Reclaiming My Health.

Those of you who started out the year with weight loss goals, I hear you.  Hang in there.  You are not alone. 

For the past 10 years I have set weight loss and health goals at the beginning of the year and every year I end it weighing more than the last.   I am determined this year will be different, and I realized that in order to get a different result, I would need a different tactic.

About this time every year... just a week or two in, I would start to feel it.  You know what I'm talking about - that pull to give in JUST a little because you've been working so hard.  That frustration you feel that this is a LOT of work and you know its going to take a LOT of time.  Its disheartening.

I have decided that for me, the best way to find success with my health is to do things ONE step at a time.  It sounds time consuming, but it can't be any worse than spending 10 years wishing I were thinner. 

I also have a theory that by constantly making healthier choices one at a time, you keep your body on its toes, and as a result it should ideally not stall out or stagnate with weight loss like it does if you're on a consistent diet and exercise plan for a long period of time.

My theory is this... its too much change on the body to shock it into losing weight by changing EVERYTHING at once - diet, exercise, etc. Your body can't take it and you literally feel MISERABLE.  Fat, calories, sugar, and caffeine are all components that your body has learned to burn at the rate it is used to burning it at.  Changing any that up is bound to be uncomfortable, because the body resists change like that, but changing it all at once can put your body into a severe phase of withdrawl.

That is when the temptation gets worse, your motivation wanes, and you physically feel like poo.  In short, its awful.  Because of this awful-ness, its often hard to stay excited about your progress, and you feel the temptation to "cheat" just a little, because you've earned it by sacrificing so much.

I'm not a doctor, mind you... these are just the ramblings of an experienced dieter, and someone who wants a change.  One that will last and not make me miserable in the process.

Because of my theories on all of this, I have been doing things a step at a time. My first week of the year I cut out sugary sodas. The rest of my eating was normal. just no soda. My options were other non-sugary drinks, but caffeine is okay (taking out sugar & caffeine at the same time is too much at once in my opinion, and frankly, I want to keep the caffeine).  I also made a rule that I had to drink my water before I could have any other type of drink. 

It really hasn't been as hard of a change as I expected it would be!  I used to drink about 5 glasses of Coke a day, and when I say glasses, I mean the really tall ones.  As a result of just this small change, I know I have cut out nearly 1000 calories each day that I would normally take in, just drinking soda.  That is a huge change and one that will seriously trigger health improvement in my body. 

I am starting to exercise a little as well. I have been alternating doing Pilates for as long as I can do it, and then walking with a friend. I am setting a goal of 3 times exercising at least 20 minutes this week. This change isn't incredibly dramatic in that I am not physically really sore or exhausted.  I'm doing things I enjoy and in small increments.  The change isn't painful and it is something that will ultimately improve my health.

Next week, I want to try for 5 days of exercise (3 of those being walking), and taking new vitamins & a fish oil supplement for heart health.  I will continue with my drink changes, and will institute a rule of no eating after 9pm (I usually stay up past midnight so this is a goal of eating no more than 3-4 hours before bed).  I will gradually move the time to eat at night up each week until I am only eating dinner, and no snacks before bed.  Its something I want to ease into.  Still, that change will make a difference in the end!

I'm working up to my goals, really giving myself the entirety of 2009 to reach them, and not working so hard that I am miserable in the process.  I want this to be a transition for my life to change.  I would love a quick fix, just like any one of us, but in my experience, they are often so hard to accomplish that for me, it has been near to impossible to do.  This tactic, however, seems like something I can do without feeling neglected, miserable, or too tempted.

I am trying to face my demons, and to look at these challenges as small changes.  I'm not looking at where I want to be in a year.  I'm looking at what I can do this week to be healthier.  The year will continue and my health and weight will change either for the better or for the worse whether I dwell on it or not.  I'm focusing on my goals in small steps and reaching successes along the way that allow me to ease into a life of healthier choices without feeling bad.

I'm not telling myself that this whole year has to be diet and exercise and sacrifice.... I'm telling myself that by the end of the year I want to be happy with the changes I have made for my health, my body, my appearance, and my self esteem.

I do have goals that I would like to reach, which help me pick what changes to make.  By the end of 2009 I would like to be eating healthy foods that nourish my body in proportions that provide the nutrition and satisfaction I need to live a healthy life.  I still want to enjoy food, but I don't want to be a slave to it anymore.  I would also like to be running regularly by the end of the year. 

I did not make specific weightloss goals because the only thing I can control is what I put into my body and how much energy I put out of my body through exercise.  My body will respond with the appropriate healthy response for weight loss as I continue to make healthier choices.  I dont' want to put a number to it, because if it is going in a positive direction, that is all that matters.  This is a life change and I *will* eventually get there.

