Approaching Normal.

This whole not-dieting thing rocks.

I’m getting back in touch with my ability to recognize hunger. Since I don’t eat at appointed times anymore, I have to rely on how I feel to determine if I need to eat (I know. It’s like Eating 101. But I’d so stunted my ability to feel hunger for so long, it’s novel to feel it now!!). The result is, I’m actually eating a bit less. Learning to recognize the feeling of hunger has been pretty incredible for me. I’ve been disconnected from everything below my neck for so long, it’s eye-opening to realize that my body is quite willing and able to tell me what I need to do to be healthy. Eat when I’m hungry. Rest when I’m tired. Take a day off if I hurt. Drink when I’m thirsty. Buy new pants when I want them.

Well, maybe not that last one.

I’m starting to feel like a regular person. One who eats good, healthy food and has treats and exercises as a way of feeling strong and combating stress and doesn’t worry about the difference between 131 and 134 and 137, because any weight can be healthy if you’re taking care of your body.

I had a wicked headache yesterday afternoon, but went to the gym anyway. I ran four miles nd strength-trained for half an hour and then biked for another half an hour; the headache went away and I felt fantastic. Today I’m going to do a short run and then a DVD at home. The Pilates class I signed up for starts Thursday.

I think I’m starting to like exercise again.