Being watched, "like a hawk"

I have found myself a nutritionist! I know that some people think that I could just buy a good cook book and research proper eating habits online, but I know that won’t work for me. Here’s exactly why: while meeting with my nutritionist, I told her that I’m afraid of being one of those people who obsesses over every little thing I eat, and that I want healthy eating to be something that just happens naturally. Her response took me aback: she said (and I paraphrase): Honestly Grace, you will have to be a ‘little’ obsessive about everything you’re eating… of course the long-term goal is to help you get to a point where making healthy choices is more natural for you, but for a while you’re going to have to be very aware of your eating and pay close attention to it. I'm going to help you along the way. Clearly though Grace, not paying attention to what you’ve been eating hasn’t worked for you, right?

Right. She’s so right. I really think that the ‘exercise portion’ of my lifestyle change isn’t going to be as big of a challenge as the ‘eating habit portion’ is. Yes, I definitely need guidance. I don't understand food, portion control, balanced eating... I can cook, and eat, but I've never really been aware of my intake, how much, why... etc. So, this week I am keeping an ‘eating record’ and sending I off to her by Wednesday. We will meet again on Friday—I’ll get weighed, measured, and start talking about food.

I feel like I've found someone who is the ‘right fit’ for me—she’s direct, clearly skilled in her field, she’s not an old fuddy-duddy, AND, she told me that she’ll be watching me "like a hawk"… excellent!

I think I have been able to establish a weekly routine:

• Mondays and Wednesdays – walking at the Stratford Oval
• Tuesdays and Thursdays – fitness class at St Jean School / dancing @ The Gate Thursday nights when a babysitter is available
• Fridays – Nutritionist
• Weekend – housework one day, and the other day Ivan and I will spend 1-2 hours skating, hiking, skiing, or swimming (we’re staying flexible)

At the end of each month, I’m going to reassess my exercise and adjust it as necessary.

Haven’t bought new sneakers yet—was going to do that yesterday but had too many other things scheduled, so I didn’t get to it. I WILL buy them today. Also being bought today: exercise bras (too much bouncing is very uncomfortable)!