I didn't even realize I had a food philosophy until it recently started to change. Until the last couple of months I have taken a stance that food is only enjoyable if it's an indulgence. You can imagine where that has lead me. It's lead me to be considered by medical professionals to be obese.
Now, I've never been "ripped" or really ever had the type of body other guys wanted, but I have been fit. I want to be fit again. I want to be able to do some sort of physical activity without first thinking, "I wonder if I'll be able to move in the morning..." I want to be able to get my family out the door without breaking into one of those Shaq-at-the-foul-line sweats. I want to be able to play with Ethan when he gets older without having to take a "fat boy break".
I've felt this way for a long time, but I've never really had that moment when it "clicked" and I decided that I wanted better for my life. Ethan is the one who has put this all in perspective for me. Joye and I have been dealing for the last few weeks with trying to decide what foods he should and shouldn't be eating. We're trying to maximize calories as well as nutritional value. Meaning Oreos have lots of calories and no real nutritional value and, lets say, carrots have lots of nutritional value, but not many calories.
In thinking about this I've realized that I eat a lot of foods that my body has to "tolerate". I picture my stomach saying, "Crap! Here comes some more buffalo wings. Just shove 'em down by the waist-line and put the leftovers under his chin!" Only recently have I been focusing on eating foods my body can actually "use" to build itself and regenerate. I'm beginning to appreciate and enjoy foods that really benefit me, and not just in the oh-my-God-this-is-delicious kind of way.
Along with this newfound appreciation for quality foods has come a desire to exercise. Yep. That's right. This coming from the guy who avoids a staircase like he owes it some money. I'm taking a different view of my body; one that includes the notion that it's my choice to let it deteriorate or to improve it by working out. I've been feeling better and more energized lately just by making better decisions about what I let past my teeth. And I have to tell you, I like it.
So, in a few days I, along with two friends of mine, will be starting a program known as P90X. Its a pretty intense regimen, but I hope to be able to keep up. I took what's known as the "Fit Test" today to determine my preparedness for the program. I gathered some basic stats about my body and did a few physical assessments. Let's just say I stand to be an excellent success story!
Here's to treating myself better and getting fit again.
3 comment(s):
Awesome. I look forward to hearing about your success. Don't let the other two let you off the hook. Make them push you, especially when you start making excuses. You know we all do it.
I've been contemplating the P90X. I'd like to hear what you think when you're done.
I agree with Shannon! Even when you don't feel like doing it you need to. My biggest issue is giving into excuses or letting myself off the hook so that is great that you are doing it with 2 other people. P90X is tough but you will feel great after your workout. Can't wait to hear all about it. You WILL do GREAT!!!
Excited about you guys doing this!! I know who the other two are (wink, wink) and I think that the three of you will keep each other accountable as long as you are all tough on each other to keep at it. I'm sure it will be grueling and difficult and exhausting. But think about the things you listed here that are your motivation.
And I like that you're not just doing this to suddenly get "ripped." I like that you're doing this because you realize your internal struggles and the effects it has on how you feel about yourself, what you teach Ethan, and the things you can "coach" him in later as a dad. No one knows your struggles better than you, and I'm glad that this change has come from the inside, not the out.
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