Any change forward is a positive one.

Comments

[Christina]

I am one of those that has procrastinated year after year! Maybe I need to think about it from your point of view!
Good luck to all of us!
Oh... and add me to your blogroll!
Love the new blog by the way!

[Vanessa]

If you would like to you can include my blog in your blogroll !
www.bonzablue.blogspot.com

I am glad you are back.

I too am eating healthy this year. I am changing my children's diets too... they love easy / heap/ box food... my fault entirely I am afraid as I grabbed that after a busy day instead of cooking - so over the new year I said NO MORE ! And cleared out my freezer ... the children resisted for a while - but got no more food so ate it !

Love your blog !

Vanessa

[Jen]

Congratulations on your new Change One approach, Kristin! We will all be rooting for you this year in your goals.

I like the new design!

Jen

[Jenn]

I hear ya! I'm s tired of the fads, of the information that the "experts" change every other month! And I've starting doing the same as you, little changes here and there, slowly moving to where I want to be. Oh, and not beating myself up over my past choices. That's a big one for me! Ever wanting to go back in time to change the choiced I made. And then, ironically, feeling horrible and making the SAME choices again! I'm looking forward to getting off the merry-go-round.

So, good luck, and remember that you aren't alone:)

[Kimberly Rae]

I love the new blog.... and I've been there done that with the weight and resolutions... I have on my blog "my List" which I wrote for the New Year.... I also did a scrapbook page of my 'list'. Happy New Year Kristin!

[Becky]

Sounds like you've got a great plan to make incremental changes that you can keep going with. I have to take the mental break this weekend in order to do the same. Please include my blog on your blogroll. My two best friends and I blog about our knitting adventures there. www.knittingharvest.blogspot.com. Thanks!

[LeeAnn H.]

I am currently making changes for myself too! I may not be posting about it, but maybe we can email back and forth about our successes? :)

I'll add this new page to my Reader.

[Tammy]

Awesome!!! I have made similar changes, but I started mine last month (yeah, I know bad month to start exercising/eating well)...

I have a specific number. I want to loose 60lbs in a year. Or 5lbs a month. So far (since Dec 5) I have GAINED 2lbs. UGH! I am trying to do exercises every day, today I plan on riding my bike to and from my class (I have classes 2 days a week)...the other days I have a DVD of Walk Away The Pounds (awesome DVD, btw). :)

I'll be praying for you! :)

[Audrey]

Congrats on the great plan to take control of your health. You are an inspiration! Keep up the fantastic work. I am enjoying the new blog. I bookmarked it. Feel free to add by blog to your blog roll.

www.apatterns.blogspot.com

I update it when I complete a new pattern. (ie: not too often)

[Eileen]

Good to see you up and running in the new locale. Sending you many a positive thought as you change one piece at a time for you.

[crystal]

good for you!!!!

[debra]

Kristen, please add http://myvintagehome.com to your blog roll.
I understand about the diet thing.. I have made many changes but my first was being active. I now walk 5 miles or more a day. I hike up hills even! I have lost 30 lbs but now I am pregnant so I am just trying to maintain and stay healthy.
love the new look!
hugs,debra

[debra]

Kristen, please add http://myvintagehome.com to your blog roll.
I understand about the diet thing.. I have made many changes but my first was being active. I now walk 5 miles or more a day. I hike up hills even! I have lost 30 lbs but now I am pregnant so I am just trying to maintain and stay healthy.
love the new look!
hugs,debra

[Bethany]

Pretty blog! I'm excited to read more and can't wait for the podcast! You've inspired me in lots of ways already-Thanks!
bethanygblogs@blogspot.com (newbie blogger)

[Karen]

I like the new blog. I am glad that your move to San Antonio has gone well. If you ever have questions just email me I can help.

I have followed you since grumps and am always amazed at what a strong women you are.

Karen
dlinnartz@satx.rr.com

[Kathy K.]

Cute hair Kristen!! We are approaching health in all things in our lives in the new year and I am definitely with you in the Coke department. I have not gone "cold turkey", but have allowed myself one a day.

[Dove]

These are fantastic goals, and a great way to accomplish your health. It's constant progress, and it's always doable. And congrats on cutting out soda!

[Bethany]

I like the blog Kristen! Thanks for all the inspiration. I put you on my blog at bethanygblog.blogspot.com as well.

[Renell]

Great thoughts and ideas Kristen, I agree with you! Small steps and before you know it, you've walked a mile. I'll be reading and trying to make some changes of my own personal goals with you. Great new blog, I always enjoy catching up with you. Here's to a great New Year for all of us!