Step It Up
Midweek Summary
Getting Back On Track
Yesterday was pivotal. Having confessed to myself I’d become completely addicted to all the foodstuff I shouldn’t consume, I had my first normal day in ten days. As I wrote before, Christmas got me. And something I learned is to never take your foot off the pedal. In my case, the dreaded drink led me down paths I didn’t want to explore. But, what’s happened has happened and in life, especially when you get to a certain age, you need to look forward not back.
I boozed the rest of my beer on Saturday, it didn’t do too much damage but did consume rather quickly! In the back of my mind, I knew it was my last session for a while. I was considering downing the half bottle of Jack Daniels on New Year’s Eve but once we got home from visiting family, I didn’t feel like it. On New Year’s Day, we went out for a drive into the local wilderness. The weather was terrible (as usual!) so we headed back to Heaton Park in Manchester where at least there was no rain! That ten days felt like ten years! I’m still fascinated by how time halts over the Yuletide season. I’m glad it’s over and there’s a sense of normality back in life. My wife went back to work, traffic was quieter as not all schools have returned.
A Normal Day
Over Christmas, I got a taste for the ‘good’ stuff which long-term is anything but good. I’m having to reprogram myself and discipline myself all over again. Here’s what I ate yesterday with the calories.
- Breakfast – 3 Rashers Bacon, 3 Free Range Medium Eggs (Fried With Low-Calorie Spray), 3 Crisp Bakes (476 Calories)
- Lunch – 1 Small Tin Sweetcorn, 1 Can Tuna In Spring Water, Half Can Pinto Beans, Salad Cream (502 Calories)
- Dinner – 2 Thighs Chicken (Boneless & Skinless), Red Split Lentils, Half Can Pinto Beans, Mayonaisse (820 Calories)
- Snack – 250 ml Skimmed Milk (87 Calories)
- Total Calories – 1,885
That is exactly what I was doing before Christmas. I’d descended into such bad habits again, I was beginning to think I wouldn’t be able to get back on track. Amazing, how one good day has made me feel invigorated and motivated once more.
Step It Up
The Right Direction
Now is the time I have to step it up. Yesterday was a small but significant triumph. I did everything I was doing before Christmas. Sat at the table, eating slower etc. Sure, I had some trouble nodding off as I felt a little hungry and had cravings but that didn’t matter. When I did finally fall asleep, I got almost eight hours. I feel like I got this again, my motivation has returned.
I’ve learned that if you let your guard slip, you can so easily descend back into old ways. I feel the sugar addiction has returned and I didn’t even eat that much chocolate. But enough to want it. I know that this passes in a few days and I’ll get my taste buds back and even the plainest food will taste yummy. Sometimes, we need reminders of where we’ve been to head in the right direction.
New Year, New Me?
Don’t Believe The Hype!
Of course, now that 2024 is upon, the diet and gym people are waving adverts and offers constantly in your face. I think new year’s resolutions are a load of absolute bollocks and always have done. As if suddenly, the clock strikes midnight, we go into another year and all your problems will magically disappear. Absolute nonsense. If you want to do this, it has to come from within. If you’ve been stewing for months in the run-up to Christmas, promising yourself you will diet when it’s all over, you may be heading for a fall. I’ve been there and lasted a week!
My advice is to be strict with yourself. Detox, completely give up sugar. Give it a try! Take hunger on the chin. Diminish the good stuff from your persona. Be ready for some tough times but stay focused. I have to say, that starting this journey before Christmas was the best thing I’ve ever done. But, if you can focus on yourself, there’s no reason why you cannot do this. Focus is the key. Remember, so much of this is about brain power. I’m disappointed but not downhearted that I had a slight Christmas setback. The reality is after that one (and it is just one!!) good day, I feel ready for the challenge ahead. My mind is focused and going to step it up.
