I hadn't been walking every day like I used to because it has been so hot. Well . . . it was cooler this morning, so I went for a brisk 20 minute walk. So now I have to keep it up.

In the past, I have lost weight much more rapidly but I've always gained it back. I am hoping that by losing weight more slowly and really working on changing my eating habits (selections, quantity and frequency), I can keep it off this time.

It seems like an eternity since I've seen a drop on the scale. But I finally saw a 1/2 pound decrease, so perhaps this is the start of more steady progress.

Even though the weight is not flying off, I can tell that my clothes are fitting more loosely, especially in the waist. Hopefully, as I develop more muscle, the weight will drop faster. I am eating really well . . . lots of salads and protein, almost no carbs.

I have been using 5 lb weights every morning for the last 4 days. My back feels better, but I have plateaued on the weight loss.

As of yesterday, and again this morning, I started exercising again after a month long hiatus. The weights have my back and shoulders really sore, but I can tell that if I stay with it I will work the kinks out and have less neck and shoulder pain.

I have noticed that when I get 8 or more hours of sleep, I tend to either hold my weight or lose weight more easily. If I don't get enough sleep, I gain weight really easily even if I don't eat a lot more.

My friend, Gloria, just told me today that she has lost 50 pounds since she started working on her weight a few months ago. I think that is awesome! If she can lose 50 pounds, I should be able to lose 20.

Drinking lots of water helps reduce my appetite. And I have been very good in the last 2 weeks about soft drinks. I had 1 soft drink when I went to a movie, and 1 with my lunch on Saturday. Otherwise, I have been drinking water and tea.

The scales gave me a minor victory today. I saw 146 for the first time in a long, long time.