I’ve been doing more walking as exercise than I ever have before.
Right after I had Tyndale, I got it in my head that I wanted to get back into running. But a few things happened. I quickly found out how uncomfortable it is on the joints to run with an extra 50+ pounds. I also found it extremely difficult to make the time to run. I bought a jogging stroller for exactly that, but here’s the truth: I hate pushing things when I run. Especially a 50 lb. stroller.
So, I’ve been walking. I can walk. I like to walk. And I can include my kids in my walks. So everyone wins. I also do workouts online (more on frugal fitness, here; my top 5 fave workout DVD’s, here). But the majority of my exercise is walking.
You may wonder, is walking enough exercise?
I think this quote by Dr. Andrew Weil answers the question.
And you know what?
A few years ago, I might have said, walking is for sissies–I’m doing HIIT & step workouts & running 5 days a week (note the superiority).
But there is such a thing as too much exercise (this recent article from Newsday discusses why), especially too much high impact exercise. My current reality is: walking fits nicely into my life so that’s what I do.
And, I love walking!
It seems such a natural extension of life, a natural, low-impact, long term & sustainable form of exercise.
Walking can be enough exercise.
It’s all about your intensity (is it brisk?), duration (10 minutes won’t cut it), & how often you’re doing it. I aim to get a few miles in most days of the week, & I find that’s about enough cardio (though I do add in a few sessions of higher intensity cardio, weights a few times a week + yoga).
{Loved this piece from NPR on Why Walking Matters.}
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weight loss update
So I kinda hit a milestone–I’ve hit below 170 lbs. (169.8 lbs.).
This means I’m about the weight I was in a got married (which was before I went vegan). I’m still about 25 pounds off of my pre-pregnancy weight, but I’m getting closer, & by golly, it feels great.
Starting weight: 204 lbs.
Last week’s weight: 170.8 lbs.
This week’s weight: 169.8 lbs.
Net loss: 1 lb.
Net total loss: 34.2 lbs.
{Here, for a recap of all prior weeks.}
How do you like my little tie dye man?
The truth is, weight loss does get more challenging the closer you get to your goal.
The first 30 pounds were rather effortless. Not entirely, but it wasn’t too difficult.
These last 25 pounds or so, I’m going to have to get even more deliberate & focused in my efforts. I’ll keep you posted on some of things I’ll be doing to keep the weight loss going at a steady & sustainable pace.
The last few weeks, the loss has been less than I’d like, & each week I try to change one or two things to see if that will help increase the loss.
This next week I’m going to focus on eating more intentionally, & eating slowly, being mindful.
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Mexican Black-eyed Peas
Like many of my slim + slender recipes & most of all my recipes in Fit, Strong, Lean: The Diet, this is a meal in a bowl.
I like this meal because, like my pumpkin oatmeal:
1) it’s super quick (like 5 minutes?)
2) very filling
3) nutrient-rich
4) fits the bill for a good FSL (Fit, Strong, Lean) food.
mexican black-eyed peas
serves 1-2
Here’s how I made it:
combine all ingredients–
- 1 1/2 c. cooked black eyed peas (about 1, 15 oz. can)
- 1, 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 TBS. Mexican hot sauce
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. mild chili powder
Top with a dollop of guac, some vegan bacon bits (totally optional!), shredded lettuce, &/or additional Mexican hot sauce. Serve with baked tortilla chips.
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Do you walk for exercise?
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