Time To Share

So this is me. I'm in grad school which is stressful, eats most of my time and provides little time for sleep. Subsequently, the first year of grad school I lost weight but not for very healthy reasons. The second year of grad school, despite riding my bike to school almost everyday, I gained weight. I think one of the main culprits here was the "living with my boyfriend situation." Boys eat whatever, whenever and my boy especially loves ice cream - something that I usually eat very sparingly because I love it so freaking much. So yes I am responsible for what I put into my body, but this is the second time that I have let the eating habits of a man determine my eating habits. I CAN NOT let that happen anymore. Sure it's hard, and annoying but not as bad as not fitting into my jeans, or feeling the pudge hang over the side of my pants.

Over the summer I made a valiant effort to watch what I ate, did yoga 3-4 times a week and either ran or did the exercise bike on the days I wasn't at yoga. I also watched what I ate - quantity and types of food. I haven't lost much weight but I did seem to gain a lot of muscle and I do feel better - I don't get winded very easily and I sure can lift a heavy box or do a surprising number of push-ups.

So I feel healthy and strong but still pudgy. I'd like to trim up and loose some of this excess weight that just makes me feel uncomfortable. I know I'm close to a breakthrough, but I feel like my body is more interested in gaining muscle than losing fat. I don't even break a sweat at yoga - which must mean I'm in good shape but I need something more intense to add to my repertoire. I do ride my bike to school and wherever else I can, yoga 1-2 a week, and lots of walks with my dog. Looking into adding another exercise class into the mix - but due to lack of funds I'm using whatever is available through school.

In terms of food, I'm making a point to eat breakfast and small meals or snacks throughout the day - lots of fruit. Just been craving fruit these days. Small reasonable dinners is on the menu as well.

My weaknesses include mexican food, beer, ice cream and quantities - I have to really try hard to say "no, I've had enough".

So that's me and my challenges with food and exercise.

PS Today for breakfast I had: a smoothie - chocolate soy, banana, mango, peanut butter (i'm a veggie who gets very cranky without protein), honey and cinnamon.