Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Healthy You Check In - I Need a Mulligan

I don't play golf, but working in a cube farm where everyone and his brother does allows you to pick up a few terms here and there. A Mulligan is one of them. It means a do over, and that's exactly what I need. Last week, my first week in the challenge was less than stellar. It's odd, and so very me, that the minute I announce to anyone any kind of weight loss goal, diet plan, exercise plan, whatever, I immediately set out to sabatoge myself. Does anyone else do out here do this?

Anyway, last week, uuugh. I got on the scale this morning and - yep - gained 2.5 lbs. I'd like to say I have no idea how this happened, but Id be lying. Last week I ate like I was going to the chair. And to add insult to injury, only went to the gym once. Exercise, at least for me, is my biggest challenge. I hate going to the gym- hate it. Everyday I pack my bag, make sure my iPod is charged, and head out to work with the best intentions of going to work out at lunch. Unfortunately by lunch time Iv'e either procrastinated my way out of it ("I'll go tomorrow") or someone has asked me to go to lunch (more calories!) and I hate to pass up the chance to get away and be social. Im going to have to work on this.

On the bright side, even while throwing food at my face, I was playing the casual observer to my bad habits, and was making mental notes on things I can do to change the current backslide. Here's what I want to work on this week:

Water - I don't drink nearly enough, and have recently gotten back in the bad habit of drinking sodas. So, for this week(to start), no more coke. and up the water to 6-8 glasses per day ( Im on glass #2 for today.. I better get drinking).

Sleep - I don't get nearly enough sleep each night. Im somewhat of a night owl, and consider it a victory if I can get to bed by midnight (I have to get up at 6:30), but more times than not, I don't get to bed until 12:30. That just isn't enough sleep, and the next day Im tired, lathargic, and it probably is a direct contributor to my lack of motivation on the exercise front. Plus I read somewhere that a lack of sleep does wonky things to your metabolism. So... in bed this week by 11:30 at the latest.

Exercise - I know, I know, I know, I have to find something or some way to consistantly incorporate movement into my day. Maybe this week I can at least make it to the gym 3 times. That's better than nothing, and continue to try to find other activities I might enjoy more. Like a root canal (just kindding, sort of).

Yes, there is plenty more I could list out and try to tackle, but I think for this week three is good. Next week I'll re-evaluate and see if I can add more. I hope everyone has a great week, and thanks for all the support! It's nice to know we're all in this struggle together.

15 comments:

juliabjerke said...

Hey there, I'm new to the healthy you challenge. As for the gym, I used to feel exactly like you seem to. I would dread going and come up with any excuses to justify my skipping of the gym. Recently, I started going with a few friends. We go at the same times each week and this way I feel much more accountable. Plus, it's fun to talk with them and joke about the gym bunnies ;-). Also, have you looked into signing up for any classes? Sometimes they can be really fun and again, they include that whole accountability thing. Good luck this week!

Carol said...

Hey, jb stole my answer. :) haha

I was also going to suggest classes to make it more fun.

Does your gym have a pool? Maybe you could take water aerobics? Or try the cycle? Are you bored with weights or is it too hard? (just trying to find out exactly what you don't like about your gym)
http://thequeensizecommentary.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I agree with JB that maybe you could find a friend or two to join you at the gym. I always seem to do better when I have a workout buddy. Good luck with your weight loss and I look forward to reading more of your blogs. :)

HappyBlogChick said...

It's great that you recognize the importance of sleep. When I don't get enough sleep, I do a lot more comfort eating. I bet if you can get some more sleep, the eating won't be as much of a challenge.

Way to go on getting a plan in place!

Hanlie said...

I hope you have a much better week! I also used to attack myself mercilessly with food the minute I'd set a goal. Good luck!

FairiesNest said...

Oh god I think it's in the air! I've been a virtual slug this week. I so admire your determination to set goals and follow through. The idea of doing it with someone is good, if not a friend perhaps a trainer? Now to get my butt up and moving!!

Wei Sic Meow said...

I have similar sleep patterns to you I think. I've read that decent rest does help with your metabolism etc, and have tried to work on it. I think I do see a difference so it's worth working on it.

I also agree that just thinking the word diet makes you do all the wrong things! But forget last week, it sounds like you're determined to move forward and do better this week and I'm sure you will.

Good luck!

Lynn said...

Don't deprive yourself of your sodas!! Heavens!

I know I can't live without my caffiene, and I refuse to try. Instead, what I do is swap. First thing in the morning, I get my diet coke. Then I drink 2 waters. Then a coke with lunch. Then two waters and a coke with dinner, and then my last 2 waters in.

At least for me, I've found the worst thing is to 'all or nothing.' "No more coke!" is sure to send me straight to the soda. and the cookies, while I'm at it.

Thanks for dropping by my blog and being encouraging. This is a great challenge and a good way to get the support we all so desperately need.

flutter said...

I am loving racquetball, remember to eat though ;)

Yoga? Walking? swimming? Break out of that shell, baby, there's a butterfly waiting to get out!

Cammy@TippyToeDiet said...

I know what you mean about the self-sabotage! Don't worry, though, you're on the right track with the self-evaluation, and I *KNOW* you'll figure out how to make this all work for you!

we_be_toys said...

Girl, you and me both! i have been backsliding this past week as well (I don't have to tell you, i know). Enough!
Don't tell anyone (especially me!) but i think i need to go on a diet!

Anonymous said...

Get out of my head.
You just described my to do list to a T. Plus all my reasons for not going etc ect. I wish I still worked in the office we could do it together.

Diana Swallow said...

I've had weeks like this in the past and you know you just have to shake them off and say "now I know what doesn't work..."

I think you know in your heart of hearts what you need to do but instead of trying to conquer it all at once, just make a few changes like drinking all of your water, eating a healthy breakfast and taking a walk around the block. Start small and lay a good foundation and I know you'll have success! You can do this!! We are all here to cheer you on along the way.

Grumpy Chair said...

Is there a better time for you to workout? I used to set the alarm to work out first thing in the morning and never could. But I have no problem working out after 5:00 pm.

Chickenbells said...

I tell you...I'm astounded at the amount that I've eaten lately...it's like I'm eating for 2, and if I keep it up, I will be as big as 2 people...this coming from someone who was walking 8 miles a day and as soon as Nov. hit, I said, "I'm cold." and I've been sitting around ever since. sigh.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!!