I know that my body has changed over the past few weeks. Not only are my clothes getting big...yet again, people I haven't seen for a few weeks have commented that I have noticeably had another loss. My fat mass went down significantly in the past three months, as did my fat percentage. And I know that I have built muscle. My legs are testament to that.
Over the past 5 weeks or so, I have probably eaten more than I have the previous 7 months. I have been eating a lot of lean protein and Phase 2 vegetables. I had two cups of air popped popcorn last Sunday and felt like I was cheating (even though it's allowed on Phase 2). Regardless of how much (of the right) foods I have been eating, I'm dropping fat and my body is changing rapidly. This is what running is doing for me.
On average I run about 20k per week. For my body weight that works out to be just below 2000 calories burned by running per week. Not too shabby, and I'm burning a lot of fat which makes my loss even greater. Running has boosted my metabolism and it's working overtime regardless of how much I eat. Because of the foods I do eat, I never feel low energy or bloated during a run, I just feel like I could run forever. I still have that moment of "Why am I doing this again?" right when I start my run, but it's soon replaced with "OMG! I'm a runner". And I feel like a million bucks when I'm done.
Exactly one year ago, I was gorging myself on processed carbs and foods high in sugar, sodium and fat. I also weighed 288 pounds. I never dreamed that I would be running 20k per week and pretty much addicted to entering races. I do have to admit though, that I'm becoming a bit of a running snob. I only want to enter races where I get a medal. And then I want a medal display rack...great gift idea, just say'in!
Last week, a co-worker asked me how I stayed focused and able to continue on this diet for so long. I told her that I could do it because I realize I'm always going to have to eat like this. Maybe not always as strictly as I do now, but always low carb, low fat and low sugar. I look at my obesity as a potentially terminal disease. If I was allergic to peanuts I would never eat nuts because they could kill me. Carbs, fat and sugar will also kill me if I go back to my old habits. Does anything taste good enough to risk re-gaining the 82 pounds I have already lost? Not on your life. I have way too much to live for.
 |
| This is my Peanut when he was just a little guy! |