Back in October when I quit my job and began working from home, I decided to start walking early in the morning with Mrs. Smith and another neighbor. I wanted to stay on a get-up-early schedule in order to avoid remaining in my pajamas until dinner. This plan worked marvelously until the weeks passed and the air got colder and colder and slowly areas of my face and ears froze and fell off during our walks. And looking for body parts in the snow gets old fast.
I took the winter off. And most of spring. (And did I stay in my pajamas until dinner? No. I changed before I went to the Wendy’s Drive-Thru for lunch. Well, my shirt at least.)
A couple of weeks ago, I decided to start walking again. This decision was influenced by the fact that working from home (and so close to my fridge) has caused a physiological reaction scientists refer to as “weight gain”. My rump roast is too big for the pan, if you know what I mean.
Years ago, Ryan and I did Faux Weight Watchers. His mom had joined and we used all of her information and books to guide us through our own diet. I even made a counterfeit point-counter with the Xerox machine at work and a little scotch tape. I think the only thing we missed out on by not officially joining was the chance to have a stranger weigh us every week. I, for one, would have really enjoyed that.
But after a sobering moment in a dressing room a few weeks ago, I knew it was time to start counting points again and moving my body further than from the couch to the chair. I need to be a little stricter with myself and the constant flow of food into my mouth. No more pretending that a little entire cake here and there doesn’t count. No more random gallons of ice cream. No more drinking fry sauce. No more accidentally swallowing a cube of butter. No more stealing Max’s fries when he’s not looking. No more eating Max’s uneaten chicken nuggets. Or all of his chicken nuggets. No more taking Max’s m&m’s. No more polishing off his pizza or noodles to save strain on the garbage disposal. No more keeping his ice cream from dripping by eating it down to the cone. No more fighting him for the suckers they give out at the bank, even if they’re Cream Soda flavored. In fact, I should be more like Max—whithered and sullen with sunken cheeks. It’s a totally hot look right now.
And now that the weather has taken a turn for the better, walking in the mornings has been glorious. I’ve got everything down to a routine, so that I can get up, pee, change my clothes, tie my shoes, and walk half-way down the street before even opening my eyes. Once I’m awake, I really enjoy that time. I love the morning air. I love the quiet street. I love chatting with my pal. I love almost being run over by the lady in the green van. It’s truly the greatest way to start the day.
You know, besides sleeping in.
I had gained some weight recently and was actually the heaviest I have ever been. I didn’t like having the little weight around the stomach so DeDe and I started splitting meals and eating half of what we used to. I was amazed at how much that helped. Surprisingly I wasn’t hungry after eating, and it was nice not to feel bloated after a meal. We then started running 3-4 times a week and I have lost 10 lbs. I must say that I do feel a lot better and healthier.
I still have a long way before I am in really good shape but it feels good to be working towards that.
Isn’t it funny how working out isn’t that appealing until you actually are working out? For me, the hardest part is getting to the gym, or getting out the door to run. But, once I’m there or running, I re-commit to myself that I’ll be there time and time again.
Way to get motivated! I’m trying to motivate myself, and this helped!
Ugh, I know *exactly* what you mean. (Although what’s the problem with not showering until dinner? I don’t see it. I do, however, make myself put on a bra and sweatpants after I get up so that when the UPS guy comes I’m decent.)
WW is a great way to lose weight. Mostly because you’re not allowed to eat enough to even satisfy a small dog.
You know how James was bragging about loosing 10 lbs because we split meals and exercise in the AM (did I mention that is 5:00 AM). Well, while he’s loosing 10 lbs, I am gaining 2 lbs. Life really isn’t fair is it? My husband can loose weight whenever he wants, but I have to run a marathon to loose a pound or two.
Anyway, it does feel great to be outside and active. Keep it up!
I wish everyone could see you in those precious first few minutes as you swagger down the sidewalk opening your eyes just every few seconds, only out of absolute necessity, to make sure that you haven’t wandered off the sidewalk. You look like a drunk, but happy lady, with that cute little smile of yours- and I love it! It makes me chuckle….it’s what gets me out of bed every day (well, that and the fact that I can’t stand Mr. Smith’s snoring for one more second!!)- I treasure my mornings with Tiffany!
I love morning walks. You are my morning smile.
I’m so proud of you. I”m going to start living healthily . . . TOMORROW. Because, right now, we have a batch of freshly baked homemade chocolate chip cookies calling my name. I must say that eating junk food is not the best coping mechanism, but one I have heartily embraced as of late. I definitely need to get moving, and to make that movement farther from the junk food.