One of the most amazing things about being the youngest in a fairly large family is that I get to see a potential roadmap for my future. I get to see what decisions lead where - it's like a sneak peak into the future. Specifically, as my family has begun to age, I have seen where certain decisions led to health problems. That hasn't made it any easier for me to make changes in my own food and exercise habits. That is what this blog is about - embracing the changes I know I need to make to avoid some of the pitfalls that I know have a high probability of being in my future: diabetes with complications, stroke, weight-related bone and joint problems leading to loss of independent movement and function. What I am seeing isn't statistics, it is happening to people I love. It is happening to my family.
Two nights ago I stepped on the scale to a new all-time weight high. While not sharing specifics, I do qualify as morbidly obese. My knees hurt, walking up hills are evil (and there are many hills where I live), and I've also noticed that recently I just can't stop eating. I am craving sugar and fats and alcohol - this part is strange, as I'm not normally much of a drinker. I have migraines and allergies and reflux with esophagitis. In other words, I am already well on the road to a destination to which I do not want to arrive. Lately I've also been excessively fatigued.
It is not too late to embrace change. Not a diet or anything temporary, but real change. So, here's the plan.
Step One:
Another sad truth - I was so tired yesterday (day one of exercising) that I went to bed at 8 pm and didn't get up until 8 am. I am feeling better today.
What the "End" will look like:
Two nights ago I stepped on the scale to a new all-time weight high. While not sharing specifics, I do qualify as morbidly obese. My knees hurt, walking up hills are evil (and there are many hills where I live), and I've also noticed that recently I just can't stop eating. I am craving sugar and fats and alcohol - this part is strange, as I'm not normally much of a drinker. I have migraines and allergies and reflux with esophagitis. In other words, I am already well on the road to a destination to which I do not want to arrive. Lately I've also been excessively fatigued.
It is not too late to embrace change. Not a diet or anything temporary, but real change. So, here's the plan.
Step One:
- Avoid sugar and sugar substitutes
- I've found that sugar substitutes also trigger cravings for sweets, so I have to give them up too.
- Keep calories under 1200 per day
- This will enable me to start losing about 2# per week - this is a journey, not a race.
- Vitamins
- Multi-vitamin, added vitamin D (it's necessary where I live), and added iron - in addition to my reflux and allergy meds.
- Exercise daily
- Yesterday and today I walked a 20 minute mile at lunch. It is a small start, but I will branch out from there.
- Core Exercises
- start with old-fashioned sit-ups, leg lifts, and modified push-ups. My muscle tone is such that I can't start with many, but again, I will build up from here.
- Blog - I will track and hold myself accountable.
Another sad truth - I was so tired yesterday (day one of exercising) that I went to bed at 8 pm and didn't get up until 8 am. I am feeling better today.
What the "End" will look like:
- I will be toned and a healthy weight,
- I will maintain a regular exercise schedule,
- I will continue taking vitamins and any necessary meds,
- I will keep a healthy eating style, limiting sugar and sugar subs.
- I will have increased energy
Comments
Post a Comment