I’m the first to admit that I live a pretty amazing life. If you had asked me ten or fifteen years ago if I’d be traveling around the world, visiting amazing destinations or interviewing celebrities and walking red carpets, I would have thought you were crazy. The BEST part of doing all of that, is that I was able to create this life…with no one handing me anything, using a dash of creativity and tools that I’d learned throughout my working life. Don’t get me wrong, there were and are PLENTY of wonderful friends and colleagues that have helped me, shared their tips, and introduced me, and I in turn feel a very powerful obligation to pay that forward.
BUT
As with so many of us, there are always those things that we struggle with, hide from others, and sweep under the rug. Just like most of you, I have mine.
I struggle with health and wellness issues
I came to writing after an accident that left me unable to walk. For seven years I spent five days a week in physical therapy, had over seven surgeries, and was told that I’d never walk again. As you know, I no longer am tied to crutches and braces (although I do have residual issues that I have to deal with).
Walking for a long time (and even sitting for too long) is still a painful proposition for me. Over time I’ve stopped working so hard to make sure that I was keeping up with my therapy or watching what I ate (extra weight on my joints make the pain more acute).
You see me sipping on champagne at fabulous dinners, dining on lobster and filet mignon. You don’t see me quickly ride through the McDonald’s drive-thru for a fix or sit with a pint of my favorite ice cream as I watch TV at night. My eating habits are horrible.
I am a food junkie
Since I began blogging in 2007, I have gained over forty pounds and ceased most of my healthy activities.
I begin and I stall and I give up. I know why…
- I eat because I really LOVE food
- I eat because I tell myself it’s my “job”
- I eat to ease the pain
- I eat because it’s there
Even Ben, who lost 190 lbs last year is not enough inspiration for me to change. I hate to think that it will take a major instance in my life for me to do something.
- I KNOW what a healthy diet is
- I know how I should be eating
- I know JUST what exercises my body can handle
- I KNOW how to be healthy
But I am not…I do not…I ignore it all.
Those of you who have taken control and have found the inspiration to make the changes in your life are amazing and
I NEED YOUR HELP
I’d love to have you comment below and let me know what brought you to the point of change, how you did it…or more importantly…how you STUCK with it.
Cat Davis says
I had no idea you struggled so much after an accident. Kudos for going through all that physical therapy!
I struggle much the same way you do. I’ve only lost weight once in my life and it was because I used a FitBit. I had m own personal motivation to get my figure back but the FitBit gave me a daily goal, a way to compete with others (which personally drives me) and it worked. I managed to drop 30 pounds … until an awful few months of depression hit and I gained it all back and then some.
Ava Rogers says
Because I chose to live with a narcissistic man for a year who bought all the food I had no choice. Breakfast salsa and hummus. Lunch raw vegetables shrimp and more raw vegetables. Dinner broiled fish and guess what … Even more vegetables. He bought the food I ate it. Within a year I found myself running … Why not? He hiked 5 hours a day every day. I was forced to eat healthy and exercise and hated having no control over it. But it worked. His control became my habitual plan of eating .. I gagged on fast food. I don’t suggest this way of learning to change your eating habits but I know I love my greenies in the morning and salmon at nite! It became s habit for health.
Elaine J. Masters says
Kudos for this post. Putting on weight is something most women deal with as they get older. It’s a fact. Good DNA may help and food choices too. After several minor injuries I’ve had to work at staying mobile – hard to accomplish w/hours online daily. Finding a motivator keeps me going. I reward myself working out while watching favorite recorded TV shows & up the cardio during commercials! Since my partner doesn’t want to watch those costume dramas & procedurals, it’s my treat. Work up a sweat, keep portions low and stretch often. I still need to lose pounds but I’m maintaining and feel better. Good luck.
Zipporah Sandler says
Thanks Cat. I have a FitBit, but use it to track my sleep. I know that if I could drop a few pounds that exercise would be less painful for me. I do understand about the depression making it difficult. It’s a double edged sword…they say that exercise HELPS with depression, but it’s so hard to get out of bed to actually do it.
Zipporah Sandler says
I know that I need to get back on track and just eat better. You should come stay with me and I’ll eat what you do (but knowing me, I’d sneak out for my bad food).
Zipporah Sandler says
That’s AWESOME Elaine. I’m INSPIRED by what you’ve done. Feeling healthy is the goal, and you’re right that when you sit behind a computer screen activity tends to be on the back burner. I might have to exercise EARLY in the day before beginning my work so I have no excuse.
Toma says
One website I think would be really helpful is http://www.nerdfitness.com. There are tons of articles about healthy living (go to the ‘blog’ tab), especially about getting stronger and eating healthier, and it applies to all fitness levels. There’s also an emphasis on mindset, which I think would be really beneficial for you! Every article is very informative, and I think they come out twice a week or so. The articles are all available for free, but there’s a membership for the “Nerd Fitness Academy” with a one-time payment that will guide you step-by-step the entire way to health. (I’m not affiliated with them, just a happy member 🙂 ) I wish you luck!