Week 5 - Juli's Top Ten
I'm thrilled to say that I'm ending this week on a high note. A REALLY high note. No, I haven't suddenly dropped 10 pounds or taken another five inches off my measurements - I did something even more gratifying - I managed both my thoughts and my behaviors. Sometimes we're really just two years old, have you ever noticed that? I used to say that we never really change much from childhood - we still have the same struggles and tantrums that children do, we just do it with a better vocabulary. So managing your own thoughts and behaviors can be a big deal. Not just reacting to something, but taking a deep breath, thinking for a few seconds, and then responding to it - that's an actual adult thing to do. Not that I want to "Adult" most days, but sometimes we have to. And if it helps me grow and be a better person, then I'll just have to Adult once in a while.
So, after a reasonably successful week of managing myself it was time to re-take my measurements and progress photos (we are asked to take measurements every 2 weeks and photos every month). Normally I would chastise myself for not making miraculous progress, or at least wallow in feelings of guilt or self-pity for not showing enough improvement. But I didn't. Since the start of the program my measurements are better, but this time I happened to take them on a day when I was feeling especially bloated and lethargic, so they measured a bit more in some spots than last time, and my weight was definitely back up a couple of pounds. But, in the photos I could actually SEE a difference, much to my own surprise. Ian has been telling me he can notice but of course we all know that our spouses, friends, and family members are biased, and they just say nice things to stay in our good graces. Actually, Ian doesn't - he's English and accustomed to speaking the truth. Still, I didn't believe him until I could see it with my own eyes. How is that possible? My clothes don't feel much different and the numbers can't lie - but it's there. It's really there. The sign of progress that I had hoped for.
After a full month of this program, I am more motivated than ever. As I said earlier this week, I haven't lost sight of the fact that I still have a lot of work to do, and I'm sure there will be some weeks where I won't be doing enthusiastic cheerleading poses on a trampoline (in my head), but fundamental changes are happening and I couldn't be more excited about it. So, with that said, on with this week's Top Ten:
- Eating slowly still is really hard (sometimes).
- Food is much more enjoyable when you actually take the time to taste it.
- Italian food is so much better than American food, I worry about what it will be like when I'm back in the U.S. over Christmas and through the month of January.
- I love my husband (I know this isn't new and should be obvious, but he is my biggest cheerleader and an amazing source of support).
- It IS possible to abstain from eating an entire bag of popcorn in one sitting and not die.
- Regular, moderate exercise provides energy, even if you have difficulty sleeping.
- It's important to respect your own needs - put on your own oxygen mask first, as they tell you on the airplane.
- Climbing up the side of a mountain doesn't necessarily kill you, especially since the regular, moderate exercise you have been doing has made you noticeably stronger (but trekking poles still can come in handy).
- Exploring new places close to home, taking a minute (or twenty) to breathe in fresh air and beautiful scenery is far more satisfying than vegging on the sofa with popcorn and a movie on a day you feel tired.
- Eating to about 80% full makes it possible to climb up the side of a hill (via stairs and a path) and not feel like the amazing lunch you just ate will be leaving your body in the wrong direction.
As I prepare for the upcoming week, I have a few strategies to set myself up for success (I'll share those another time). I'm looking forward to continuing the learning process, continuing to re-learn what my body's signals are for things like hunger, satisfaction, needing rest, etc., and taking advantage of the current bounty of beautiful seasonal, fresh foods at our market. Most people will be back from summer holidays tomorrow, so the town will be busier and more alive, and I look forward to absorbing some of that extra energy.
Oh, and as a follow-up, I don't think my foam roller is trying to kill me any more, but we definitely have developed a love-hate relationship. I'm still convinced it's trying to maim me, so I've decided to name it Dobby. My fellow Harry Potter fans will know what I mean.
Have a health of a day!
Juli