A friend and I have simultaneously hit a wall of intolerance for our expanding waistlines. We are good enough friends to have compared our belly fat up close and personal and we agree that we are both at a crisis point.
My friend has spent the last few months reveling in her life as a “slug.” She has discovered why people get big and fat – its fun. In her words, “You get to eat whatever you want, you don’t have to exercise, and you don’t feel bad about it. You just do whatever you feel like doing.” She was able to do that until this morning.
I, on the other hand, have been feeling guilty about every carb I eat. To feel better, I eat something sugary. A cookie. A brownie. A handful of Honey-Nut Cheerios. And then another. And another. And then I berate myself for falling off the wagon and allowing my belly to get to this point. And then I have another cookie to feel better – for about 1 minute. And then I want another cookie.
This morning, my friend and I talked at length on our walk about what we have done in the past to get back on track. After going over all of the times we have deprived ourselves of food and restricted treats and, well, been sort of mean to ourselves, we decided to try something new.
We are going to walk every morning.
Yes, it is a small thing. It may not make up for a whole plate of brownies, but it is something. It is something we are giving ourselves – not taking away. We are adding something in. Not taking something out.
One of my favorite authors, Caroline Myss, who wrote, Anatomy of the Spirit (among other things), says that the number one way to build self-esteem is to make a commitment to yourself and keep it. She strongly recommends that you make the commitment something to do with your physical body.
Taking care of ourselves has to do with self-esteem. If I cared for myself more, I would probably eat food that gave me energy, rather than the quick, drug-like hit of sugar. And learn from the inevitable crash that comes with it. My friend and I are still discussing how we lose ourselves and do things that are not in our best interests – like eating cookies. Many cookies. I will share more on this as the conversation unfolds.
For now, my friend and I are trying something new. We are making a commitment to add an early-morning walk to our day. Everyday. Rain or shine. I am putting this out there on my blog (to all 3 of you who read it!) to make myself accountable. Because I want to care for myself.
Do you do anything to care for yourself?
Annie, I’m an early AM exerciser. If I don’t go first thing, I have a LOT of excuses. I run 2/week and power walk with walking sticks and neighbors (we’re chicks with sticks!) 1/week. After those workouts, I hula hoop and do 100+ sit-ups. Between the regular exercising and eating less (yes, I’ve given up doughnuts!) it really helps. I’m definitely trying to keep the belly away but every year, it takes more work!!
Good idea to just add on those sit-ups!!!
Annie,
You may recall that Maggie and I walked at 5:00AM for years. Unfortunately I have not carried on in that tradition. Maybe your nudge will help me to start bak, especially sine I have Fifi to accompany me.
I remember that well! It is so nice to have a regular time wiht girlfriends – I think that is what will keep me motivated!!!
OK, I have to comment on this. I know the belly. For me, the belly hit the fan (so to speak) when I saw a photo Cane snapped on one of our outings last spring. That belly is significantly smaller now, and I feel tons better. I decided it was time to stop putting my health last and to get real with myself about what I will and won’t do. I won’t do it on my own. I admitted that. I joined a gym. I decided I was worth the cost. I took 3 classes a week through the summer–a mix of yoga, pilates, and weights. (Love all 3). I needed the structure of a class and the knowledge of an instructor. I saw results within a few weeks, and that was hugely motivating. I can only fit 2 classes in now that we’re back at school/work, but 2 is better than nothing. I try to supplement with at least one good walk a week (doing something I enjoy, not just walking for the sake of walking). I’m never going to love exercising, but I love how much better I feel.
The other thing (I read somewhere and can’t remember where now): When I want to eat something that I know isn’t good for my body, I ask myself: Is this a good way to love myself? Sometimes the answer is yes–if it’s a treat I love, if I haven’t had too many other things that aren’t good for me, if I’m eating for the right reasons. Often it’s no. I’m far from perfect in this, but it’s so much easier for me to eat right from a place of giving (love to myself) rather than deprivation.
Wishing you success and health, and look forward to hearing how it goes for you.
Thanks, Rita, for sending good inspiration. It sometimes feels like a losing battle! I am glad to know that it is possible to make a difference!!!