So, I never wrote last Wednesday's Sensibly Healthy post. I was in the middle of a crazy week, but managed to hang on to my healthy eating and exercise routine. Well, that is, until I went to the beach. Each year in September we head to the beach with both sets of grandparents. We all camp together there and it is one of our favorite family traditions. But along with that tradition comes ice cream and chips and candy.
This year I was determined for it to be different! And it was. While I didn't boycott ice cream, I did make every effort to think about what I was eating, whereas most years, I just ate what I wanted, without concern for the consequences.
The other thing I did was to take walks, even when I didn't feel like it. I got in two good walks when normally I would sit by the fire and read. So, I felt pretty good about the weekend.
But when I came back and got on the scales, I had gained the two pounds I had lost the week before! I was devastated. I felt myself sinking into the "why bother?!" mode again.
Even now, a day later, I am feeling a little apathetic towards this ongoing battle that just doesn't go away. And yet, when I look at the pictures of myself taken at the beach, I know I don't want to look like this for the rest of my life. And, so the battle rages on.
And I realize that I can't let one weekend derail the new lifestyle of eating and exercising that I am trying to attain. And so, I am going to dust myself off and keep on keeping on. After all, it is a beautiful day to go for a walk!
Are you going to exercise today?
--Leslie
I totally understand the feeling of frustration.
ReplyDeleteEarlier this summer, I was at finally a good weight for me. Then my mother's dementia "progressed" - she thinks I'm her granddaughter. Now when I take her out for lunch, more often than not, that lunch is two ice cream cones. She is so delighted to think she's being "naughty".
Have I put on weight? Yes. Would I trade the memories of these special lunches with Mom for a slimmer body? No way.
Did you have fun at the beach? Think of the happy memories you have with your grandparents. And give yourself credit for going for walks instead of sitting by the fire. You did a great job! You will lose the weight. Have faith.
Will I exercise today? Yes, I will at least go for a short walk - even if I don't feel like it. :)
Ah, yes. You are so right. I did neglect to mention that weight is not as important as we tend to make it, didn't I? My challenge seems to be getting back on track after a weekend like that.
DeleteI am so sorry to hear about your mom. That is a terrible disease. I think it is awesome that you can be there for her, though, and still enjoy lunch with her - and at least she likes ice cream for lunch and not turnips ;)
Thanks for the encouragement!