Chris Powell: Bringing The Fun Back To Fitness
How Many Calories Will You Burn Doing Chores This Weekend?
Struggling to Stay Motivated
Posted on Mar 4th 2011 12:00PM by Lee Hodo
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I work on computers all day. That's my job. Windows, Linux, networking, security ... I do it all.
When I leave work for the day, I don't want to think about computers again. I like to go home and browse through Facebook, watch some TV on Hulu, maybe check the Rangers spring training box scores. But the last thing I want to do is work on computers. However, that's usually what happens. I've got to fix the printer, or the wireless router or some program that keeps crashing. My friends at church will ask me computer-related questions. And that's okay. I'm glad to be able to help, but it gets a little tiresome at times and sometimes overwhelming.
That's kind of where I am today on weight loss. I've got so much going on right now in regards to weight loss that I'm starting to get tired of thinking about it.
I'm going to the gym every morning and getting about 30 minutes of cardio in -- usually on the elliptical or stationary bike. That part's okay; I like it. It gives me energy and is actually relaxing on some level. Plus, it's good to know that my daily workout is out of the way early. But today I go in for my first weight-lifting session with the trainer, so my tune may change.
On Tuesdays I have to weigh in for our "Biggest Loser" contest at work. I have to weigh in again on Thursdays for my "Shape Up at Work" program. I've got my daily weight loss Bible study that I'm doing with my wife. Then there's Weight Watchers Online for Men and writing my weekly blog posts. On top of all that, I have friends asking for advice or tricks to help them lose weight. It's all very tiring.
I love each and every one of these activities, but altogether it might be getting to be too much. I'm experiencing a little burnout. I've experienced burnout before. The trips to the gym get to be too much. Logging my food gets to be too much of a chore. Passing up the cheeseburger -- again -- to eat the salad -- again.
But the fact of it is, I'm starting to think of losing weight as my job. While I'm glad to be able to help my friends or give them advice or tips, I think I'm getting tired of thinking about it.
Does that make sense? Am I just complaining too much? Most days I'm excited to see the progress I'm making and the shift my brain is starting to make toward healthy living. But some days I just want to forget it all and eat everything in sight.
Some people actually do this. They have a high-calorie day once a week. On this day, they eat way more than they usually do in an effort to shock their system. The thinking is that the body gets used to having fewer calories and doesn't lose weight as fast. This high-calorie day will basically reset the system and restart your weight loss.
I'm not sure what I think about that. I'm no scientist or expert, but it doesn't seem right to me. I certainly wouldn't want to have a high-calorie day on one of these "woe is me," "I'm tired of it" kind of days. I think I might overdo it. But, like I said, I'm no expert. Maybe there's something to it. What do you think? Do you have an occasional high-calorie day?
Weight Watchers provided Lee with a free trial membership to Weight Watchers Online for Men. All opinions are his own.
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.
More Tipping the Scales:
Seeing Myself Thinner
My Relationship With the Scale
Missing the Gym
