I was going to title this blog entry, "It's the diet, Stupid." Sadly, I've got more than just eating issues. I've found out the hard way over the last week that one thing leads to another, and not always with the happy-go-lucky results I'd started out with.
I've implemented about half of my Contract for Success on a consistent basis. No fast food has been ingested in the month of December -- an impressive accomplishment, considering that about the only things that are consistent for me are lapses in judgement. Some of those lapses include (but are not limited to) watching too much television. Why, oh, WHY did I have to subscribe to cable for the first time in my life the week I tell myself that I shouldn't watch as much TV?! A fine example of self-sabotage, that is. But wait, there's more.
How's this for bad-behavior whiplash? New cable means extended viewing options. Rather than embrace a fact that I know is true (ie: now I've got 50 more channels of NOTHING ON!), suddenly I've got a six-hour home-makeover marathon that is begging for my attention. Since when did I care if somebody elses house have enough closet space?! Anyway, time flies when you're sedentary and before I know it, it's waaaaay past my bedtime. That means a truncated sleep period. Then that means, if I intend to be a half-way decent medical professional (I'd better not be too drowsy when administering sedatives), I'd better skip my morning workout in order to make up that extra hour of sleep.
More self-sabotage. You've got to be good at something, right?
I've guaranteed myself success, IF I stick with the program. One bright spot (aside from the aforementioned avoidance of the Golden Arches) is that overall the family's been eating better. I've lost 2 lbs on that alone evidently. My brother-in-law has been doing WW since the Spring and has, with his incredible discipline, lost 50 lbs. To the best of my knowledge, he's not working out, so that success the result solely of eating right. WOW! What an awesome inspiration!
That brass ring is hanging out there, I've just got to grab it. My body seems to want to lose weight, if I'd only allow it to do so. So today, I renew my commitment to The Contract.
I will do this.
Posted By: Murse Pete
Comments to this post:
12/17/2007 17:29
I tell you...
Fast food is the DEVIL. Way to go not giving into the siren calls of those golden arches, KEEP IT UP! There are only 14 more days left in December! I know you can succeed! At least you are aware of your behaviors that can sabatoge your weightloss, that in its self is a step in the right direction.
Posted By:
12/17/2007 20:02
P90X
I just got your question about the P90X program and just started reading up on your blog. I have never done Power 90 so I don't know how intense it is. But I do know that P90X is pretty intense, and has a few minimum requirements prior to jumping in on this program. "This program is for your, if you have achieved a respectable level of fitness. Whether you participate in athletic activities, work a physically demanding job or have previously completed an exercise program such as Power90."
And did notice an overall improvement in my strength and overall tone of my body, eventhough I still can't do a pull up by myself! You can always modify each exercise until you feel comfortable with it. I do highly recommend the program, I love it! I say go for it! It will be tough, but that just makes you more proud of yourself for completing it. Good luck to you on this journey!
Posted By:
12/17/2007 20:38
what were you thinking?
Perhaps it's time to exchange the LaZBoy (um, the chair, not you) with a stationary bike. You could peddle away to Extreme Home Makeover, giving yourself an Extreme Makeover in the process. No need to sacrifice the tube!
If that doesn't work, perhaps the writer's strike will compromise your viewing habits. Afterall, how much "reality" TV can one watch?
I also used to tape a lot of shows so I could get to bed at a decent hour. But for some reason, I was never motivated enough to actually watch them. Still, setting the VCR convinced me I could go to bed since in theory, I wasn't missing anything.
Not as much T.V. plus the cable, oh yea, SABOTAGE! How is that going anyway?
Okay, next question...I alway asks myself this when goodies are tempting me...How bad do I want it?
Fight till the end!
Posted By:
12/18/2007 02:36
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers is a good program. I lost the first 40 pounds with WW before I started exercising. I believe WW helped retrain me in how to eat. Then I started exercising, left WW to go it alone, and lost another 25 pounds. I estimate that weight and fitness is about 85% diet and 15% exercise. Sad but true!
Sabotage is an evil game and I still play it myself sometimes. Fast food, at least, is an easy one to overcome. Read 'Fast Food Nation,' 'Fat Land' and 'Dying for a Hamburger'. These three books will surely put you off fast food. The television one I don't know what to tell you. I stayed up until midnight last night myself, watching a rerun of the movie 'Stripes' (Bill Murray--remember that one?) Why did I do that? *shrug*
What IS with the TV?! I never used to watch it, but when I got married, my husband insisted on having one in the bedroom. I don't love it, but whenever I start to watch something even mildly amusing, I become this blank zombie... They're right when they call it the idiot box.
Glad you are renewing your contract! I desperately need some motivation as well. :-)
You've come too far to give in to self sabotage now. We've all been there and we've all done that ... and it's just not worth it. And I like the idea about putting an exercise bike in front of the TV! Hey, whatever works!
you and me, apparently both of our bodies want to be lighter. i definitely agree with you that when i actually put my mind to it and make the conscientious decision to eat healthily/in moderation, the weight melts off... maybe it's age, maybe it's gender (in your case), but since most people don't seem to be so lucky, apparently we are in that lucky bunch and should take advantage of it! not that it seems to make things easier all the time, but at least we can celebrate that little fact. cheerios!
It is my first time posting with you, I wish you much luck on the journey. I believe that you can do this, There was a program on TLC about how much screen time you need or should watch. I have found that the Watch TC afterward (workout, cooking, whatever) work best.
