I've started keeping a food journal. Nothing so in depth as calorie counting or any other nutritional info, just what I eat/drink and when. I've been doing it for about a week now (well, I started earlier, but then got knocked out with a really bad flu for a couple days, so got back on track once I was actually able to eat again), and here are a couple things I'm noticing:
1) I don't drink enough. Water especially, but I really don't drink much of anything. Which means I'm not chugging down the soda the way I have in the past, so that's good, but still. Definitely need to drink more water. Milk is probably not a bad idea either (what with that darn osteoporosis threat looming).
2) About every other day there is a little sad face in my notebook because I did something that I know I shouldn't have. For example, on Monday we went out with some people to a Mongolian grill. An all-you-can-eat Mongolian grill. Which I took advantage of. *sadface* Granted, I only went back for a second plate, not like I was going up three and four times (which I've done in the past), and I can blame it on the admittedly-flimsy excuse that we were out and it was a rare occasion and I had to get my money's worth, but I do the same thing at home. Tonight, for example, we had burritos. I should have stopped after one. Or, since I was still hungry, had a glass of milk or something. Not gone and made myself another whole big burrito! On the plus side (sort of?) I was STUFFED afterwards, which means that my stomach is adjusting to these smaller portions. A couple months ago, I could have eaten two burritos easy, and contemplated a third. But anyway, yes . . . need to be better about controlling myself.
I'm really not focused too much on WHAT I'm eating right now, so much as eating small portions. I figure if I can get a handle on that first, then I'll start being more picky about what I'm actually putting in my body.
I have gone to the Y a few times as well. Getting sick last week got in the way a little, but my plan is to go 3 times a week. I can't work out for very long right now because I have NO endurance (seriously, I feel like falling over after 10 minutes on the elliptical) but I try to do 15-20 minutes of cardio, and then a few sets on some of their weight machines. I'm also doing crunches at home on the days I don't go, and today I tried push-ups as well. Again, not very many, but definitely making a point of doing SOMETHING every day.
We're going out of town this weekend, which will obviously throw things off a bit, but of course I'll stay conscious of not stuffing myself . . . and maybe I can get an extra glass or two of water in there as well. Once we get back, here are some things to work on next week:
~ 4+ glasses of water a day (yes, I know it's supposed to be more, but I'm going for attainable goals here)
~ no more sad faces in my journal
~ Y 3 times a week, Wii Fit on the other days (at least 30 minutes)
I think you're being pretty smart about this. Small, attainable goals are the way to go. Drastic dieting doesn't work. On diets, as soon as you stop starving yourself, or limiting yourself to 5 foods, and return to a normal diet (even a healthy one) you gain all the weight back. I applaud you for making small changes that will make a big difference.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting the "Couch to 5k" program and hoping to run a 5k in April or May. All of the information I've been reading about how to begin a new activity (running) say to start slow and work up to more activity. It helps you avoid injury. So, tomorrow, I'm going to just walk on the treadmill at a steady pace. Sunday, 5 minute warm-up walk, then alternating 60 seconds of jogging/90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes. Pick a program like that to help you build your endurance and not over-exert yourself. Most doctors recommend a run/walk program when first starting, too, since it does build gradually and reduce the risk of injury.
I wish you good luck! I wish me good luck too! :)
Yes, good luck to you too! That sounds like an awesome plan.
ReplyDeleteWhen the weather starts getting nicer, I'd like to walk to the library now and then, which is probably right about 5k from our apartment (a little over 3 miles) though I won't be running it. :)