My sister flew in from California for a month long visit.  She had been sick before she came and I told her I was going to get her to gain some weight.  She had gotten down to 97 pounds before the doctor got her medicine regulated correctly for her.  

She decided to help us with our lawn service.  I thought to myself, how am I going to get her to gain weight after she’s been pushing a lawn mower 4/5 hours a day.  Using a lawn mower has been helping me lose weight.  I tried to talk her out of helping but she wouldn’t hear it. 

I realize muscle weighs more than fat so I figured yard work might help build her arm and leg muscles.  She was here for about a month.  I could see her strength and endurance grow each week as she was mowing.  She felt good too. 

I working on changing her eating habits.  She had been living on candy smarties and yogurt.  I fixed balanced meals and made sure we sat and ate as a family.  I fixed desserts for everyone but myself before we ate so I wouldn’t be tempted.  I also kept cheese sticks on hand when she wanted a snack along with some ritz crackers.  I told myself those were hers and didn’t eat any of them.

She flew back home this past Sunday.  She got on the scale before she left.  Much to my amazement, she has gained 6 pounds during her stay here.  She told her husband what a good cook I am and wants my recipe for spagetti and bread pudding.  I hope she will continue to gain weight slowly until she reaches a heathy weight.

On the other hand, I also got on the scale, I have lost 4 pounds during her stay here.  It’s all about calories in and calories out.  It’s been a positive month for both of us.  I hope we can both stay on the road to good health.  I’m doing it one yard at a time.

The summer is in full swing and there are lots of outdoor activities that can help you tone up and lose weight.  I have been having weight loss success mowing lawns.  It’s a great form of exercise.   My husband has a lawn service and I help him cut grass and trim trees.

 I am building the muscles in my arms and legs using the push mower (I’m scared of the riders) and the tree/bush trimmer.   As the season progresses, I am able to push the mower  at a faster pace and I’m not so exhausted when I’m done.  I also don’t need to take as many breaks as I did when we first started cutting lawns this summer.  The trimmers use to feel so heavy when I first started using them.  I don’t notice the weight now when I use them. 

I’m getting a great tan, losing weight, toning muscles while providing a service for people as well as  earning  extra money.  It’s a win-win situation. 

The weather has been so beautiful this past week. Mom and I have taken our walk in the park everyday. I keep forgetting to take the camera with me. It’s such a lovely park. It has a beautiful monument with flags flying and the city name on the front of it. I enjoy sitting in the gazebo and watching the flags waving so proudly. Perhaps today I’ll remember the camera.

Two days ago, I decided to rake all the leaves out of the flower beds along the house and the beds along the back section of the yard. Holy moly, my left arm was killing me yesterday. I didn’t realize racking could cause this much pain….perhaps I just forgot. Needless to say, it was worth it, the flower beds look 100% better. I didn’t get any callousses either. Yea!!!

The daffodils and grape hyacinths are blooming like crazy, along with some I don’t know. The various bushes are coming back to life with their deep red leaves on some, while others are a bright yellow. I’m so happy we moved here. It’s so peaceful.

I have given up candy for lent. I thought I would have a hard time sticking to that, but so far so good. I’ve been much better at curbing my snacking. I got on the scale and have lost one pound. That sure isn’t anything earth shattering, but a loss is a loss.

Time to fix myself breakfast. I’ve decided to have some oatmeal. Quaker has some new flavors out, but I enjoy the old fashioned oatmeal. I usually include a cup of green tea. Lipton such a variety of flavors. They have two new flavors of green tea, decaf honey lemon, and cranberry pomegranate. I haven’t tried them yet.

Studies show that both oatmeal and green tea are great in a weight loss program. I just need to stick with the on a more regular basis.