200

[vaneramos]

At the gym today I had a surprise when I stepped on the scale: 200.5 pounds. That's 90.9 kilograms, if you prefer, but weight is one measure my brain never converted. This was the first time it officially exceeded 200, although it probably crested last winter when I wasn't paying attention.

I've gained four pounds since resuming workouts four weeks ago. This isn't altogether a bad thing. I'm in better shape than I was. I've been lifting weights and working up a sweat three times a week. Some of the added weight is probably muscle. I neither fetishize nor object to fat, but it doesn't hurt the woof factor.

The essential question comes down to how I feel.

My feet and ankles still hurt hellishly every morning when I stumble out of bed. The one muscle group that's most stubborn about getting back in shape is my calves: it's almost impossible to get through the simplest possible routine of toe raises. Those muscles aren't used to supporting the extra 20 pounds that came as a side effect of mirtazapine (antidepressant). If I can't bring my legs up to speed, the only alternative will be a more conscientious weight loss plan.

Comments

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

yeah, i'm in the same boat, only without muscles to speak of. good for you, working out! i keep getting on the treadmill, but that's low-grade exercise. losing pounds is definitely in the cards for me. somehow.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I believe it's healthier to work with exercise than diet. For me that would probably mean adopting a higher impact cardio routine, which I don't enjoy the way I do lifting weights semi-aerobically. It would probably help my legs if I resumed walking more regularly, too. The problem there is I tend to substitute the gym for walking.

Certain eating habits can be a real problem, of course. In my case, it's the munchies that hit after I take my mirtazapine two hours before going to bed. A really bad time to eat junk food or eat another whole meal! I've been trying to stock up on fruit to fend off those hunger pangs, but apparently it isn't working well enough.

I hope something works out for both of us.

[dennisatl.livejournal.com]

Im some how in on the same struggles...have been
taking Zoloft for a while now, tho don't specifically
know of munchies. I do know there's an extra 20 lb. from
quitting smoking and that has been enough to cause lots of
knee and feet troubles. For long time I gave myself permission
to not work on the weight to not stress and maybe fall back
to smoking, but think Im ready now. I am doing lots of walking
and watching diet tho not "dieting" per se. Anyway, good luck
to us every one!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I went for a walk this morning, so we'll see whether I can keep that habit up through the winter. It's good not only for the body but also the mind.

I've never smoked, but I've seen secondhand how difficult it is to quit, so good work! Taking it easy on the stress is good. One thing at a time.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Hey, how's it going? I just arrived at the house for the weekend, so I'll have to arrange to meet you for coffee. We're doing the turkey dinner on Sunday evening, if you can make it.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Sorry I didn't make it out this aft. I just didn't feel like going out today. Blame the weather, or turkey hangover.

I hope all's well there. I'll head home tomorrow morning, but be back in town before long.