I’ve eaten a lot of oatmeal in my dieting in the last few years and I’ve learned a lot about the different types. Many instant oatmeal products contain sugar. And steel-cut oats have more calories than plain instant, but because they have a lower glycemic index they are a better use of those calories. And I can still get variety by adding my own flavors like cinnamon or adding a little fruit just for flavor.

Hydration is an issue for me now. I’m not getting enough water, and I need to drink more. I think some foods make me retain more water, and a lack of proper hydration does the same thing. I think my wild weight fluctuations may be caused to some degree, at least, by improper and irregular hydration.

It is more pleasurable to be outside I’m finding out in a lot of these old episodes. Now I am not able to walk like I did back then. But I can still get outside, even if it’s just driving around a little bit, parking at a park with the windows down, or doing a little yard work, or even just sitting out on my patio and taking in the sky, the birds that come around, the constant breeze we seem to have here. I think I need to find ways to get outside and enjoy nature.

I still have trouble with the negative dialogue at times. I need to be reminded to be positive in how I speak. Good things from this episode.

UPDATE 10/16 – well I am still a bit off track and succumbing to temptations. But I’m trying, I did exercise this morning, and in a couple of days I have an appointment with my podiatrist and hopefully, I’ll get my foot fixed and get back to walking in this beautiful fall weather. So I am up 2 pounds total, in the middle of the 7th week. Not really going anywhere, which is better than going the wrong direction. But not what I’m shooting for. I just need to get this thing started, and I think I’ll be able to keep it up. Have you ever struggled with your diet? If so, let me know and perhaps I can learn from YOUR experience mail@runningafever.com.