Searching for Fitness Friends

[namcintosh]

Hello all!

I am extremely excited to have joined this forum today. I am a 26 year old woman who was recently diagnosed with hypertension ( being overweight plays a big part in this). To fight this, I have recently began exercing and eating right. I'm also doing this to feel better about myself; I'm tired of going shopping and having to zone right into the PLUS size section . current size is a 16-18 in bottoms; XL/1X/2X in tops. goal is to be a 10/12 in bottoms and a M/L in tops.

I am highly motivated and would love to have an online fitness buddy (or buddies) to help me to stay motivated and driven. I also have a Facebook account (You can look under Nadia A. McIntosh).

[Boss Man]

Diet will be a big player in hypertension reduction for sure.

One thing you may not have considered is cutting ou Caffeine if you have it.

Three of Caffeines principal downsides amongst others are

1. The blockage of Iron absorption and Iron is a major component in Erythrocytes, (Red Blood Cells), so Caffeine could increase Anemia risk.

2. It can help to constrict bloodvessels.

3. It is a Heart stimulant.

As long as you can get your blood pressure significantly below 140/90, you'll be okay .

[namcintosh]

Hi, Nadia!

Glad to hear you are making the changes! How long have you been at it? Is there a particular technique you have for managing your food that seems to be working for you? (I know we are all a little different, and I love to see different methods from different people!) What abut exercise? Is there a cardio or weight routine that you particularly enjoy? You are welcome to post your diet/exercise regimes at your own liking for critiques, or just to help keep track. There are several diet/exercise journals (including own severely neglected one...) in the diet and workout program sections. It can be pretty motivating to peek around the journals and touch base every once in awhile!

Welcome!

les

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I've been at this thing for about a month. Of course i took like a week off from exercising because I was sick (can someone say bronchitis) and had to stay in bed the whole time! The first thing I did was cut off ALL sodas. I was a strong soda drinker (at least 3 or 4 a day if I could). Once I stopped doing that, I saw an immediate difference. I also drink mostly water (I drink juice as well; but I make sure it has no extra sugars or high corn frucose syrup), which has made me have at least two bowel movements a day and urinate more frequently. I'm starting off slow as far as eating; I'm stil learning about new things. I cut off all junk food (can someone say Twinkies and Oreos), and I eat a lot more vegetables and fruits. I also eat breakfast EVERY DAY now, which was not typical of me; I used to just eat it when I can and just barely. I'm still working on lunch and dinner; however, I don't eat fattening, fried foods anymore. I know I'm not getting enough protein in diet, but like I said, I'm still learning. As far as exercise, I LOVE cardio, and I walk and stay on bicycle a lot. I'm treating myself to some new exercise equipment this month as well. I'm also about to begin to do strength exercises. I am going to start keeping a journal, which will include weigh-in and measurements each week, as well as food intake. I'm also going to start taking suppliments (I'll have to research some more on that one).

I'm motivated and determined to be in shape, stay in shape, and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. I'm taking this thing one day at a time. I'm learning about the resistance of own body, which was something I've never learned to do. I have temptations all around me (people offering me cookies and cakes, and eating fattening dips and sauces), but I refuse to give in. I'm a trooper, what can I say.

[Nokie173]

I have temptations all around me (people offering me cookies and cakes, and eating fattening dips and sauces), but I refuse to give in. I'm a trooper, what can I say.

Good for you.. keep it up It's for your own health.