Hi Skates! It sounds like you already have your answer: balance. If it is possible, and it appears to be, determine your priorities and set a schedule or routine involving exercise. I now belong t the YMCA. It gives scholarships to the broke, and those Ys with full facilities offer everything: aerobic, strength training, and flexibility classes; weightlifting, swimming, running, basketball... Plus, you can take the entire family. The YMCA even offers babysitting. I'm having a good time there. Since May 1st I've lost 17 pounds, and I'm almost 49 years old. (I see a dietitian and doctor and confer with trainers.) However, I waited almost a year before temporarily cutting my calorie intake to 1400, and I've added new classes almost weekly. I spent about seven hours exercising last week. Two 45 min sessions of tightening and toning; one 45 min session of sweatshop; two 30 min sessions of intro to step aerobics; two 45 min sessions of hip-hop step aerobics; two 45 min sessions of power cycling; three 40 sessions of elliptical weightlifting. (I needed to write all of that down.) Exercising does release endorphins, so you will get a boost. My only regret is that I didn't show up sooner. However, don't worry too much about your weight right now. If you exercise, and cut calories later, you will lose the weight. Instead just concentrate now on feeling better.
My Mileage:
My Quit Date: 5/1/2009
Smoke-Free Days: 407
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 11,396
Amount Saved: $4,843.30
Life Gained:
Days: 45 Hrs: 20 Mins: 39 Seconds: 47
