My daughter moves. She moves so FAST.

Gone are the days of wandering around the shopping center “killing time” looking for the perfect jam, for the perfect peanut butter and jelly. We don’t “kill time” at all in fact, we CHASE each other around the house. I want her to hang in the play room, and entertain herself with one of the many thousands of educational toys we have been suckered into buying, but she’d rather chase the cats around or sit in the corner of the kitchen looking for trouble. I’d LOVE to read books in the living room together, but she has taught herself how to sneak out of the baby gate, and make a run for it. Literally people, a run. She went from walking, to jogging.

And so gone are my days of sanity. My mom used to warn me that I didn’t really, exactly want to PUSH her to walk, because it wasn’t all holding hands and skipping, and she was right.  I’ve installed baby gates everywhere, and we went shoe shopping so she doesn’t get splinters, or step in dog poo while in the yard.

And you know, it’s not all bad. It is cute to watch her take spills, wipe off her hands and get up. It’s also a blast picking out ballet flats, and mary janes for her chubby little feet. But she’s so fast. My husband and I are the kind of people who can really get into a good couch sesh, and she’s the exact opposite. She’s like, ADHD/I drank 1000 Redbulls kid…how did this happen!

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I lost another 4 lbs. this week, so 8 lbs. in all! It’s a good start for sure. My goal is 10 lbs. a month, so I feel I’m right on target. It feels good to know that I have the power to make this happen.

For exercise, I have been walking. During my lunch hour, I walk with a co-worker for about 20 minutes a day. It’s enough to work up a good sweat and makes the day go by faster. Sometimes my walking partner skips out when it gets too cold outside, but I have been a trooper. I figure I’ll keep walking unless it’s below zero. As long as one is properly prepared and dressed for it, I see no reason why I can’t continue into the chilly temperatures.

Honestly, I didn’t realize how much weight I could lose and how good walking would make me feel. It’s been very theraputic. I have been able to improve my endurance, which I never thought I could do from just walking.

My inspiration for walking while it’s cold outside came from Weight Watchers this week:

“Walking outdoors in winter is extremely invigorating and almost meditative,” says Suzanne Nottingham, an American Council on Exercise spokesperson and IDEA’s 2000 Fitness Instructor of the Year. “It’s like you’re part of nature, walking in the midst of howling winds, blowing snow and a bright sun. And it’s quiet; not many people are out,” says Nottingham, who walks outside in the Lake Tahoe area whenever she can—even in the colder months.

Aim to wear three layers.
“It’s better to have and not need,” says Nottingham. You can always peel the layers off.

Avoid cotton.
“Try clothes made out of material that will keep moisture away from your skin, so you won’t get cold. Nike’s Dri-Fit clothes are a good bet,” advises Nottingham.

Wear gloves.
Grab ski gloves if it’s snowing. A hat and a neck gaiter (a muff for your neck) will help keep you warm. If your ears, hands or head get too cold, go inside.

Protect your eyes.
Wear sunglasses or, if it’s snowing, goggles with a light-colored lens, to protect your eyes from snow glare.

Try studded outdoor walking shoes, which give you extra traction on slippery surfaces. “Lightweight hiking boots are a good option, too,” says Culwell, “but stay away from heavy boots that are geared for climbing.”

Don’t layer your socks.
There’s a good chance you’ll get blisters that way. Instead, wear thin socks designed to keep feet warm (try Thorlo or SmartWool).

If it gets too cold outside, I’m going to have move my walking routine to the mall, but so far it’s been a fairly mild winter so I’ve been in luck.

This motivational tool came from  Weight Watchers free newsletter. Besides The Imperfect Parent newsletter, I think most of ‘em are worthless, but Weight Watchers is definitely worth the read. For those interested in clever weight loss tips, I’d definitely subscribe.

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