This morning I did something that I haven’t done since, oh, sometime in May: I dragged out and dusted off the Wii Fit Balance Board, replaced the long-dead batteries in the remote, and… gulp… weighed myself, prepared for the worst.
And the news was pretty terrible.
Actually, it wasn’t quite as bad as it could have been. I’d lost a bunch of weight before, and discovered at this morning’s weigh-in that I haven’t quite managed to find it all again – I’m still 18 pounds less than I was when I first started way, way, WAY back when. So there’s that.
Then I did another something that I haven’t done in any formal kind of way since LONG before May: I did five minutes of exercise. Five minutes = no big deal, right? But it’s a start. And it’s five minutes more than I did yesterday.
Then I drank a bunch of water, ate a healthy breakfast, and headed to the grocery store to stock up on good-for-me food.
I’m trying. Again.
I’m not making any grand announcements here – like, THIS IS IT. This is the LAST TIME I’m going to have to get up because THIS TIME I’m not going to fall. Honestly, it’s hard to be enthusiastic about success in the face of so very many failures. Plus, no matter how sincere I may be, grand announcements feel a little bit like crying wolf.
But I AM going to try – that I CAN promise.
Because being significantly, profoundly overweight is not even a little bit fun for me. It’s uncomfortable, it’s unhealthy, and it’s limiting. It makes me feel self-conscious and unhappy. And it doesn’t have to be this way.
So my goals for each new day, one day at a time, start now.
- Exercise at least 5 minutes.
- Drink 6-8 glasses of water.
- Eat a balanced diet that falls within a healthy calorie limit.
- Log my food/water intake and activity on MyFitnessPal (P.S. – feel free to “friend” me if you have an account there).
I’ll add more to that list… soon. For now, I just want to start by getting back to basics and build my healthy life from there.
So here I go.
Anyone else trying again?
Please share!
Good for you for recommitting yourself, and for managing to keep that 18 pounds off! Congratulate yourself for that. I’m still trying to keep up a regular running practice. Every time I think I can, something sidelines me–weather, too much work, assorted aches and pains. My husband just did a 10-mile race and I want to do it next year, so I’m hoping that will give me incentive! In the meantime, we do walk quite a bit in the summer, and I walk my dog every day for 30-40 minutes, so that’s something (although it’s a very slow walk, as she’s always stopping to sniff). We can do it!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you, Elaine… and all the best to you in your running practice!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: 1951
August 4, 2014
Inspirational. Because it’s manageable. Thank you.
Carol Cassara recently posted… Paging Marcus Welby, MD to our health care system
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
You’re welcome, and thank you. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Yup. I did the same thing this morning. Must be that mirror. I’m enough all right. Maybe a little more than enough. HaHa.
I thought I was content to just be. But the scale said, I was climbing, so I better step it up.
I’m using FitBit and LoseIt apps. Want to be my pal?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
I’m a LOT more than enough, no question there! 😉
I’m only on MyFitnessPal, but I will gladly be an emotional support pal. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: RamblinGarden
August 4, 2014
Good for you. You identified the need before all of your hard work was in the past. You’ve set realistic goals, and you will have a lot of support from your fellow bloggers, I hope. (I know well that weight management is a lifetime process.)
Alana recently posted… What is Even Better than Pesto?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thanks, Alana – I appreciate the support! It really is a lifetime process.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: mktgcopywriter
August 4, 2014
One step at a time and you’ve taken a few already. First one, making the decision. Next one, starting with an attainable goal of 5 minutes a day. Before you know it, you’ll be 10, 15 or 20.
Good luck on your journey.
🙂
Debra Jason recently posted… A Solopreneur’s 8 Secrets for Staying in Business Happily and Successfully
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you so much, Debra. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: midlifemacgyver
August 4, 2014
Hi Laurel! Good for you. I love the fall down seven times, get up eight quote. It’s really the only way to keep moving forward. I’m two months into a no sugar, no flour, no pasta lifestyle change and it’s no picnic. However, I do feel like my system is running cleaner, my thoughts are clearer, and I have more energy. I’m also taking some serious supplements to support the hormonal tsunami that accompanies midlife. What you are doing takes courage and commitment and I applaud you for taking the first step in a series of several. I look forward to hearing how each one makes you stronger and more committed to your overall health.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you so much, Penny! That’s one of my favourite sayings, I think – one that keeps me going when I get discouraged. All the best to you, too, as you adjust to your dietary changes.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
One day at a time is always my motto. I’ve just gotten back to the gym myself after breaking my ankle. I started slow (yoga) and have introduced some weight classes into my weekly routine. I have found that it helps to have company while exercising – someone that will walk with you or take those classes at the gym along side you. I think being accountable to someone else is a key component. Good luck – keep on and you will be surprised with your progress.
Cyndi recently posted… Firestorm 2014 – What a Weekend!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
I totally agree – one day at a time… partly because sometimes thinking of the big picture is just too overwhelming. All the best to you, too!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: rm29303
August 4, 2014
Fingers crossed for you Laurel!
