20 pounds.

During my semester of study program in Xiamen, China I lost
20 pounds. I wan't planning on losing weight during the four
months of school and travel but was happy to have lost the
extra pounds.

Several reasons behind losing the weight could be related to
several factors and they are: weather, exercise, smaller food
portions, and the Chinese diet.

The weather during our semester was warm during most of
our semester in China. It was humid in Xiamen and cool during
the evening hours. The exercise factor was related to our daily
walking times we had as a class and as individuals. We walked
everywhere both on and off campus. I enjoy walking and
appreciate the importance the Chinese have on daily exercise.
Smaller portions were both a wake up call and a means by which
most of my weight was lost. The Chinese eat their meals in smaller
food portions (plate size) whereas American's eat larger portions.

The Chinese diet consists of vegatables, meats, and rice with all
of their meals. Rice is a filler that is not served in all restuarants
in less you ask for a bowl. I appreciate the Chinese diet and I look
forward to it when I return to China this summer. The diet takes
time to get used to but when it is enjoyed I'll loose weight in the
2 months I'm in China.