I realized today that Wednesday, February 24th, was when I joined SparkPeople, so it's been a month (and 2 days) now! I'm kind of shocked that I have actually consistently come to the site and faithfully tracked all my food and exercise. This has to be a first!

The good news is that I'm doing pretty well with my nutritional goals. It's still a struggle, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. Since reducing my sodium and increasing my water consumption, my feet and legs once again look like feet and legs rather than an over-ripe corpse. I've only had to take my Lasix pill about 3 times in the last 3 weeks, and only days when I've overdone it on the sodium.

With the medication schedule rearrangement the doctor did this week, in addition to the weight loss, I am only needing to take 2 pills of the Cardiazem instead of 3.

And did I mention the weight loss? 28 pounds since February 11th! My pants are fitting much looser now. Actually, yesterday I realized that I could push my pants over my hips without undoing the buttons and zipper!

Today I took some measurements, because I need to buy a white blouse before Sunday morning, and I see that since March 1st I have lost an inch off of my waist, another inch off of my hips, and about 1/2" off my calves and upper arm. All good progress.

I think my face is starting to look a little thinner (I'm noticing my dimples more lately), but I don't look so different that anyone has come up and said "have you been losing weight?"

I'm not doing well with the exercising. I have no excuses other than laziness and lack of habit. I think that needs to be more of my focus for this second month, to incorporate the exercise with the better eating habits.

I have kept myself in Stage 1 of the Fast Break goals. I decided that until I could meet those goals consistently there isn't any point in moving myself into Stage 2. I feel better now that I have decided this; up until today I just had a vague "I'm not ready yet" about moving to Stage 2. Now I have a goal: two weeks consistently meeting my Stage 1 goals.

So, overall, I am very pleased. I am seeing progress, but am realistic about the things I need to work on. I'm much more aware of what I am putting in my mouth and how it affects me. I am feeling more healthy, and am not getting the headaches like I used to get all the time.

So, bring it on, Month 2, I'm ready for you!