Minding Your Mitochondria

Go climb a hill

I've noticed something important. Hard things get easier over time. I started doing a 30-minute hill climbing routine last week. My treadmill has an automated program tied to a heart rate monitor that puts you through an optimal workout. It sucked at first and was hard to complete without sucking wind and lots of sweat. I did the same workout today with less of the sucking wind and tired legs. I still managed to sweat a bunch though. It's gross. 

Yesterday's workout was easier than the day before and todays workout was easier than yesterday. I can see a time when I will need to dial up the intensity in order to get the same benefit from my time on hell hill. I think this all means that I'm in better shape today than I was last week and will be in better shape next week then I am this week. I should be happy… Instead, I just want a shower.

Progress…. Yes! Now on to pushups. 

Paleo Coffee

Paleo coffee, or bulletproof coffee, works as advertised. I use grass fed butter and coconut oil instead of MCT oil, but the results are the same. I've lost my appetite. I've tried it three times and each time I've not been able to eat for six hours after I drink it. I don't normal miss meals, so this result is significant. I can also add that my appetite for the rest of the day is suppressed. I've eaten a smaller lunch and a smaller dinner each time. 

My plan is to try intermittent fasting three days a week. I think I'll be able to do it too, which blows my mind. 

To nap or walk?

I live behind a computer, or in a car, or in a meeting. My life has the movement I put on it, which is to say, almost nothing. I sat. That will be the headstone on my gravestone. Here lies Mojoey. He sat. Yep. That's me. 

While riding home today after another day of sitting, my mind was occupied with napping. I just wanted to put my head on a pillow for an hour and sleep. Napping is what I do when not sitting.

I got on the treadmill instead. I selected hill climbing from the menu and for the next 25 minutes walked like a demon in an effort to keep my feet under me. When done, I was (and still am) drenched in sweat and out of breath. I don't feel a need to nap now. I don't even feel tired. I feel good. 

I'm thinking of adopting a new habit. I'll hit the treadmill for 20 minutes when I walk through the door, and perhaps in the morning before I walk out the door. That's 40 extra minutes of exercise a day and a bunch of calories burned too. 

I burned 425 calories on my hill climb. I wonder what a nap would have got me?

Wow - time flys and I'm still on paleo

January started off poorly. I broke a tooth to start the year and it has been all down hill since then. I survived an unexpected audit at work and then went on to survive an unexpected and lengthy business trip. Every step of the way I've stayed true to paleo, and it feels good.

I've had no time for blogging. I miss that. It feels good get words down. I need to make time, even when time does not exist. 

I used to overeat when under stress. These last three weeks have been nothing but stress. When I eat paleo, I simply do not over eat. I don't know why, but it works. I don't snack at all. I used to snack all the time. I really do not understand how it work, but I appreciate it. 

I took a long flight last week. It kills me to fly. I'm tall and feel confined on a plane. The big news is that I did not have to ask for a seatbelt extension. I flew with a normal seatbelt. I even had some small amount extra room. I can't remember the last time that happened. I was amazing. 

The weight continues to come off. It's slow, but it comes off each week. I'm within six pounds of a milestone. I'll party when I hit it. I may even dance. 

New goal - Ride a bike

I weigh 365 pounds so riding a bike is out of the question. I'm too big and the bikes is too small. By the end of 2013, I want to incorporate a regular bike ride in my weekly exercise routine. Since I have a bike, I don't need to worry about buying new equipment. Plus, I know I can fit comfortably on the exercise bike at the gym, so simulated bike riding is within reach. I think I can do this. Now… what is my plan?

My goals all seem so small, but to me they represent things I've lost. I want to regain what I've lost. It really is that simple. 

Milestone unlocked - New low blood glucose

I hit a new milestone this morning. My fasting blood glucose cracked 130 and almost cracked 120. My reading was 121 and I was pretty damn happy. It's been a long journey towards better health and control of my diabetes. I consider this a sign that I am on the right track. The previous three readings had been disappointing and much too high given my recent downward trend. I learned that taking Aleve to fight a mild gout outbreak affected my readings. After just 24 hours off the drug my normal trend continued, and now this morning I'm breaking new ground. 

When I started the process, I had a morning reading of 300 to 330. Three months later things are looking up. My target is 90-100. Over the years I've been fighting diabetes, I've never come close. I think the combination of paleo, a strict drug regime, and slowly building muscle via exercise is starting to show real results. 

On the downside, It's been two weeks since I lost any weight. I'd like that number to move too...