Turning The Corner

It doesn't happen overnight, but it happens...

Often as I am reading posts on my FitBit support groups on Facebook, the newbies will ask "when are things going to change?" It's the crystal ball question. At work, where I am a labor and delivery nurse, it is like when the patient asks when will the baby be born. I would be rich if I could figure that out. I don't know when - I just know it will happen. 

When you take a middle aged adult like myself and go from couch potato to deciding to become healthy, it is a process. A long process. 

I used to HATE exercising. I liked doing the machines at the gym, but I HATED cardio. Yawn. Dreadmill. Running was torture. Much whining ensued. 

As far as my diet, I was a comfort eater with a fast metabolism. I never got over 200lbs at 5'10", even with my high carb, soda guzzling ways. I did love veggies and did not eat a lot of junk - I've never been a binger. I certainly have eaten my share of bad foods.

Then four years ago I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.  Suddenly all the excuses I had lived off of vaporized in the reality of a future that was in my hands. I needed to make some changes, or bad health outcomes loomed down the road. 

I started walking 5k a day.  I got a dog to help motivate me out the door. I stopped drinking soda, and quit bringing junk food into the house.

Four years later, 11 half marathons, a 15k, 5 10k's, and a bunch of 5ks later...here I am. Resting heart rate down to 70 from 107. Down 30 pounds. Down to a size 8 from a 14. Down to small scrub bottoms. 

So do I love exercise? I need it. Something has changed over the last four years. I've gone from whining to longing. No kidding! I have been on reduced activity due to a very jacked up back, and it's been hard to stay down! I have been slowly increasing my activity - safely. I'm heading back to the gym to work on my core. I have started doing stairs again. My steps are increasing again. 

I used to dread it - now I feel like something is missing. I wouldn't go a day without brushing my teeth or showering - and I don't like going a day without doing something active, and without eating healthy. 

When did I turn the corner? I'm not sure exactly. But I DID turn the corner. 

The reason for this is because being healthy is a lifestyle. I have never considered myself on a diet. Instead, I want to take the best care of me that I can - no one else is responsible for me. Diets are doomed because they are unrealistic and punishing.  A healthy lifestyle comes with rewards.  It doesn't happen overnight, but it DOES happen. 

So get up tomorrow and start again. Set short term goals - daily at first. Every day is a chance to start again. Set your sights on being the healthiest you. 

I went to the doctor yesterday and stepped in the scale for the first time in a while - I was down 3 pounds from last weigh in. I just smiled and shrugged. 

I know I feel better when I am eating healthy whole foods and when I'm exercising. Some days are better than others. I know that. I still eat foods I probably shouldn't...but it's becoming less and less often. I don't belittle or hate on myself. I just start the next day with healthy living goals. 

I've got a 10k in a couple of weeks. I'm really looking forward to it. 

One day at a time. 

Be patient with yourself!

e b e r

Focus

An important aspect in health is focus. 

When you decide to get healthy, you need to fine tune your focus. Instead of looking at the broad canvas of your life, you have to turn the light on and put the microscope on. 

When I decided to take charge of my health,I started with walking. I was totally sedentary. I looked at my life and where and how I could make a change. So after focusing on what I needed and what I was capable of, I decided to walk daily. For me, it was 5k a day. It was a start. 

Then I decided to set a goal - my focus opened up to a slightly larger goal. I set a short term goal, and I met it. 

Slowly I began setting more long term goals. I didn't need to focus on the day to day exercise because the long term goals kept me going. 

Now I'm down with a back injury. I'm unsure of the future. 

It's hard to be immobilized. I am in pain and frustrated. 

So I'm changing my focus again. 

I'm fine tuning what I have control over - my eating. I'm charting what I eat scrupulously. I'm drinking lots of water. 

I have long range goals still. I just had to remove short term goals. The half marathon I so looked forward to Sunday will be passed. 

I've come a long way. I'm glad for that, because I know what I'm capable of. 

For now, that's my focus. 

e b e r