Staying the Course

A review of last week, and plans for this week, are at the bottom of this post.

We have all seen how gyms on January 1st are full, but by March 1st you can work out on whatever piece of equipment you want to. Why does this happen to so many people, year in and year out? Well, it’s actually pretty simple. While the “drop-outs” really do desire to be more healthy, they don’t go into it with a sustainable plan. As a multi-time drop out, I know that without a plan, and some mental preparedness, we are setting ourselves up for failure.

Having a plan causes us to slow down long enough to consider what it will take to get through the times of pressure. As you likely realize, our culture is geared against good health. The medical and pharmaceutical industries do not treat at the core level, they deal with surface symptoms and one could argue only prosper when we remain sick. Would-be doctors do not study nutrition for more than a semester while in college. In addition, our grocery stores are filled with things that simply are not good for us, placing most of their focus on cans and boxed foods filled with preservatives.

In our current culture, getting healthy and staying healthy is a battle. There are constant pressures on us not to do the correct things. The advertising, the addictive additions to our foods, and the endless distractions, all serve to derail our desire to be truly healthy. This is where being mentally and even spiritually prepared comes in. Our bodies are a gift from God and should be treated as a special gift. We not only need to exercise but we also need to turn toward more whole foods, natural foods, and quality proteins that will help us maintain muscle mass as we age. And we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help, God will strengthen us if we ask. And not only strength to endure, but to develop better discipline, so that one snack doesn’t turn into two, and then a weeks worth, and then a month. That roller-coaster is one we need to get off of because the wild swings between healthy and unhealthy are actually worse than just remaining overweight. And don’t just turn to God for strength, create an accountability group with friends in the same boat. I am part of a text group where we share what we weigh, what we ate and whether or not we exercise daily. Having others that are there to hear you and encourage you… and come find you when fall off that boat, is a huge tool to have as you wage this war.

Update: Last week I was challenged. I did exercise a few days, did some lifting, even jogged for the first time in years. But I wasn’t consistent enough and didn’t make sure time was carved out for daily exercise. And, I found myself in places where the only food available wasn’t what I should have been eating and even though I ate in moderation, I still can and will do better. I did lose 1 pound. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.

This week my goal is simple… I want to walk/jog 2 miles Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesday and Thursday, 10 minutes of stretching and light calisthenics.