So is it worth it?
I love food. I enjoy eating it. I find comfort in it, especially sweets and breads. There is a recognizable amount of therapy provided in eating for me...whether I've had a long day at school teaching twenty-one 8 year olds, or come home to disgruntled children of my own whose negativity is contagious. It could be that I am feeling overwhelmed by the trash cans that seem to be competing for the highest pile award, creeping up the wall in each bathroom, or that laundry that still hasn't figured out a way to fold itself. Sitting at the computer with a package of M&Ms, or the movie screen with a bowl of movie theater pour-over buttered popcorn is
my kind of unwind!
But as I've gotten older, I've also found that my metabolism is not as kind as it once was. I've grown tired of gaining 5-10 pounds each year over the past few years (it has found a way to add up, my friends). I find that as I glance into the glass floor-to-ceiling windows in the shopping mall, I am self conscious of the larger image that is becoming my own. At a recent health fair, it was determined by my BMI that I am overweight and was counseled to improve my diet and level of activity.
So what is the point to this post? Last November, I decided I had grown tired of the steady pace at which I was gaining. I went so far as to initiate a "biggest loser" club at work. I've cut back on portions, sweets, breads, sodas, and yes...my buttered popcorn. I am exercising 3-5 times a week and drinking more water. (As tempting as the media makes it, I haven't used any miracle solutions in a bottle.) Is it working? Yes. I've lost about ten pounds...and people have noticed. I will admit, there is nothing more motivating than friends who acknowledge your efforts with the complimentary question/comment..."Are you losing weight? You look great!"
Now, here is why I am writing...I am
growing tired of working out, passing up my favorite indulgences, and watching others maintain their tiny figures, while eating
MY M&Ms! I've done horribly over the past few days and have basically eaten how I've wanted, without exercising to counter-balance my splurges. :(
I know that I must continue living a healthier life style, because it does feel good to be HEALTHY. I miss my sweets and the time spent playing Bejeweled on Facebook, but I
love the way I feel after I've actually completed a workout, or weighed and lost another pound. I am writing this post to convince myself that I will GET UP IN THE MORNING, put in my workout video, and travel the treadmill!
There's nothing more motivating than advertising my weaknesses for all to see. I consider it my own form of peer pressure...
holding myself accountable.
Go ME!