Many people begin the year by
making resolutions on changes they want to implement in their lives. At the
beginning of 2014, my 40th birthday was looming before me. I began asking myself
questions in all the areas of my life. I would have 40 years under my belt, and
I had to really think about how I wanted the next 40 years to look.
One area I knew I had room to
improve in was the area of health. Yes; I did a lot of walking. Yes; I ate
relatively healthy. I rated my health as good, but the big question I asked
myself was how the 80-year-old me was going to look back and think about the
health choices the 40-year-old me made.
I have a family history of high
blood pressure and diabetes. I know that part of that is diet, lack of
exercise, and being overweight. Still, knowing my family history, I knew I had
to make changes now to get and stay healthy and fit, especially as I age.
So I began a fitness journey in
January 2014. One of the biggest things for me was making sure I started a
regimen I could maintain easily. I did not want to do a drastic lose 20 pounds
in one month approach because I knew that I would probably not sustain the
behavior I did to lose the weight.
I began working with a personal
trainer Brenda Conner twice a week. She has been a tremendous and steady
support. Brenda trains at both the airport and P69. Yes; it was an extra
expense, but I needed to invest in my future. I also try to walk 60 minutes
every week day. This seems like a lot, but I able to fit it in, especially if I
walk during lunch.
I have also set new fitness
goals. For example, in November 2014, I walked my first half marathon. I felt
extremely proud when I finished! I did the St. Patrick’s Day Dash 5K in March,
and I will walk the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in June. I am not a runner, but
walking is something I can do quite easily.
I bring fruits and vegetables
to work to snack on during the day. By the time I get home, I have had at least
five servings. I have been trying to “eat” my calories, so I try to only drink
water. At dinner, if I am still hungry, I try to have more salad. I have not
cut anything out of my diet. I just try to be more mindful of portions. If I
want something, I eat it. If I go overboard, I try to add in more steps that
day.
The results? It’s been over a
year, and I have dropped some pounds. I sleep better, my mood is better, and
must important, I feel better.
I want to thank Manette and the
Spirit and Wellness team for their encouragement and bringing the need to take care of our health
to the forefront. From taking classes to having a coach, the program has
offered great tools that I have been able to use during my journey.
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