Another change of tact

I ditched the Lose It app routine-- it was a handy tool for establishing a baseline with food but now I feel it forces the wrong numbers to my attention.  I am maintaining daily weight bearing and cardio-- still have yet to integrate tai chi or yoga but I'm avoiding being too strict at this point.  I rushed into this over ambitiously and I think I set myself up for sabotage too much.  Calorie reduction should be gradual and exercise should be challenging but not really painful.  Especially with a condition that shoots deceptive pain signals!

So what are the important things I've noticed?  I am going up and down stairs easier, less exertion.  I am tiring less easily and sleep quality is a little better.  This isn't some quick miraculous change-- it has been gradual but noticeable.  The heel pain is less pronounced after low impact exercise.  High impact is far too risky because of the weight bearing damage it has taken being a cashier.  Again, chronic pain makes this something I have to be more intuitive about.  Skin and muscle feels firmer around my joints-- neck and shoulder muscles, knees especially.  I look slimmer all over even if weight isn't "melting off".  I wouldn't want it to anyway; I'm not up for plastic surgery if I end up with saggy skin from rapid loss.  I'd be miserable doing that anyway.

My stomach and digestive system is tricky and sensitive so I do have to pay attention to that too.  I've had to keep milk of magnesia in stock just in case I misjudge that.  Again, since I've established a baseline for food, this occurs less but is still a factor.

Overall, I'm happier.  I have heard that the numbers I should focus on are the inches.  Weight loss does not indicate the extent of the healthy process I'm going through.  Right now, I'm actually content to not chase any numbers.  The benefits felt are enough to keep me pushing ahead.