Phase 2 / Workout 6 - March-ing into a new month after Salad Week(s)

Oh! Hello. It has been a while since you've heard from me, hasn't it? Well, thanks for checking on me. Here's the update:


I declared "Salad Week" on Valentine's Day. Since then, on most days, I have had salad for one meal per day. Without so much exercise, I noticed the benefits right away. My feet are very happy as they have been wearing the cute boots! I can say I've begun the transition into new eating habits and regular exercise.


I tried each of the McDonald's salads. I figured: "they're on the menu so people must be buying them." The last time I had one was when they were promoting the Asian salad a few years ago (it is not on the menu anymore).


I like their Southwest Salad and the Bacon Ranch very much. Using the "plate method" of Glycemic meal evaluation (visually measuring portions from each of the food groups), I think both of the salads are low glycemic, especially if I manage the dressing portion properly. 


The Southwest salad seems lighter but still very satisfying. It comes with a lime wedge, corn chips, grilled chicken, black beans, carrots, lettuce and other salad greens, cheese, corn kernels and a dressing that is the texture and color of a french dressing.  The acidic lime juice is a good thing at the beginning of a meal or with every bite because it lowers the glycemic impact of the entire meal.


Now I am inspired to create my own salads. I imagine myself compiling a list of every possible ingredient I have seen in a salad then select the ones I think would work well in combination with one another.


My physical therapy breakthrough happened with a supplement! I tried a widely advertised brand name glucosamine sulfate preparation for the first time and noticed improvement immediately. I will be walking this week


I keep missing goals and giving myself a lot of grace, don't I? Why beat myself up? It seems that has already happened enough (with fork and spoon, my own words (self-talk) - and in some cases, my bare hands - Ooh - too much information). Besides, striving for instant perfection and the disappointment and stress of not achieving it pretty much got me where I am today, emotionally and physically, right?


       Pretty much.... 


My results for March 1st (Phase 2 / Workout 6) are:

Time: 20 min. 
Average Speed 14.2
Distance 4.5
Calories 123
Average Heart Rate 122
Watts: 65
Level: 4 (Program: Manual)

Do something beautiful for your heart today.

~ Cheryl ~

Phase 2 / Workout 5 - Back to the bike (again)

I hereby commit to workouts I can record so I have something to put here. Physical therapy and shoveling snow count for something but I cannot measure these activities. I have been going to PT and shoveling snow but not riding the bike. When I went out on Sunday to shovel, a neighbor across the street commented about my weight loss. People are noticing that my body is changing. I should weigh-in again soon.


My brother surprised us and took care of today's shoveling for us - Thanks Buck!


My results for February 11th (Phase 2 / Workout 5) are:

Time: 20 min. 
Average Speed 14.2 
Distance 4.5
Calories 112
Average Heart Rate 119
Watts: 64
Level: 4 (Program: Manual)

Do something beautiful for your heart today.

~ Cheryl ~