Rena McDaniel-The Diary of an Alzheimer’s Caregiver recently posted… AN ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER DAY FROM HELL
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you so much, Rena!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
I’m right here hoping you find your way back. I remember going on the earlier journey with you via the internet and cheering you on. I’ll cheer you on this time too. I’m also trying to keep the scale going down. It’s not easy and it’s particularly difficult when I have a husband who never seems to get enough to eat. And, you’ve met him. You KNOW he gets enough to eat. He’s a snacker so that makes me want to eat. I’ll think of you and your struggle when I want to eat and I know I’m not hungry. Maybe that can help me keep on track. 🙂
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
It really is an ongoing struggle, isn’t it?! But I really appreciate your support and encouragement, and hope I can offer the same back to you in some way. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: Joy\'s Book Blog
August 4, 2014
Yep! I’ve had a bad week, but I put all the structures back in place to get back on track tomorrow. The single most important skill, I think, is to get back to it whether things went off track for a few hours, days, weeks, or months.
Joy Weese Moll ( recently posted… Before / During / After the England trip #IMWAYR
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
You’re so right, Joy – I think that’s why I like that quote so much. No matter how many times you fall down – or how long ago you fell – what’s important is the getting up again!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Hey Laurel
First off, congratulations on your initial triumph! It isn’t easy to commit to a healthy lifestyle. But you not only took on that challenge, you actually succeeded.
And, knowing you from your posts, you are going to KICK BUTT AGAIN!
Thank you for being so honest. I am just recovering from an eating disorder, and trying to commit to a healthy, happy lifestyle myself. I have vowed to stay away from frozen food in the month of August. I have done this in the past and know I can do it again, thanks to some wonderfully inspiring human beings like you who silently motivate me to stay on my track to success! #HUGSSS
I am still very calorie-conscious though and workouts are an integral part of my existence. Unfortunately, I overdid my treadmill’ing’, which has led to two swollen knees and two months away (and counting) from the gym.
I was feeling shitty 🙁
Your POWERFUL reminder, however, just rejuvenated me. I don’t have to workout for an hour to feel better. 30 minute sessions on very low inclines still gets my body moving and is worth something, eh? 😀
I am going to start from tomorrow – thank you, Laurel #HUGSSSSagain
Finally, I shall cheer for you, darling. YOU ROCK!
Much love and BEST wishes
Kitto
Krithika Rangarajan recently posted… What My Pup Taught Me in July
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement, and right back at you! I wish you all the very best in your own lifestyle choices and changes, and am happy to offer whatever support I can. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: sanchlivinglife
August 4, 2014
Good on you for giving it another go! By the way, there are some great apps with the 7 minute workout. It’s supposed to be high intensity and good for you. And everyone can fit in 7 minutes to exercise! For me personally, exercise is part of my life…it’s a habit/routine. When I don’t exercise I feel like crap and that’s motivation enough. 🙂
Sanch recently posted… Should I stay or should I go
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Right now exercise is still another chore to be ticked off the list, but I am looking forward to the day when I really need and enjoy daily exercise as part of my daily routine. Here’s hoping!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: indywrites
August 5, 2014
It is a great effort, just keep at it. Even I try to do little things that will make a difference. I am not able to do it 100% but i don’t give up. All the best.
Inderpreet Kaur Uppal recently posted… THANK YOU & PLEASE
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you so much for your encouragement – I appreciate it. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: Bh_vya
August 5, 2014
That’s the spirit! Every small step counts in helping you reach the destination, so all the very best 🙂
Bhavya recently posted… The Girl In The Train
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you so much! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: nabanita21
August 5, 2014
Good on you Laurel..Keep up that spirit and I know you’ll be able to do everything that you plan for 🙂
nabanita recently posted… Trivialize No More!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you very much. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Good for you, Laurel. I am also trying again 🙂 I have started with 30 mins of exercise daily and healthy eating. Fingers crossed, best of luck to you.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you, and very best of luck to you as well. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: CorinneBlogs
August 5, 2014
It all sounds familiar to me, Laurel. Your post and resolve inspire me – I must be more realistic too in my fitness goals! Thank you!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted… Hear Me Roar
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
You’re welcome – and thank you for understanding. All the best to you in your own fitness goals! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: DebbieDoglady
August 5, 2014
Congratulations on trying again and not giving up, Laurel! I have new resolve every week, but there’s always something that sidetracks me. Threw my scale out years ago, but the clothes have gotten tight again, so, time to get serious. The water drinking habit is the most difficult and the exercising. Arthritis and asthma don’t help. Here’s to your success and thanks for the inspiration!
Debbie recently posted… HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO US! 41 YEARS ALREADY?!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you so much, Debbie, and here’s to your success as well!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: kohleyedme
August 5, 2014
Great effort, Laurel! It sounded like my routine these days..!!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Way to go… all the best… :)…
Sheethal recently posted… Love beyond Worlds.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Good for you! No negative comments from me on grandiose statements! I am, after all the original Girl Who Cried Skinny 🙂
Hugs and good luck, friend!
The Girl Who Cried Skinny recently posted… This is not how anyone would describe me: super thin
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you so much! I would LOVE to know your secret of keeping the weight off for good… here’s hoping I find out some day myself. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: karenandwendy1
August 5, 2014
If I might make a small suggestion, Laurel? Check out the book “The Diet Fix” by Dr. Yoni Freedhoff. It’s the most humane, compassionate, and ultimately useful book I’ve ever read on weight loss, and it might help you stay on track when things get rough. Because they always do…just ask how I know! 🙂
Best of luck, in any case–I know where you’re coming from on this.
Karen recently posted… Off to the Glengarry Highland Games!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thanks so much, Karen – I will definitely check it out. Your support and understanding is appreciated. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
Twitter: luxganzon
August 6, 2014
good for you, girl. hope you can religiously follow those goals. 🙂
lux recently posted… St. Augustine’s Quotes
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 8, 2014
Thank you – me too! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo Friday: From Nature
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