Exercise more, eat more?

Diet and exercise go hand in hand, usually. At least, for a well-balanced life, they do.

For me, though-- "diet" has taken on a new meaning. Aside from trying to eat more healthful foods, I've found that I've actually increased the quantity I eat.

My days are no longer as sedentary as they have been for the past 5 years. The 10-minute walk between home and work is multiplied fourfold because we go home for lunch. That's 4 trips x 10 minutes each = 40 minutes of walking per day. Okay, not terribly impressive since it's not power-walking or jogging, but better than nothing.

The apartment complex has a little gym and swimming pool, eliminating any excuse against working out, that we might've harbored previously. So, I've taken to alternating days of weights and days of swimming while Allan attacks the treadmill.

Knowing I was woefully out of shape to begin with, I've been careful not to overdo it. So I'm a little sore, but it's not too bad, and I can already see the difference in things like improved sleep quality and increased energy during the day. Not much yet, mind you, but noticeable enough at this point.

What I hadn't counted on, however, was a marked increase in my appetite! I suddenly found myself ravenous during times of the day when I wasn't hungry before! I suppose it makes sense-- now that my body's burning more calories I need to replenish the supply more frequently. Still, I found it amusing that Helly's "diet and exercise" regimen would involve more eating, and not less.

Looks like fewer leftovers in our meal futures... ;-)