I thought it would be fun to try a new look, something a bit more sophisticated, a bit more subdued, a bit easier on my eyes. If I knew anything about computers at all I would design my own. But I don't. Nor do I have time. So this is what I'll work with. It's kind of fun.
Tomorrow I go back to work. Ack. It's a necessary evil if I want to continue living in my house, swimming in my pool and planting a garden bigger than I can physically care for on my own. Tomorrow is also the start of caring for my body properly. Again. Over the past few years I have gained 15 pounds, 5 of which comes and goes as it pleases, the other 10 seems to want to hang around for good. The rheumatoid arthritis that I was so unpleasantly gifted with 13 years ago has been flaring up quite regularly, as well. My diet certainly has a hand in the irregularity of my good days. My lack of exercise has contributed to my weight gain as well as the unhealthy consumption of goodies containing Earth Balance and refined sugar. And let us not forget the wine I so dearly love. And my caffeine consumption? Off the charts.
The problem? RA flares and weight gain. The solution? Treat my body right.
It's simple right? Yes and no. Getting into good habits is easy, at least for me. I love simple, healthy food and exercising. But I went on vacation 3 years ago and aparently I thought it was for good. If I'm going to be honest with myself, I have to admit that I have been lazy. And if I'm going to start feeling better, whether I take the few extra pounds off or not is besides the point (it's usually an added bonus), I have to start taking care of myself. I have a terrible habit of falling into excesses if I am not careful. This is another story all together.
Last summer I wasn't able to physically care for my garden. My rheumatoid meds had been reduced (unsuccessfully), I wasn't eating right or exercising regularly. This is not going to happen this summer. How will I accomplish this? Read on.
The plan:
1. Exercise daily. Work back up to the 5 miles daily I was running before I went on vacation.
2. Reduce alcohol consumption. I used to treat myself once a week to a glass or two of wine on Friday or Saturday evening. This can no longer be a daily occurrence.
3. Reduce coffee consumption. Friday morning and Sunday morning are typically my mornings for a lovely cup of organic fair trade coffee, but lately I have ignored that.
4. Yoga daily, not just once a week.
5. Reduce the amount of fat I cook with and refined sugars and flours. I suppose I should list "stop eating freaking much" separately, but I just don't want to go there. So I won't.
I want to start feeling good again. I want to start looking good again. I want to start sleeping well again. Dedication and perserverance are all it's going to take. I did it before. I can do it again. I will do it again. I suppose I just revealed one of my mental resolutions. Shit. It's in writing now. I'll leave it.
Easter Bread Ring Yeast Quantity
4 hours ago
6 comments:
I'm the same way. I have a pesky 15 lbs hanging around with the 5 lb fluctuation you noticed. I, too, have gotten lazy about what I put into my body. Darned baked goodies!
Before you chuck the coffee habit, you should know that two to three cups (not mugs) per day are actually beneficial to the heart, whereas, over 4 cups per day has the opposite effect. I used to drink about 4 mugs a day. Bad, Marina, bad. Tsk, tsk. I've changed my ways though. These days, I'm well within the three cup limit. :o)
I guess coffee is like alcohol in a way. A little wine is helpful, but a lot is not.
I'm going to try to get these 15 lbs off too. I'm going to make it my New Year's resolution for this year. 8 weeks of conscious effort should do the trick. The hard part is getting started. :o/
You know, I don't really drink that much coffee. Generally never more than 2 cups a day, sometimes less. It just tastes better to me if I "treat" myself to it only twice a week. Gives me something to look forward to when the weekend comes around.
Getting started with my regular exercising this morning was difficult, but I felt so good afterward. That's great motivation for me. As the next couple of weeks go by, it will get easier and easier for me.
Oh, by the way, it's nice to see you stop by my blog Marina! :o)
I tend to lurk rather than participate. :o) The only places I regularly post anything these days are VP and Facebook. Mostly the latter.
I love your goals, Melissa! I share some of the same ones. I just wish it wasn't so easy to fall off the wagon. But the joy that comes from the journey towards health is very motivating to me.
But my very greatest motivation is actually my grandparents. They are sick and decrepit. I feel so bad for them that they let themselves deteriorate over the years: not eating right, not exercising, hardly even moving at all, for that matter! Now they can't move, even when they want to.
They don't know it, but they are my motivation! I love them, but I NEVER want to be like them: sick, tired, bored, immobile. It's sad to see great individuals become comatose.
So, whenever I don't want to exercise, I ponder on them and their condition, and then I get my butt up and do something! I want to be a fit and happy and active grandparent someday! I still want to play a part in the lives of those I love when I am old. I know I can achieve it!
Well that was a long explanation you never wanted to hear! :) I just felt connected to your telling of your goals. I am sorry you struggle with RA. That must be so discouraging. But I know you can reach your resolutions! You can do anything you set your mind to!
Love you, Melissa! :)
I enjoyed reading your response, Valerie, and I'm glad that you felt connected. :o) Thank you for sharing. I am still working on my resolutions, bit by bit, taking my time. Your vote of confidence just gave me an extra boost! Thanks a million!
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