Vol. III
“Some nights it’s hard to be alone. I want some sort of kinship. But the finish line, it drives me on.”
Yesterday at the library, I approached a random librarian and had the following exchange:
Me: “Hi, I’m a writer and I’m doing a series on health and wellness.”
Librarian: “Okay…”
The reason I decided to make this series a link-up (at this point, a very humbling link-up!) is that I don’t want these posts to be all about me. Yes, it’s my feet and my scale and my weight loss (or gain)…but it’s about so much than vanity.
It’s about giving and receiving hope. It’s an “I can do this and so can you!”
With that said, I’m going to keep adding the link-up at the bottom; I’m going to swallow my pride (instead of swallowing Cheetos) and hope I’ll encourage you along the way.
This is assuming you want encouragement. ; )
The conversation with the librarian continued…
Me: “Well, without wanting to be TOO personal, I just wanted to ask what your tips for living healthfully are. Because, you know, you strike me as someone who’s fit and trim and health conscious.”
She flushed. “Oh! Well, my husband’s a chiropractor and I do have a degree in fitness and nutrition.”
I laughed. “I know how to pick ’em, don’t I? This is a wonderful coincidence. Do you have any tips, then, for keeping one’s weight down? What’s your number one advice for someone who’s trying to eat more healthfully?”
Her eyes shone and I could tell she had some strong convictions. “I try to really limit my carbs,” she said, “And avoid high fructose corn syrup.”
“What about artificial sweeteners?” I asked.
“You know, I’m not a fan. I think in the end that they cause you to eat more.”
“I agree!” I told her. “I would rather have a small amount of the good stuff.”
“Me, too,” she laughed. “So, you know, have one or two cookies instead of twelve.”
You know what I like about losing weight?
It’s free, basically. It’s a free, feel-good activity.
What would happen, I wondered last week, if I ate a bit less and exercised a bit more? What would happen if I drank a lot more water?
Um…I’d pee a lot more, was the result. That and (hooray!) I shed some weight. I feel better today than I did last Wednesday–I feel like a weight’s being lifted, both literally and figuratively, and I feel like it’s possible (please, God? it’s possible?) for this over-eater to regain control.
Inviting you (as always) to link up at the bottom. Here’s some “food for thought” in writing your post: What is one habit you could change or add that would make you feel better about yourself? For me, this past week, it was adding exercise & drinking more water.
Now to keep adding exercise and keep drinking water.
Now to stay the course and not give up.
Well…that is encouraging! I'm not linking up but I have been tuning in. I'm up this week by 3 lbs. ugh. but that is still down by 2 since Jan?? Yeah, I know, not great. But next week…will be better. I've been on track this week! I think the exercise thing is key. Keep up the good work!
I plan on linking up later..I have a post in mind. (now I need the time to do it)
Yay for you!! Down is always good. And this beautiful weather is just the thing to give ambition!
Off to Noon Mass…loveyou!
Way to go on a good week! I cannot tell you how often this week that your last week's post mention of BLT eating came to mind. I realized how often I BLT every day. That was helpful to be aware that as I often miss lunch or grab a snack instead, I'm biting, licking and tasting more that I knew. Thank you. I also really tried this week to keep up with the water. Although I'm still not up to the 8 glasses a day, I'm better and making the effort.
Exercise. I've finally found out how much I NEED it and I (almost) like/love it. While I've almost become obsessed with it since the birth of the little girls, it's also made me see how much I require it. I have seen not only the physical effects, but also the emotional and psychological as well. It really becomes a need for my body because I'm too unsettled/stressed/worried/crazy person if I don't. My recent back injury left me without exercise for 4 days, which was the end of the world in my opinion at that point. I felt sluggish (granted, I had the back injury so that contributed), ate differently/poorly and easily was much harder on myself. I was relieved when I went to the chiropractor and he said to get out walking because that was actually good for my type of injury. I came home and walked two miles and seriously felt so much better.
So, I encourage you to keep on keepin' on, you're doing great! As always, you are encouraging each of us and now with the nice weather we Minnesotans can finally head outdoors and get the much needed exercise we need. š
Way to go!! I have been meaning to post and link up … Maybe I still will this week … And I owe you a phone call, too. That's also on my list! š
I got my arse on the Gazelle this morning! Hooray! My 30 minutes was interrupted 3 times and once I had to pause my time to go see to some business, but I got back on it and finished. It felt great. It always does once you're doing it. Really wanting to do a link up this week. Really. *fingers crossed*
now back to finishing loading the dishwasher…
My goal this week is to prep for the next day instead of 10 o'clock the night before and scrambling because her uniform isn't clean or in the morning when I realize I forgot to make/buy bread for lunch pails. I was doing so well the beginning of the year and then slid into procrastination land which turns into last minute panic and a race out the door.
This is the push I need to do it! Thanks for the motivation!
My change (begun at the beginning of Lent) was to get up by 6:30a and go to bed by 10:30p. It's made a huge improvement in my attitude. Not every day, but most days… and that is better than no days!