Last week, reality hit me. I knew I was gaining weight but I never realized how much. Because pounds can be so intimidating, I'm going to share with you the percentage I gained. Sure enough, when I crunched the numbers, it came out to a 14.7 percent increase. With that bump in weight gain, I have reached the heaviest weight I've ever been.
There's been a lot of reasons on why I gained weight. For one, I was working at a job with no job security and really didn't give us a lunch hour. We would go out and bring our lunch back to the desk. In that environment, nervousness becomes a factor of what you put into your mouth.
Another reason is that my living situation has changed with more people and more pets. With the two extra dogs we have living with us, it's harder to take Cookie, Gigi and Homer for a long walk like I did last summer. Our other dog Fancy loves to go on walks with us, and I enjoy taking her. However, with her massive frame and being overweight, she can only last a short time.
I've also been preoccupied with Gigi's bladder stones. Even though she's slowly improving, it's a situation that you constantly have to be watching. You can't let the medication schedule lapse. As I found out when I went to get more medication, I learned that the stones are solidified forms of the bacteria that built up in her bladder. Many times, Gigi just doesn't want to eat.
Yet, these in the end are just excuses. Sometimes, we push aside things until they snowball out of control. That's when you have to take a step back and say no more. Knowing how to lose weight is easy. You just cut your intake of food and increase your exercise. However, when it comes to putting this into action, that's where it gets tricky. Weight gain doesn't happen overnight unless it's a freak thing. You're therefore not going to lose weight that quickly either.
Strategy For Losing Weight With Dogs As Your Diet Buddy
I've been doing this for only a week. I'm working at a place right now that offers a lunch break which is something I enjoy. It gives me time away from the computer and helps me pay more attention to what I'm eating. I also have the option to take the stairs a couple of flights. I find that taking the stairs over the elevator is much more satisfying because you don't have to wait around. It also strengthens your calf muscles.
Now, even though I'm off to a good start, I need to figure out how I can exercise the dogs and myself so that everyone benefits. Dogs, like their human counterparts need to build up to higher activity levels. So what I'm going to do is try to wake up earlier on weekdays, to take the Cookie, Gigi and Homer on longer walks. Fancy likes to sleep in so she won't feel slighted.
When getting home from work, I wait to walk the dogs so their food can digest. It's also a cooler temperature compared to the middle of the day. Instead of taking the dogs on long walks, I'll be able to take them on shorter walks with more frequency. So my plan is to take them once in the morning and two shorter walks in the evening.
On weekends, I plan to take the dogs to the park in the morning. Since I'm always out doing stuff, I feel like at least one good walk is something, until my schedule becomes more regular.
What This Has Taught Me
Even though I have a long road ahead of me, I look at the situation as more of a challenge than a detriment. This is what I've learned:- Whatever your eating and activity levels are, it will trickle down to your pets.
- That there's no quick fix for losing weight, no matter what those ads will tell you.
- You have to become focused and don't let the naysayers get the better of you.
- When you truly think healthy you will become healthy.
- Don't let a couple of splurges sway you from your main goal
I do feel fortunate that I have a great support system that includes family, friends and my pets. As much as I need to lose the excess weight, this whole matter is reinventing itself by helping me to look at it as a challenge instead. Sometimes the hardest things we do in life involve taking the first step.
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piece. You can also get a second to use for your second dog.
This is actually made in America as part of the Walky Dog company. The K-9 bike jogger is ideal for dogs 20 pounds and up. It has sturdy construction and will help the dog to get a good workout. It retails for $39.99 USD but can be found for less online. This takes less than five minutes to install which is a bonus. 
This leash costs less but is still a quality product. It has a spring that attaches at the back of the bicycle to keep the walker from hitting your thigh when riding. It also comes in a variety of colors. The one thing I had noticed is the website. The usability isn't the best and it could function much better. Still, it gives you the information needed. It comes in two sizes: small/medium and medium/large. You can find it at most places for approximately $25 USD.
is great if you want something portable and foldaway. It's sturdy too. If your 
dog would like to ride in back, the 
strollers, they are ideal for senior dogs, paralyzed dogs and young puppies whose bones have not fully developed. If you have multiple dogs, this is a convenient way for them to all come along. 
, these dogs get bored easily and have a high energy level. Known for soaring to the top in agility, these dogs are an ideal match for running.
