Sunday, August 24, 2008

What's Good For You

Spring makeover special.

At what age do we suddenly feel 'grown-up'?  I don't mean turning 18 and being able to drive/drink/vote or turning 21 when everyone celebrates your coming of age.  When do we feel that kind of 'mum' age?  I guess that is what I am getting at.
This feeling has overwhelmed me in the past couple of years.  I am not saying that I feel 'old' but I do feel changed.  Go back say 4 years and (in my mind) my students would look at me as the cool, young teacher.  Now I feel like they look at me as the cool teacher who could be their mum (as I am the same age as many of their parents - or older!).
I am also the heaviest that I have ever been.  Only a bit heavier (not much) but it makes heaps of difference.  I am constantly thinking about what I am eating.  Sometimes I make the conscious effort to reduce what I eat and sometimes I just have to have one more chocolate.  I joined the gym and enjoy going.  The problem with joining a gym is the guilt I feel when I don't visit.  I so need to go more regularly.  

So, lets get back to the title of this post... I am sitting here on a Sunday night and watching the new episodes of 'What's Good For You?'.  It is a spring cleaning, make-over special.  I am going to get back on track even if it kills me.  For a start, I need to watch less TV.  Here are my current goals.  They are in no specific order and I am not planning to implement all of them at once.  I just think these are a few things I should improve...

1.  Drink less coffee WITHOUT sugar.  
2.  Visit the gym at least 3 times a week including at least one fitness class.
3.  Walk to school (2.5km one-way) at least 3 times a week.
4.  Reduce the amount of unhealthy snacking (it sugary snacks including chocolate and ice cream).
5.  Eat more nuts as a snack.
6.  Eat more fish (Why don't I? I love it!)
7.  Drink more water.
8.  Attend to personal grooming more often (ie waxing - ouch)
9.  Eat more salads and fresh veggies.
10.  Eat less pasta (not cut it out but reduce serving size)

Anyone else out there got any more hints or suggestions.  Key weight loss ideas.  Motivational statements... I think that is something I really need - MOTIVATION!

6 comments:

triplejanda said...

Baby...there's nothing new in all this....it just happens! As a matter of fact I'm feeling pretty much the same way just now....had a look in the mirror the other day...ouch!!!!..didn't like what I saw!!! hence joining the "Fit Challenge" at school. Maybe we can keep an eye on each other to stay away from those tempting treats!!!
love you always..physical stuff is not an issue! xxxxxx

Turning Japanese said...

Ahhhh, Thanks A! I don't feel crap in my head. Just want to be in control and fitter/healthier!
Let's look after each other...

Suse said...

I think two important things are 1) baby steps, and 2) buddies. It's easier if you tackle goals with a friend - ie. two of you get together and take turns in bringing two pieces of fruit in to work as your snack for the day. Or you find a walking/jogging/gym partner.

One thing that we do at our work is once a fortnight one person from the office goes down to Conways (wholesale fish traders in Footscray) in our lunch hour and buys everyone's fresh fish order. I'm like you, I love fish but rarely was buying or cooking it. This way I know that every second Friday we're having fish!

That all sounds very Agony Aunt Advice, and believe me I'm not like that generally, but you asked for tips! Now I must go and put them into practice myself ...

Anonymous said...

I'm on a bit of a 'health kick' too! I've joined a gym and am trying to cut down on the naughty food I enjoy. I'm also the heaviest now I have ever been...and figure I should try and start new routines and make a change! Stick with it my dear...perhaps we could send each other monthly progress reports...any weight loss, food ideas, any guilt etc etc!! Lauren C.

Unknown said...

So I guess it is salad for dinner tomorrow nite, and no stopping for Ecuador Dark Magnums any more! I miss them already...

Anonymous said...

No good me offering sdvice as I am the world's worst dieter and it has had disastrous effects. I go to the gym 3 - 6 times a week. Feel better but little effect on my weight.
love JEG