Spring Has Sprung!
Bring Me Sunshine
This morning has been a joy to behold. One of those stark reminders that life can sometimes throw a little happiness when you least expect it. And, more often than not, the simple things count a lot.
I mean, I walk my freeloading friend almost every day so why should today be any different? I whacked on ‘The Alcohol Mix’ on Spotify on my phone and lost myself in a haze of a groovy soundtrack and collected thoughts.
I savoured the morning air, breathing deeply and enjoying my surroundings. I love that feeling when spring has sprung. Feels like a new beginning.
Springtime Effect
You feel better when the sun shines and warmth on your skin. Nights getting lighter laced with a feeling of relief.
The sun is out in abundance today. I love how sunshine can lift the mood. The end of a long, hard and cold winter.
There is still a little mud, but this is slowly evaporating. I’m ditching my winter coat for something lighter! The shorts will be out soon!
When daffodils start sprouting, this feels like the moment spring has sprung. A certain animal loves to sniff amongst the flowers!
A Few Good Days
This makes all the difference. On Tuesday, I had zero excess sugar for the first time in quite a while. I managed to stay firmly away from the work biscuit jar!
My working hours have slightly changed, and I have more time during the day. After a disappointing February, I’m determined to get back on track. So far, so good!
The Eternal Battle
When you have food and eating problems, it’s something you have to live with. You are not alone. Millions of us suffer. A measure of where I currently sit, is I’ve reported February as a “bad month” and have been struggling, yet still lost 700 grams (1.54 Pounds)!
Planning
My new hours mean I’m eating two meals at work so a little more preparation and thought is necessary. I have to constantly think and plan ahead. Having more time during the day, I prep as I potter around the kitchen. I love a good kitchen pottering! Whatever Larice has cooked in the evening, I’m taking to work the next day.
Intermittent Fasting
I’m experimenting with this. 16 hours fasting with an 8-hour eating window. In my case 12:30 to 20:30. Strictly three meals a day. I have to inject discipline! Sometimes you just need to be strong and very focused.
On Monday, I wasn’t completely on the money, but just about stayed within my calories. Yesterday and Tuesday, I completely nailed it. I think, along with the sunshine, this has helped tremendously. Getting one day right on a new plan is a massive sense of achievement. I’m getting some hunger and insomnia problems but this is just teething adjustment.
Enlightened Mood
The road walk today lifted my spirits. Out of thousands of songs on The Alcohol Mix, Spotify nailed it with classics from The Wedding Present, The Stone Roses, Colourbox, The Wonder Stuff, and Pop Will Eat Itself.
Whilst I do think society is a little obsessed with nostalgia, I’d certainly say there is nothing wrong with a little reminiscing.
Moving Better
Over 6000 steps before midday. I’m sticking with the promise I made myself. 5000 steps at weekends and 10000 during working days. I hit 135000 yesterday. With more time, I can take the hungry hound out a little longer. I was moving so freely today and barely out of breath.
Long Way To Go
I may have a long way to go on this journey but when you have highs, it makes it all worthwhile. Nobody loses weight without lows and you just have to take them on the chin and move on. It’s almost a year since I first had breathing problems which turned me into a complete mess both physically and mentally.
On The Up
Despite not losing much weight and eating way too much sugar, and carbs and consuming way too much alcohol, I never once physiologically or psychologically wavered. The easy option is to give up everything and go back to my former life. Changing your way will never be easy especially when you get to a certain age.
Embracing Exercise
I cannot stipulate enough how important exercise is. Sometimes it’s no fun in the wind and the rain but being a dog owner, I have no choice! When I lost a lot of weight from 2009 to 2010, I walked a lot and went on my exercise bike at least five days a week. When spring has sprung, this makes things a little easier.
As I reported before, exercise can be an aid for weight loss but is more important for mental health and keeping your body healthy. Some diets allow you to eat bad foods because you’ve exercised. My app gives me extra calories for movement but in general, I don’t take too much notice!
You Are What You Eat!
Yes, a cliché but one which rings very true! I’m de-cleansing my body. It needs it after stuffing too much bad stuff recently. Felt mighty ruddy fine after ditching sugar for a couple of days.
Back On It!
Since my last blog, I feel like I’ve got back on top of things. A tricky period is over. With no life events on the horizon, I’ve got a clear run ahead. Since spring has sprung, I’m feeling some momentum which needs to be grabbed with both hands.
