One of my work friends is starting a Biggest Loser challenge for people who want to participate. There is a $60 buy in and a monthly weigh in. There are little monthly prizes and then at the end there are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. I'm jazzed. For one, I really like the Biggest Loser show on tv. I like watching how hard they work and how they confront some of the issues that brought them to obesity. I love watching their successes and watching also how they are supported and encouraged when they plateau. It inspires me. So, I like the psychology of calling this a Biggest Loser challenge.
This particular opportunity is very timely because I am really wanting to lose weight badly. I'm focused. I'm probably going to do all the wrong things, but I am also motivated by the challenge of competing. I am trying to teach myself to change entirely what I consider appropriate food for meals and quantities. The model I was raised with doesn't work. The emphasis has to be on vegetables and proteins with slower digesting fibers to add longevity. I am also doing VERY well with my legs and back. So, I'm going to start testing exercise to see how I do. A month ago I did fine on the treadmill, but then spent two days with my muscles failing. So, I'm going to stick to 20 minute intervals instead of an hour and see how it goes. Perhaps I can do several 20 minute intervals in a day and rest between. I'll have to mix it up to see how it goes. I'm also going to try other tricks, like drinking very cold water and do spurts of intense activity to get my metabolism motivated.
Wish me luck. Please post any ideas, support, whatever. This is going to be tough.
Jen
What happens when the competition is over?
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for you and hope you have lots of fun but don't give up on looking for a sustainable and comfortable diet and exercise regime that you can permanently make a part of your life.
I have been working on my relationship with food for a long time and honestly, I've made a lot of progress. I don't know if I will suddenly start loving a lifetime diet of vegetables, protein, fiber.. but at least I will be fending off obesity while I continue to work on it. Change happens in micro-steps. One foot in front of the other.
ReplyDeleteMaybe instead of thinking in terms of protein and fiber you think in terms of rib-eye and tilapia. Have you taken up classes in cooking? Perhaps your view of the trees is spoiling your view of the forest?
ReplyDeleteI have gout and diabetes. My gout specialist says to avoid protein and eat more carbs. The doctor I see about my diabetes says to avoid carbs and eat more protein.
I say to hell with them both and instead of focusing on calories and micronutrients I focus on cooking good meals. My health has never been as enjoyable. I still suffer gout but not as much as before and I still have diabetes but I don't require insulin injections.
I rarely ever suffer a bloated feeling or sharp hunger pangs. As a matter of fact, after eating a nice rib-eye with no bread or potatoes, I can fast for two days after and not feel hungry.