Final Wellness Blog Post

As I reflect on my Wellness project for this semester, I realize that I definitely need to learn more about self control, conscious eating and time management. Although I did reduce my caloric intake, I did not reduce it enough to the point of losing 10 pounds. I feel that these tactics will allow me to think about what I'm eating instead of just shoving food into my mouth thoughtlessly.
Unfortunately, there have been a lot of situations in which I have relinquished control just to eat something fun or tasty with my friends. Its easy to say, "I'll just have a burger with fries" when everyone else is getting the same thing. Sometimes certain foods just look and sound too good and I can't resist. I now realize that food should not have power over me; the role should be reversed.
I also need to be completely aware of what I'm eating at all times. Mindless eating is always a huge problem. I find that thinking about each bite and savoring it is a good technique and allows me to be mentally and physically full.
Lastly, I need to adopt some time management skills. Since I always seem to be short on time, I need to think about where I can fit healthier foods into my life and buy and prepare them well ahead of time. I need to bring food with me as much as possible so that I don't have to resort to eating out at a fast food or sit down restaurant.
I know that when I board the cruise ship in two weeks, all of this will be easier for me, but I also realize that living on a ship where people are paid to make food for you is not reality. I will continue to remember this project after I get home for the fall semester to promote wellness.

Final Blog Post

I know that, although this is the final blog post, it is also my only one. I've been having medical issues for about two years on and off and they have flared up again during this semester. I am currently undergoing a series of tests in order to figure out what it is that I have. Unfortunately, whatever sickness I have (I've been tested for MS, muscular problems, and now the doctors want to look for lupus as an ANA test I took a while back had an abnormal lupus result) forces me to go through bouts of extreme pain in my legs, which can sometimes be induced by exercise. I know I should have said something about this earlier, but I started getting attacks again in the past month, coupled with some serious fatigue which makes it hard for me to do my schoolwork. I'm not looking for any handouts or sympathy, I just thought I should let you know why my work hasn't been getting done.
Despite my health issues, I have been trying to exercise as regularly as possible. I have found that it is easier to exercise and to be motivated to exercise when I do so with my boyfriend. We have been going on brisk walks throughout the neighborhood at least twice a week, I have been walking uphill on my treadmill as often as possible and I also recently started playing Dance Dance Revolution (which really is a great cardiorespiratory workout) again.
As I reflect on the exercise I've done, I realize that while I feel like I'm doing something good for myself, I can also cause myself to be in more pain. I have more endurance than I did just a few weeks ago, but I know my medical issues haven't gotten any better. I am not sure what to do about this other than continue to be seen by doctors and be tested, but I definitely don't want to be sedentary.
If you have any suggestions or advice for me, I would love to hear it.
Thanks for understanding.