I feel old...

So I must admit I have been slacking in the exercise department. For the past 4 months I have relied heavily on my sleeve for weight loss, and it has worked very well. I am so determined to get my lazy butt back in the gym and start building up my muscle strength again. I have no excuses. I woke up this morning feeling like an 80 year old woman, I'm only 27. I have notice significant muscle loss and I can hear cracking in my joints, especially in my jaws when I eat. I've also been slacking in the protein department. I finally hit the gym this morning and made a protein drink (I hate protein drinks). I will also go by GNC to look into some products. This experience is a day by day process for me. My goal today is focusing on protein and my vitamins.

Good for you

Its important to keep your protein intake up while losing weight to protect your muscles.  You don't want to lose muscle mass because your body needs to break down your muscles to get enough protein! 

I didn't like protein drinks either, but I could tolerate chicken broth with unflavored protein powder, and I drank cups of that every day for the first few months.  You might also find some form of protein you can tolerate, like cold cuts, or yogurt, or devilled eggs, or grilled chicken, or cheese, etc.  and add these as protein snacks.  I used to mix protein powder in anything I could stir! (smile)  Yogurt, creamed soups, puddings, jello,  mashed cauliflower. 

Good luck with your journey.  I'm sure you will find a way to make your numbers in a manner you can maintain.  You got this!

Carol

Start by walking further and further each day.  You don't have to go big to get results.  Better to start slow, and progress slow, using realistic goals.

As you can handle more and more then do so.  But remember, you're in the gym to gain health and fitness, not to loose weight.

Also, be realistic about the timeframe for change.  It's consistency that gets you where you're going, but it takes time.

I'd like to suggest yoga!  It's great for all of that creaking and cracking :)  I'm so much more flexible and much stronger than I was before yoga!