Back in time

When I stepped on the scale, I was transported back in time about 2.5 years. For once, that was a good thing. When I started working for The Star in June of 2010, I weighed about 175 lbs. During the next two years my lifestyle changed from a part-time athlete working out 24 hours a week to maybe 3 hours a week. Instead of walking 6 miles a day going to class and back and running errands, I sat at a computer for 8+ hours a day. It is no surprise that I packed 15-20 pounds on within a year.
 
But this morning, when I stepped on the digital scale, the red digits popped up 178.8 – my first time weighing less than 180 lbs. in probably a year and a half. That is even more miraculous considering the holiday season – the bean dip, the cookies, the chocolate, the chips, the homemade sloppy Joes! Oh, it was so delicious. Thankfully I was able to maintain my weight of 180-182 lbs. during the holiday season. Frankly, I view that as a triumph – maintaining my weight during the holidays, especially considering the average person gains 10 lbs.
 
I have been back on track for a couple weeks now though, and I definitely feel the results.
 
I will admit, I recycled my Favao plan. I was up to probably week 9 (granted there were some weeks I went off the plan otherwise I would be a lot farther along), and really did not like the meals, so I recycled week 3. Mmmm,..Hawaiian pizza for dinner.
 
Another great thing I recently discovered, thanks to Shape magazine, is the Charity Miles app for the iPhone. I really recommend it. You select a charity (I pick Wounded Warrior Project), hit Walk, Run or Bike, and then hit Start. The app keeps track of how far you walk, run or bike and when you are done, you report your mileage. For each mile you walk or run, corporate sponsors will donate 25 cents to your charity, and 10 cents for each mile you bike. It is a great way to get in shape while helping out others.
 
I downloaded the app on Saturday, Jan. 18 and so far have earned almost $2 for Wounded Warrior Project.
 
 Other possible charities include Partnership for a Healthier America, RED, Stand Up to Cancer, Feeding America, Every Mother Counts, Autism Speaks, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, World Food Programme, dosomething.org, ASPCA, Habitat for Humanity, Ironman Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Pencils of Promise and Achilles International.