About six weeks ago, I finally gave up on searching for a quick fix to look and feel better.
What I decided on was a one-year plan, with a determination to not quit, even if I stumbled along the way. I don’t want to continue writing the same entries in my journal year after year, complaining about the same things.
There’s only one person who can make changes, and it’s me. A year is going to pass whether I do something or not, so I may as well commit to the one-year journey and do something every day to get there. Right?
This month’s magazine has lots of inspiration. Laurie Mueller talks about tackling writing projects and closet cleanouts 15 minutes at a time. Kathleen Thomson inspires us with her article “going for the good.” And Ron Cain gives some expert advice on home gyms.
Six weeks ago, I committed to take one walk each day, for 20–30 minutes. Each day, I choose a place that inspires me – and just walk. After a month of this, my stride is quicker and longer, and my breathing is no longer laboured on a small hill.
I adopted intermittent fasting as a way to coax my body into burning more stored fat and repairing damaged cells. I fast every day between 18-23 hours. As I have gradually progressed to longer fasts, I have less hunger and fewer cravings. According to research, my cells have a longer window of time to rejuvenate. I vary my calorie intake. Most days I eat a regular amount: around 1,200-1,800 calories. But at least twice a week, I stay at 500 calories. Some call this 5:2 fasting, and it seems to benefit those with slow metabolism.
I found a seven-minute full-body workout program on YouTube that cycles me through 12 simple exercises done for just 30 seconds with 10-second rest intervals. I have free weights to pick up for a quick arm toning or upper body workout when I need a break from the computer. Perfect for TV commercials.
Now, with having to be more selective with my calorie count, I am choosing only those items I find tasty and satisfying. A couple bites of chocolate cake are sufficient to settle the craving for something sweet… a couple cups of buttered popcorn instead of the whole bowl. Contrary to what you were told as a child, you don’t have to eat everything on your plate. Or the broccoli.
One Caramel Macchiato is my occasional treat – with that, I’m fine passing on desserts. I order it with half the syrup and it’s just as tasty, with 40 fewer calories. Yay.
It’s not about depriving myself of something that tastes or feels good. It’s about consciously choosing to eat or do something in a way that satisfies me and works also toward achieving my one-year goal.
If I stumble or fail at something, I have already accepted that as part of the process. I’ve told myself I will keep going rather than give up.
It’s difficult to change overnight what has taken years to arrive at. Instead, commit to a goal that is achievable in one year, and work at it in little bites. Like writing a book in 15-minute daily intervals, you can take control of just about any aspect of your life that needs some enhancement – your body, home improvements, relationships, finances… if it’s something you want to change, then it’s worth the time and effort.
Next month will come, and the next… and you’ll be closer to your goal. Just keep on going. You might surprise yourself!
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