The traveling teacher

So, week 2 was tougher. My initial resolve weakened and I didn't really see much difference in the scale. I was really tired and I wanted my sugary treats. I have since realized that this is related to the time of the month, and am optimistic that I can once again cut my cookies (I caved over the last 2 days, although still refraining to one snack-pack per day). Overall, I don't have much to say this week. Slower progress, but my pants fit just a little better, so something is happening. I have increased my exercise a bit, now trying to get to the gym 4 times per week. This Sunday, I am going to try TRX for the first time! I am now aiming to reach 12000 steps per day (on gym days, this is easily reached). I also went to the doctor, who reminded me of a couple of things: 1) Since I have been overweight for 2/3 of my life, it will take time and resolve to make a permanent change 2) In a country that is very focused on looks, I am losing weight for my health, not beauty. ...

So, this week I made the actual attempt to change my diet. I have definitely been overeating, so I did a little "detox". While I don't really think detox diets work, for me, I learned that it was more of a mental detox and proving to myself that I could do it. So, what I did, was cut all added sugars. Goodbye to desserts and cookies and all things delicious! (Well, that is an exaggeration, there are so many delicious fruits here, that it wasn't as bad as I expected). I actually did much better than I expected, and had the added bonus of increasing my vegetable intake. I only had a few slip-ups. One being our weekend out in Cartagena. I went into that knowing that I would be going out. I can't stop enjoying life completely (and food/drink is something I do really enjoy). I also had a couple of cookies on day 6, but otherwise, I actually made it through the week, replacing my usual cookies with fruits like pineapple and mango. What I learned: - The afternoon ...

It's funny how living in a city that has year round summer hasn't changed my motivation! Now that it is April, I feel ready to do the typical "spring-cleaning" stuff! So let me start by saying: I am in the worst shape of my life. If I don't change now, I fear there will be consequences. Since most of you know me quite well, you know that ever since the age of 9-10, I have struggled with my weight. I joke that I can look at pastries and sweets and put on the pounds! For most of my life, it has never really concerned me, as I have had excellent family and friends and a healthy dose of self-confidence. Like anyone, I have "body issues" (for me it's my tummy), but I have always been active to some degree.  Now, I won't say that I was motivated my whole life to be doing things, but I grew to love exercise. What started out as me going to Aquasize with my mom when I was 14 (for a Pathfinders badge) became a weekly visit with my friend Terra, and ...