But now I know. And I can do something about it. When progress has been made (like real, awe-inspiring progress) I might even share the actual number. For now just know that it was a lot worse than I thought.
But it has actually had the intended effect! I do a) think about what I am eating and b) make sure that I exercise daily. Usually when I do this, it lasts for a few days at most. When I get complacent...well I'm sure you have been there too.
The past 2 weeks (since the scale moved into my house) its been different. I make conscious decisions to eat better (and less) and exercise more. So in an effort to encourage others to make a start, here is what I have learned over the past 2 weeks.
1. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. I didn't used to eat before I left for work. The result? A chocolate croissant with my daily tea misto. Chock full of how many calories, filled me up for an hour and a half maybe and then? Starving. For the past 2 weeks I have been eating Life cereal (words cannot describe the sweet crunchy goodness) with skim milk and strawberries. Or blueberries. Bananas would probably work--you get the idea. And what a world of difference! Now I'm full from 7am until around noon! Which in turn keeps me away from that nasty snacking habit we talked about.
2. Gum is great. I kept hearing this tip last season on The Biggest Loser (is there any show more inspiring on TV now?) and I wondered if it really worked. It does. Essentially you get a sugar craving and you pop a piece of gum in your mouth. The calories (if any) are so minute that its not a big deal and it totally satisfies my sweet tooth. So now? I always have gum handy!
3. Keep it interesting. I do enjoy going to the gym for a workout. The machines are state of the art, there are TVs on each machine, the atmosphere is encouraging and only women are allowed. But sometimes its a real drag to make myself go there after work. So this week in addition to gym workouts I have enlisted my boyfriend to help. We played basketball for an hour yesterday and today we played tennis for an hour (plus a 20 minute walk to the courts and 20 minutes back home). I can already feel muscle pain from tennis, so its obviously working!
4. It gets easier every day! The first day I was inches away from breaking at every moment--a free cookie, not enough energy for the gym etc. But now? I just say no and move on. Perhaps most satisfying (aside from the feeling of elation after a great sweaty workout) is that I feel so much better. I sleep better. I already have more energy.
Who knew that eating well and exercise were so good for you?
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