What I've been doing and how I'm seeing a difference

Lunges! Stepper like this one! Weight training! Walking! Push-ups! Yep, I've gotten motivated. I'm finally feeling better than I have in a couple of years and am taking advantage of it. And once you start seeing results, it just motivates you to do more.

I started out doing 10 lunges per leg and 5 push-ups per day. I then bought the stepper and started using that. It came with 2 work-out DVD's. It is unbelievable the difference I have seen in my stamina since I started this. Even when I was only doing so few reps, I was getting stronger.

J and I walked a hill last night in our neighborhood that I hadn't attempted in a very long time. I did it without taking any breaks. It's never been about my lungs (well, since transplant at least). My leg muscles have just been so weak. They are the first muscles that seem to "waste" when I get sick, and for me, they are the hardest to build up.

I've also been eating tons of protein which is making a huge difference. I've always loved almonds, but now since I'm exercising so much, I'm going through a 2 lb tub of almonds in a little over a week. I am also eating a lot of chicken, cottage cheese, and soy nuts. Anytime you consume a lot of protein you should also consume a lot of water, so I'm doing that also. My one downfall is chocolate. LOL. I'm craving it everyday! With that of course, comes insulin. :)

When asked by pre-transplanters what advice I would give them, it has always been "Build up your leg muscles", because being in the hospital decreases muscle mass so fast! Lunges are a perfect way to do this, besides the obvious... walking.

Other than me trying to act like Jillian Michaels, things have been pretty uneventful. We've been staying busy and enjoying the springtime. :) I hope all of you are too!