Monday, January 18, 2010

A life decision about my recent weight gain

I've always known that I was a little chubbier than is healthy for a person of my height and build. And even though I don't diet, I do try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lately though, I've been a bit lazy in my decisions.

I think there are many reasons for this, but some of it has to do with the colder weather. The cold weather has 'forced' me to drive everywhere, where I used to walk. My treadmill broke last year and that stopped me from continuing my running. We had the Christmas period, which saw a rise in the number of chocolates and biscuits I was eating.. and on and on and on. I'd really like to delete this entire paragraph (but I won't) and admit to myself (and to all of you) that: It's all excuses, isn't it?

Last year, for N's birthday, I bought him a Wii Fit. This was at the beginning of our running kick, I believe. Our mutual goal of becoming healthier people, with healthy hearts and bodies. I used the Wii Fit for a little while, always lamenting at the fact that my Mii was slightly plumper than I'd like her to be. I set myself a goal of losing 10 pounds and then forgot all about it. Last week, I used the Wii Fit again. For the first time in 244 days it informed me. In those 244 days, I'd managed, of course, to not meet my original goal of losing 10 pounds. Oh no. Instead I'd gained a further 11 pounds.

So here we are, another year, another decade and I'm not making a resolution. I hate that word, it's so filled with defeat and giving up and failure. Instead, I'm making a life decision. To choose better, healthier foods. To be more active. To teach my children to make these same decisions and to make time together as a family to exercise and have fun. But to do it in such a way that won't induce food-guilt or shame. I'm doing this to lose weight but not necessarily to look better, but to be healthier.

I'll be starting out small. In fact, I've already begun. From today, I'm cutting out those small car journeys and walking to places that I once walked with ease. To the two toddler groups in our neighbourhood, to coffee group. I'd like to begin using the Wii for different work-outs, but to also have some fun doing it. I'd like to run around in a field with my boys, kicking a football. I'd like to stroll around the park and feed the ducks. In time, I'd like to jog in public. Maybe take up swimming again.

I'd like to drink more water, eat more fruit and vegetables. Reduce my intake of chocolate and biscuits and crisps. Snack wisely.

Wish me luck on my journey, I will need it.

11 comments:

  1. I came across your blog just this weekend; thank you for posting all these good book recs.

    Also, good luck with the weight loss plan. Variety of food and exercise is important so you won't get bored with it all. And also, though you may have a weight loss goal in mind, it's great that you're seeing it in terms of lifestyle change, as that will also help you keep the weight off and just be healthier and more fit generally. Anyway, it sounds like you're going about it sensibly.

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  2. Best of luck to you! I like 'life decision' - I feel powerful and in control just saying those words.

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  3. I can empathize with you completely on this issue. All my younger life I was actually underweight. Once I turned 35, it got progressively harder to lose weight. Now, at 39 I am about 20lbs heavier than I would like to be. I also have much less willpower than I would like to have when it comes to eating and I have much less self motivation for exercise. The fact that I have three children and work full time comes to mind as an excuse, but I am sure that there are plenty of other women that are in the same situation that make time for exercise and eating right. For me, I get bored easy and so I have to find a variety of different things to do to keep my interest. Most of all, I need accountability. I find I do better when I know someone is watching my progress.

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  4. I too am on a similar journey. I wish you great luck! Keep us posted:) You have a great deal of support in this lovely blogging community.
    I did not get the Wii Fit. I opted for Wii Active, I am still waiting for it to arrive:)

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  5. I took a similar journey this time last year. I had gained over two stone and knew I had to get rid of it. It took me till August to lose the weight, but I got there in the end and I felt like I really had achieved something. Over Christmas I gained half a stone, but I am OK with that as I am going back to Weight Watchers this week. I don't feel like I have such a big hill to climb this time.
    You can do this and if you put your mind to it, it will happen. Good luck.

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  6. good luck, girl! you know i'm with you on this one, i am always on this quest! not just the weight, but the healthy! so good luck to you!!! i know you can do it!

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  7. The bit I hate is how it says "OW" when you get on it!! GRRR.

    I could have written your blog word for word...lets do it together!

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  8. I can empathize completely! Small steps are the very best steps to take in any new beginnings. Start small, and it all adds up in the end. You will be fabulous before you know it!

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  9. I definitely wish you luck. I lost 10 pounds for my wedding 3 months ago, and promptly gained it all back between my honeymoon and Christmas. I know it's depressing, but just keep at it and know that eventually it WILL start to work. I like to cheat on the weekends. It keeps me sane and gives me something sweet to look forward to!
    Alayne - The Crowded Leaf.

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  10. Good luck! It all sounds so familiar. I've started taking the Wii Fit (Plus) more seriously and am having tons of fun with it. It's the food part I so struggle with. But I am determined to figure something out somehow. Looks like there's many of us here that can cheer each other on!

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