Yes, I know, I've had this dorky blue/black background for a long time--much longer than I usually leave a background up. But my stock of backgrounds died along with my desktop computer, and I haven't had the time or been in the mood to go surf for more.

My Quest For Better Fitness is going pretty well. I've really been trying to clean up my diet, especially in the area of sugar. I really don't care for the taste of Nutrasweet, especially in sodas, so I've always resisted cleaning sugar out of my diet. However, I took a hard look at what I've been eating and realized that I'm throwing an extra 500-600 calories a day into my diet with various forms of sugar. (And no, I am not going on a no-carb diet. Those are dangerous, and it's impossible to also exercise while on a no-carb program.)

So, I stopped drinking coffee, because I like my coffee very sweet. (Gawd, giving up coffee was not easy!!) I also stopped buying (and drinking) fruit juice because those are laden with sugar too. I'm watching my carb intake carefully--consuming moderate levels of complex carbs early in my day, and trying to eliminate them in the afternoon and evening. I drink a lot more water now, and also Crystal Light (which is the only Nutrasweet-laden product that doesn't make me gag.)

I'm also really pounding the protein since I'm also trying to increase my muscle mass/fitness level. According to various fitness and nutrition experts, for my level of bodyfat/lean body mass/fitness levels/fitness goals, I should be taking in about 120 grams of protein a day.

Ye gods! Have you ever looked at nutrition information and seen how much protein/fat/carbs are in regular food? Needless to say, I'm doing the six small meals a day thing, with my in-between meals being protein bars or shakes. My favorite snack has become beef jerky--pure protein, hardly any fat (if you buy the lean kind) and it keeps your mouth busy for a while. Also very portable and good for keeping in the police car.

And, of course, exercise. I'm still attempting to run with the Academy--though with my wonky schedule it's hard for me to get out there more than twice a week. However, this present class is in pretty good shape, so when I do get out there I usually get a pretty good workout. Last wednesday we went three miles, with dire warnings that the class would get up to six miles by their graduation. (Note: the problem with coming back to the academy to run with the present class, is that you're coming back as a graduate--someone who's already done their time and made it through, and is now an "example" to the present cadets. And when you're an "example" and are running behind the formation of cadets as something of a safety spotter, you simply can't give in to the little voice that lives in the muscles of your legs that's yelling, "Three miles.. are you NUTS??? Stop and walk!")

And I'm not sure if it's my cleaner diet or my new attitude, but I've been really strong in the gym lately. I had a personal best yesterday on the leg press machine of 500 pounds! That's five of the big 45lb plates on either side of the sled. (The sled itself weighs about 50lbs.) I only did three reps--and probably could have gutted out another one or two, except that it felt like my head was going to explode..LOL. Breathe, Diana, breathe!

Anyway, I "officially" started last week on the 23rd, and in one week I've only lost about a pound on the scale, but have lost half an inch off my hips, and another half inch off my thighs. If I can continue to lose half an inch a week I'll be thrilled.