Starting to strengthen core + 1st time ever craving healthier foods

I'm still having some minor complications (some skin irritation) but otherwise this new life seems to have started.  The first 6 or 7 weeks were kind of miserable but here I go now, starting to feel better and better.

I'm going to do what other ostomates don't seem to do: I've begun to do a lot of ab work (crunches and side-ab exercises) to get my core strong.  This will hopefully get rid of my hernia risk (which is statistically high now given the hole in my belly).  Strong abs should allow me to do more intense workouts later without worrying about a hernia.  I will try to do weights and bike riding (extreme downhill MTB riding if possible) and report back on my progress.  Also, I've ordered an ostomy armour guard which is to protect my "equipment" in case I am doing anything really dangerous (eg I go back into kickboxing).  

Update re cardiovascular health:  3 weeks ago I could barely walk much.  Yesterday I walked up 28 flights of stairs in a high rise building.  It's exciting to know what tomorrow will bring.

Oh, one other cool thing:  I've found that after surgery what were once insatiable cravings for simple carbs and wheat products no longer seem to exist.  I find that I crave food with substance now, more than ever before in my life.  Empty calories are somewhat repulsive (most of the time.)  I wonder if the cravings were due to a diseased colon.  Any comments or feedback would be appreciated.  (Fellow ostomates: did you find any substantial changes in appetite/cravings after surgery?)