Discipline & Determination

COVID JOURNAL 3

Schools closed on March 17, 2020. I resumed work from home teaching one online class, supported EL students in two buildings and helped educate my son, a first grade student attending an elementary school in the same district. There did not seem to be a real set routine until May but I was so busy, it was like I was running a never-ending-rat-wheel. If I was not helping to make a difference for students, I was helping my child learn. At times I did both simultaneously.

During the Memorial Day weekend, I worked with my son as he learned how to ride a bike. I took off his training wheels and had him practice all three days. He had to learn to trust himself. He also learned what determination and perseverance can do despite the falls he took and his frustration.

By the time June arrived, I weighed 193 pounds. I had gained 23 pounds on top of already being overweight. I could not go up a flight of stairs without heaving and having to pause to gather myself before proceeding to my destination. I decided then that I needed to incorporate a health regimen into my schedule. I started tracking my food intake using a food journal app called MyFitnessPal. I also started tracking my walking and bike rides with my son.

After two months of some consistency on MyFitnessPal, I was able to lose some weight but found myself stuck on a plateau at 183 pounds.

In early August, I decided to change my regimen again. I incorporated some weight training and core workouts along with a few more cardio workouts per week. Because I have an injured left knee, I cannot run like I used to so I committed to walking and biking adding longer distance intervals and alternating routes. Additionally, I changed my macros food intake focusing more on protein rich foods, healthier carbs and healthier fats. Foods such as cottage cheese (lactose free), blanched broccoli and avocado are among some of my  favorites. I also increased my water intake.

My current weight is 166 pounds. I still have 16 more pounds to shed since my goal weight is 150. I have been pretty consistent in losing 1 or 2 pounds per week thus far. My dream weight is 145 pounds and to have a toned body. I realize though that I am no longer in my twenties or thirties so it will take time and lots of discipline.