So, as part of my yoga journey, it came to me that it's time to shed that which is no longer serving me: the weight I acquired when sitting at my desk for 12 hours a day or more writing my dissertation. So, I started a very structured, mostly expensive diet program that will take about 6 months to complete. I need to chronicle my progress (for myself when the times get rough) so here's the first installment.
Week 1:
Like so many, this was not my first rodeo when it comes to a structured diet plan. Clearly, that means a trail of failed structured diet plans. So, when I found this program I was both hopeful but also skeptical. The promises are the same as everyone else, bar a couple I thought were interesting. More on that later. I am only into day 5 of this program and my life has already changed beyond recognition.
I was seeking more that just weight loss. I had terrible fatigue--couldn't get off the couch fatigue. And creaky/sore joints. I didn't sleep well. I felt exhausted all the time and spent a lot of mental energy fighting off really incredible sugar cravings. And I couldn't lose a pound to save my soul.
Because of this, I have a habit of pre-disappointment when it comes to stepping on the scale. Like a reflex, I tell myself, "I probably didn't lose anything today." For the last 4 days, I've made myself a liar. But it's even more than that. More as a record for myself but interesting to whomever, here are the observable ways my life has changed since Monday (and I'm writing this on Friday):
- Energy Returneth. The 2-day fast was instrumental here I think. ALSO, NOT DRINKING CAFFEINE MADE EVERYTHING CLEAR. Literally and physically for me. Taking it out made me see I was much more emotionally involved in drinking coffee than anything physical it was doing for me. Once I had physically detoxed, the hard part was filling that time and space with something else. Once I had to, i immediately started sleeping better and having more energy.
- Sleep Becomes Me. I didn't take any melatonin this week. I was falling asleep on my couch at 10pm. That hasn't happened in years.
- 10,000 Steps. I've never committed to this before. I knew I should do it but I wasn't. What a difference they make. I feel like it's easier to move in general and it no longer seems THAT FAR.
- Lost Weight. I had become convinced that I couldn't lose anything anymore. I'm no longer convinced.
I did make myself a couple promises that I've stuck to like glue this week that I think are key to all of this:
Rule 1: If you're going to commit, commit. No. Cheating. Ever. This is hard. I love to cheat. But not even an extra tomato slice or piece of lettuce. All food weighed. All liquid measured. No coffee, no caffeine, no alcohol. No excuses. (The cost of this program is a GREAT motivator that way for sure).
Rule 2: Drink enough water. I'm drinking way more than the required 64 oz. I don't care, I have my goal and I'm drinking it, come hell or high water. Pun intended.
Rule 3: You will walk 10,000 steps. This rule runs through my head especially on days when I "don't have time" to fit in a walk as an extra activity. I'm parking my car literally a mile away from my house on those days to get these steps in. In the rain. In the snow. It doesn't matter. This goal, I find the most grating...but it's probably the healthiest of them all.
I'm writing this mostly to record for myself the immediate changes as they happen so I can chronicle this process. I have to admit, I was prepared for it not to work.
I was wrong.
No comments:
Post a Comment