180 Update
So far, so good. Really, the pivotal thing for me when trying to get healthy again is working out regularly, and I’m proud to say that I’ve been good about it. I think (fingers crossed) I’ve found a routine that works for me, at least for now. I’ve done Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred almost every single day of the past two weeks. Today, I moved up to the Level II workout. The Shred is working for me for several reasons: I can do it at home; it’s fast-paced so I don’t get bored; it’s challenging without being discouraging. I’ve also gotten into the habit of getting up when Chris is leaving for work and doing it right away. I like the feeling of having it over with as I go through my day, because part of my aversion to exercise is due to the fact that I obsessively dread workouts. I can’t really obsess over it if I do it right away. This is very good for my anxiety. I’ve coupled that with longer walks with Asher every day, and a little bit of Wii. I’m not interested in doing anything hardcore like PX90; I had many years of being consumed by fitness and that time is over for me. Like, really, really, college-drinking over, despite the fact that I get a kick out of looking at my muscles when I played soccer 24/7. But I also wore a tube top during that time, so take that for what it’s worth.
Other good news is that today I start back on Cymbalta. SUCK IT, UNITED HEALTH CARE. I’ve got your shiny, expensive pills in my paws and there’s nothing you can do about it. Well, I guess there is, but hopefully you’ve got bigger fish to fry, you fucking assholes. I’ve not felt better in the last year than when I was on Cymbalta before, so hopefully this is step one on the path to emotional stability.
Another things I’ve been doing is tracking what I eat. I will never be someone who measures out their food, nor will I ever be someone who eschews the glory of butter, cream, or full-fat cheese. I love great food too much. However, I do have to moderate what I’m eating and not gulp insane portions. I’ve been using MyFitnessPal, because it’s a simple way to record your food and exercise so you can see the math behind what you need to do. It’s been helping me stop taking chugs from the glass bottle of cream in the fridge and motivated me to two pieces of pizza instead of “my half”. Tonight, I’m going out to eat with my Food Blog Mafia friends at Eclipse, and so I’m going to eat lighter during the day. God, moderation is boring, but I am feeling so much better already. Oh, I don’t really take chugs of cream. Gross.
Outside of physical fitness, I have some other things I’m doing to try to get my life in healthier shape. For example, I’m trying to tie up loose ends or address little situations immediately so they don’t become loose ends. Yesterday, I sent my brother a check I owed him for our parents’ Christmas gifts. HEAR THAT, ANDREW? I SENT YOU A CHECK YESTERDAY. I AM NOT SUCH A DEADBEAT SISTER. I’m trying to respond to e-mails as soon as I get them, lest I totally forget and blow someone off which I do not want to do because I care about my friends and family and want them to know that. Which reminds me, I have to go write an e-mail to a professor. I’ve been dreading it, so no time like the present.
(On January 20th, 2010 at 10:23 am)
Sounds like you have a great plan. A diet should be something you can maintain and not just a short term solution.
(On January 20th, 2010 at 11:17 pm)
I wish I could work out in the morning, but I haven’t found the motivation to get up that early yet. I also wish I could work out at home, but the cat likes to chase my feet. There aren’t many exercises that don’t involve moving your feet. Oh, and I’m loving the myfitnesspal.com thing, but I have not found a way to go out to eat for under 1000 calories. As a man, I feel it is unacceptable to only eat half my food and take the rest home, or order a salad.
(On January 21st, 2010 at 3:29 pm)
Checking those to-do’s off your list is the best! It’s the only thing that keeps my head from exploding straight off of my shoulders like a rocketship.
(On January 25th, 2010 at 9:16 am)
This takes me back. Hazy vision: we’re all sitting around Barb’s dining table eating good food and you’re expounding on the virtues of Real Butter.
Those were the days…