only killer. I love drinking fountain drinks! I tried quitting, but there are times when I'm out with my friends enjoying a good meal I would want that drink.
For instance, I went to Bucca di Peppo last weekend and of course we ordered pasta and pizza. I ordered water with my meal and no soft drinks or wine. The bread comes out and I ended up eating three slices! I was enjoying my meal and when I reached for my drink, I ended up reaching my fiance's soft drink! ARGH!! failure! So after that sip I took another 3 sips and that was it. Situation like this makes reaching my goal challenging. I need to tell the people around me not to order soft drinks. Not because of me but for their health also.
The due date to reach my goal is getting closer and closer. If I can't lose that 15 pounds, I would like to lose 8 pounds by the end of the semester. My fiance is motivating me more and more and now that I started the insanity workout. I know I will be able to do it. I need to do it. I actually had brown rice two days ago. :)