This blog serves as an inspirational and entertaining progress report on my seemingly never-ending journey to 200 pounds.

Monday, February 9, 2009

3rd Month - Finally Some Good News


Over the past while, I've used this journal to try and motivate myself with various catch phrases, clichés, and positive thinking. Though somewhere in my monthly summary I would always manage to sneak in a disparaging comment about how I broke from my eating and/or exercise program, followed by how I planned to prevent it from happening in the future. It's time to break from that tradition.

During this past month, I made excellent progress on all fronts, and my pace didn't falter. In the gym 3 times a week, playing hockey 2 times a week, and hitting the treadmill on the remaining 2 days. A torrid pace, to say the least, but one that I've managed to adjust to. The motivation seems to come from within, almost as if that "switch" has again been flipped. My mind and body are in agreement that what I'm doing is beneficial, and the usual cravings have subsided and given way to the daily routine. Good habits have taken the place of the bad, and any thoughts of missing or skipping a workout are always fleeting.

In the gym, I've become almost completely self-sufficient. The trainer will have the day's routine prepared, but will only need to instruct me on where to go and what to do. No longer do I require the constant coddling, pushing and prodding of a new recruit. It invokes an extra boost of confidence knowing the the trainee has the explicit trust of the trainer to perform each movement in a textbook fashion. It actually pushes me to perform beyond my limits to maintain that level of faith.

At the hockey rink, my comfort and skill levels have skyrocketed. I've matured from a role that was best described as "comic relief", to an actual presence on the ice. I'm not a superstar by any stretch of the imagination, but knowing that I can actually have a positive influence on the team when I step on the ice is definitely something to be proud of. I take longer strides, am able to actually handle the puck and make plays, and find myself in far fewer instances of panic. All of these add up to a far more enjoyable experience, and I'm getting a great full body workout.

At the supper table, I'm using small plates to ensure that I don't over do it. I've stopped eating out of containers, since it's far too easy to have too much of a good thing. It's amazing how much yogourt one person can consume if it's not portion-controlled. I've also started to really scrutinize every morsel that falls between my teeth. 100 calories here and there can really add up during the week, and learning how to eliminate these little "calorie counters" is essential to successful weight-loss. That little piece of cheese I'd have once a day? Removed from my daily routine to the tune of almost 800 calories per week!

As badly as I want immediate results, I have to constantly remind myself that it's a journey of small steps. Each small victory is still a victory, and should be celebrated as such. This past month was a definite success, and I'm hoping to be able to provide a similar report for the next.

Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can.




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