Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I can do this!
I was looking at an old spreadsheet I found on my computer (yes, I have a spreadsheet for such stuff!), and found my weights from 2001 when I did a diet and exercise plan. In 6 months I had gone from 175 pounds to 133 pounds and still had a few extra pounds on me. The way I did it then was by eating chicken and vegetables for lunch and dinner, fruit for snacks and cereal with juice for breakfast. So, I know my goals are achievable ... perhaps not even aggressive enough. My husband, Tom, during that time went from 240 pounds to 188! Oh yes, we were also walking 3-6 miles per day. So, this can be done! The other trick is to keep it off once it is off and not slip back into old habits. This must be a lasting lifestyle change for it to work long-term.
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Sweet Jane,
ReplyDeleteAlthough your choices are stellar, you aren't eating enough! Allow yourself at least 1800 calories. Anything under 1700 just isn't enough, especially now that you're exercising. Fewer than 1500 calories per day is asking for serious trouble.
That you love to cook is a considerable advantage. I rarely do and, so, healthy eating is a daily challenge for me. Your menus radiate health but don't restrict yourself unnecessarily.
I also congratulate you on your wine consumption. That nectar can pack a lot of sugar and nothing derails good intentions like sugar. Since wine is intimately woven into your life and livelihood, this will perhaps be your biggest challenge. That you let yourself still enjoy wine is paramount! If you give up everything you love, you'll live to be 100!
Weight has been an issue for me all my life. My mother's idea of a balanced breakfast was a piece of cake and a Pepsi. No kidding. She is morbidly obese and I see my sister following the same path. When I left for college, I made a deliberate choice: teach myself how to eat in a healthy way. No more cake for breakfast, for instance. But dark chocolate every now and again? Damn right!
I've been as heavy as 170 and as light as 125. Neither weight was a good place for me. Now I hang between 140-145 and I feel good about myself. I remember that I am 48 not 28 and that menopause continues to knock at my door.
The best strategy for me has been making healthy choices in all areas of my life: eating, attitude, activities and exercise. I try to eat several times a day and I try to get in 4 hours of aerobic exercise every week. I don't always make it. Sometimes I get two, or even one. But I refuse to talk trash to myself. There is always another day and there is where I set my sights.
Also, in terms of burning calories, everything counts. Parking a good distance from the entrance counts. Mowing the lawn counts. Walking counts. Washing the car counts. Taking the stairs counts. Strolling COUNTS. Gardening is an excellent all around exercise (if you enjoy it). The point is to MOVE MORE. You'll discover what works for you.
Stay after it. Let time be your friend and in a few weeks you'll look up and see less of yourself. Me? I'd like to see more of you as you had me at "hello."
You're a beautiful person, Jane. And you are on your way to becoming your own best friend.