I’m trying to do whatever it takes to make myself happier with.. well, myself. In the last few years I have had a lot of confidence in myself, something that was treasured since my high school and pre-high school days were full of nothing but a huge lack of it. Of course I have always had my fat days (who hasn’t?), but I had an awful lot more of “I’m the shit” days.
Lately, I’ve found that has flipped. There are a lot more fat days than there are “I’m the shit” days. Part of it is definitely the whole nesting thing–for the first time, I’m cooking for two people, and I’ll be honest: I love it! I’ve found a lot of enjoyment in cooking and baking now that I have someone to appreciate it. Plus it’s just easier to cook for two people than it is for one. But with that has come a good number of extra pounds. I’ve been struggling slightly with my weight in the past few years, but only now have I truly felt that I need to do something. I know it’s a tough order to get back to the way I was in high school, but I’m going to give it hell! At least, I’m going to do that MY way. A happy way. No depriving, no sitting on my craving (and none of that “If you’re craving chocolate, eat broccoli instead!” crap).
I’m going to try and keep a log of things I’ve been doing and how my plans are going on this blog. Plus this post will be an outline of what I have done already, and how I’m going to go about Operation Make Katie Happy with Katie.
First, I’ve started running. This is slow-going considering my leg injury nine years ago that leaves me with a lot of pain. But I found a “Couch to 5k” plan online, and I’m going to do my best to stick with it as best as possible. It’s three times a week for nine weeks, each week getting slightly more difficult than the last. If I find I’m struggling with it though, I’m not going to worry. I’m simply going to repeat a week and keep going. Eventually I think I can make it.
Next on the list is toning. The running is great, but my arms could use a little help in getting a bit more shapely again (I once had someone tell me how great my arms were). So the weight training has begun as well. I’m not going all-out crazy, but I think two to three times a week should do just fine for now. I’m starting fresh, and I don’t want to overdo it.
After that comes some plain old cardio. With running only three days a week and generally only 25 minutes, I could use just a little extra nudge in getting myself shaped up and feeling healthy. The perfect way to do this is a little low-impact cardio on a stationary bike or eliptical. I’m not looking to over exert myself, but I don’t think a half hour a few days of this a week is going to kill me either!
So the above is my big plan. Of course, I have also done my best to adopt healthier food choices. However, here’s the big difference between me and a lot of other “dieters”: I’m not dieting. I’m not going to deny myself a cookie if I’m really wanting it, and I’m not planning on entirely giving up soda or other non-healthy options as well. Let’s me honest: I LOVE soda. I’d rather spend 150 calories on a can of Coke or Pepsi than spend the same number of calories on a snack. This whole thing is about making ME happy with ME, and so why should I deny things that do make me happy? I’m just incorporating little changes. For example, I’ve nixed the unhealthy snacks at work. I currenlty have some items such as grapes, apples, Special K cereal, yogurt, applesauce, and snack-size pieces of low-fat cheese at the office. No more cheetos, cookies, etc. If they’re not here, I can’t eat them.
I’m also making dinner a bit healthier. I’m using more light ingredients, cooking lighter meals, and experimenting with various healthy options that aren’t too weird that Jake won’t eat them (I have to keep him in mind, too!). I’m finding it a rather fun challenge to make healthier meals without sacrificing all the taste. So far I’ve done very well. Once again though, I’m making myself happy. When I made a roast earlier this week, I decided to not skimp on the gravy, and instead of substituting a lower-fat option, I used real butter. The reason for this is because I make killer gravy, and I didn’t want to sacrifice that.
So not totally denying myself things I want is probably going to hold up some of the weight-loss. I’m aware of this. But overall, I’m making healthier choices. Plus, instead of sitting around on the couch moping about how I’m blowing up like a balloon, I’m DOING something about it. So even if results don’t come immediately, at least I can be satisfied to know that I’m trying. And every extra step I take each day is going to push me closer to my goal of being happy with myself.
