Lately, a lot of things have conspired to have me looking back over the last ten years. I graduated from college in 1999, and that’s a pretty big milestone! It’s had me thinking about all the things I’ve done in ten years — lived in four different states, gained weight and lost weight, got into shape and got out of shape… you get the idea.
Now, at thirty-two, I feel like I’m a beginner again. I recently had the opportunity to take part in an activity I ADORED ten years ago, and it really hit home how much older I am. I don’t have the energy or stamina I had. I weigh more, eat more, and exercise less. And I don’t like it. I want some of that strength and energy back!
Although I did Weight Watchers at one point during the last decade, I didn’t really get the concept of lifestyle change. I followed the Points system and lost my weight, but didn’t really change anything about myself. When I stopped WW, I went back to my old habits and the weight came right back.
But enough beating myself up. Here’s what I’m going to do going forward:
- Eat in halves. I tend to fill my plate and clear it, even after I stop feeling hungry. Instead, I’ll dish out what I think I want, and then put half on a separate plate. If the half doesn’t actually fill me up, I can go back for more. But I don’t need to gorge myself.
- Make simple switches. I’ve already started drinking my iced tea with half sugar and half sugar-free sweetener. It doesn’t change the taste much, but it does cut down on calories. Best of all, it doesn’t seem like I’m denying myself or suffering.
- Find a workout I like. My biggest problem with exercise is that I really don’t like it! And I’m not going to stick with a workout I can’t stand. I like walking and I like bike rides, so I’ll start with those.
- Allow myself to take breaks, or have bad days. I’m not perfect (though I’d like to be) and expecting perfection is a good way to end up disappointed.