Chris Powell: Bringing The Fun Back To Fitness
How Many Calories Will You Burn Doing Chores This Weekend?
Holding Myself Accountable
Posted on Feb 16th 2011 11:00AM by Ashley WisniewskiFiled Under: Motivation, Tipping the Scales
I had another off week. I was lethargic and felt unmotivated to hit the gym this week. I know that these weeks will happen from time to time, but it didn't make it any more fun to combat. This week, part of my problem is actually a good thing: I started a part-time job, so my body needed time to get used to the additional work hours.
Surprisingly, I'm not too worried about Valentine's Day sweets. I have not bought any candy, and I have not made any sugary treats. There are other people in my office who are watching their calories, so without the distractions, it should be a fairly easy trap to avoid.
I did work out three times last week. Those workouts involved running or a combination of running and walking as well as a cross-training day using the stationary bike. Despite my fitness fatigue, I managed to complete all 30 days of "Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred" workout DVD. It feels awesome to finish her program and see some definition forming in my arms. It was also nice having something holding me accountable each day. There were so many days where I didn't feel like completing the workout, but because I was determined to see the program through the entire 30 days, I persevered.
My 30 days ended just in time as I will be spending the weekend with some friends in Washington, D.C. We have not seen each other in a number of years, so it will be nice to catch up. While the focus of the weekend will be on spending time with friends, it is hard for me not to be worried about my food choices as we will be dining out.
We have not picked any restaurants, so I do not have a chance to explore the menus before being in the restaurant. Also, I know there will be various temptations: appetizers, desserts and wine. To avoid some of the food traps, I am bringing along healthy snacks that are portable and will be satisfying, such as almonds, apples and bananas. At the restaurants, I will carefully review the menus and look for grilled chicken entrees or dishes full of fresh or steamed vegetables.
I am determined to use this weekend as a way to learn how to control my portions and cravings in social settings. If I am truly making a lifestyle change, I need to learn how to enjoy myself without overeating. I have not done a very good job of controlling myself over these few months when I have been overwhelmed by food selections.
I am looking forward to using this weekend to figure out how to make smart choices in restaurant settings. I will carry my food log with me so that I can write down what I eat and journal how I'm feeling. Thankfully, we will also be doing a lot of walking during the weekend as we explore the city.
Will the smell and sights of the food consume me? Will I resist temptation? Will I easily slip back into my healthy eating once the weekend is over? I'm hoping the answers are no, yes and yes -- we will see!
After decades of dieting only to gain it back, two That's Fit readers have decided to finally rethink their relationship with food and exercise over the next year to move toward a lifetime of fulfilling, healthy living. Come by every week as Ashley and Lee share their successes and challenges as they tip the scale.
Surprisingly, I'm not too worried about Valentine's Day sweets. I have not bought any candy, and I have not made any sugary treats. There are other people in my office who are watching their calories, so without the distractions, it should be a fairly easy trap to avoid.
I did work out three times last week. Those workouts involved running or a combination of running and walking as well as a cross-training day using the stationary bike. Despite my fitness fatigue, I managed to complete all 30 days of "Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred" workout DVD. It feels awesome to finish her program and see some definition forming in my arms. It was also nice having something holding me accountable each day. There were so many days where I didn't feel like completing the workout, but because I was determined to see the program through the entire 30 days, I persevered.
AP / Jim Mone
We have not picked any restaurants, so I do not have a chance to explore the menus before being in the restaurant. Also, I know there will be various temptations: appetizers, desserts and wine. To avoid some of the food traps, I am bringing along healthy snacks that are portable and will be satisfying, such as almonds, apples and bananas. At the restaurants, I will carefully review the menus and look for grilled chicken entrees or dishes full of fresh or steamed vegetables.
I am determined to use this weekend as a way to learn how to control my portions and cravings in social settings. If I am truly making a lifestyle change, I need to learn how to enjoy myself without overeating. I have not done a very good job of controlling myself over these few months when I have been overwhelmed by food selections.
I am looking forward to using this weekend to figure out how to make smart choices in restaurant settings. I will carry my food log with me so that I can write down what I eat and journal how I'm feeling. Thankfully, we will also be doing a lot of walking during the weekend as we explore the city.
Will the smell and sights of the food consume me? Will I resist temptation? Will I easily slip back into my healthy eating once the weekend is over? I'm hoping the answers are no, yes and yes -- we will see!
After decades of dieting only to gain it back, two That's Fit readers have decided to finally rethink their relationship with food and exercise over the next year to move toward a lifetime of fulfilling, healthy living. Come by every week as Ashley and Lee share their successes and challenges as they tip the scale.
