Apparently I’m in the business of protecting kidneys:  adequate fluids, limiting my sodium intake by consuming minimal amounts of processed foods, eating adequate protein but not excessive amounts and controlling my weight.  But right now I’ve got a little more cushion protecting my kidneys than I desire.  And believe me, I am not happy about it. 

Seems this maintenance phase is giving me some trouble, especially when I fall out of my exercise routine.  My solution to this ridiculous downhill slide?  Hook up with a friend who is also a dietitian to trim up before winter.  We weighed in, did waist and hip measurements and took our first step in the right direction last week Wednesday!   So far 80-90% of the time I’m making exceptional food choices with a little room for cheating.  And exercise?  A must have in this girl’s weight management plan!  My other must have?  My Ultimate Protein Shake – 1 1/2 scoops mixed in water for my breakfast and another for lunch with 2 cups of spinach or other vegetable, then a dinner with lean protein, veg, fruit and dairy.  http://yourdietdesigner.com/proteinpowder/

All this together’s going to banish this kidney protection!  My preference for kidney health?  Proper diet and exercise habits, instead of additional fat accumulation.  So look out waist inches, you are on the way out!

So I broke out the swimsuit this week.  For living in the Midwest in February, that is not usual.  Wasn’t going to water aerobics or Hawaii.  Instead destination Bod Pod.  I was off to get my body composition analyzed.  I had met Aaron at an event and thought this would be a good way to gauge my wellness by looking at the components of myself, not just looking at size or weight.  Also a baseline for my behavior changes….since I have finally become a regular exerciser!  Which I am very proud of.

So I put my swimsuit under my work clothes and off I went – since it was 2 degrees outside!  Since this is measuring air displacement it is essential to have either just a swimsuit on or workout clothes that are snugger.  So he weighed me, took my height, calibrated the machine and  then into the Bod Pod I went.  I sat still in this machine and watched this video for three 50 second sessions.  Done!  Changed back into my real clothes right away and then went through my results. 

Going back in 12 weeks to see what I have improved – thanks Aaron!  So If you want to put on your swimsuit in February, in the the Midwest – check him out at dakotabody.com.