The accidental health benefits of dog ownership

Note: Since I last talked about a bad walk yesterday (one we are pretending never happened), let's talk about the positive aspects of walking.

I have been working with a natural path for the past 5 months to address some health concerns I have had. While we haven't solved everything, the sacrifice of limited dairy and no gluten has made a big difference in my life for my overall physical wellbeing. I have discovered in my mid-30s that it is not normal to live with gut pain!

Man, I am tired after that walk

During my last visit, my natural path asked me if I had lost weight. I said I didn't know, I don't own a scale and I am a person who is completely oblivious to my own and others weight loss. It has to be the biggest loser type dramatic difference for me to notice . . . .  so she pulled out her scale and I am happy to say that I have lost 10 pounds and am now 1 pound over my ideal body weight. My % of body fat has dropped 6% and is now the top of acceptable and I have added 3% muscle mass.

The doctor asked what I had done to achieve such great results. First, I had taken out dairy and gluten, which does eliminate a lot of my favourite not so healthy treats (oh how I miss Mars bars and most types of chips). I also am making sure to eat my veggies. But I think the biggest secret to my success has been my dogs. I think moving to the country where I can't have a dog walker (Stephanie we do miss you - especially at 5:30 am when we are out walking), getting a second big dog, and not having a place where they can go outside alone has me walking more. And  when wild life goes by and I am holding on for dear life, I get my strength training.  I attribute much of this success to them. 

So since I don't spend much time in the ditch, all this walking is good for me. Let's hope we can lose that last pound . . . .

Note: Hailey has lost weight too. We are upping her food as we think she is getting too skinny!