I Smell Like Change
Posted in The Life of the Historian and tagged with Diet Dr Pepper, Exercise, Food, Health, Water on August 20, 2009Monday morning, I didn’t know what would hit me. But by Monday afternoon I had decided (all my decisions are of-the-moment, though these are things I’ve been thinking about for weeks in the back of my mind):
a.) I did want to take the 8:30-5:30 shift (working 1/2 hour earlier) that was offered me over a month ago.
b.) I am ready to commit to getting healthy instead of just thinking/talking/putting it off.
For me, these two decisions go hand-in-hand. In the 4 years I’ve been working the same hours (and to think before that my shifts changed DAILY), I’ve gotten lazy, taking more time than needed in the morning. This just wasn’t cutting it. I’m all for relaxing, but dragging out what should take 30-60 minutes into an 1 1/2 hours, sometimes even more, is ridiculous. I just simply wasn’t starting off the day on the right foot.
So as I was thinking about building better habits into my life, I realized that if I changed my schedule, I could have a new start at better starts to my day. So far I’ve done this twice, and I’m enjoying it. Working earlier does mean a little more traffic, but getting home earlier (and to bed earlier!) helps me be a happier and–along with the other changes in my life–healthier person.
The big commitment I made Monday was to join SparkPeople. I’ve been contemplating it for ages and have heard good things about it, but I just took the plunge. I love that it allows me to easily track my meals (most foods’ nutritional information is pre-loaded into the system already), track my exercise, and track my water consumption. There are plenty of encouraging/informative articles and things too (some are a little too just-love-yourself-more for my taste).
Isn't my water bottle cute? Bonus: it's better for the environment than those dumb styrofoam cups!
I’ve been doing this for a couple of days now, and though it’s a bit premature, I think it’s going to work for me. It appeals both to my competitive nature (you can earn points and it keeps track of “streaks”–how many days in a row you’ve done your self-selected goals) and my visual, analytical side (it makes graphs for you). I also like how it’s not pushing me…my beginning goals are each day to go for a walk, write in my journal, eat 2 fruits/veggies, sleep 8 hours/night, and drink half my weight in ounces (which is umm, a lot!). These were pretty much my goals before, I just am now getting visual accountability for them.
While I need to lose weight, my real goal is to be healthy. I’ve been overindulgent, and when I am overindulgent in one area of my life, I am in all areas of my life.
As an out-of-the blue bonus of these changes? Don’t tell anyone, but I didn’t “need” a Diet Dr Pepper in the afternoon the last 2 days (though I still drank one on Tuesday, anyway)! That’s a habit I’ve had for almost half my life…
August 20th, 2009 at 2:36 am
I think that going back to my old schedule will be just what I need. I like to work out at night, but I can’t really work out at 12:30 in the morning, when I get home.I think I will be healthier all the way around.
August 20th, 2009 at 4:45 am
i wish you all the best – it’s easy to talk about, but hard to walk the walk. giving up soda is apparently a very good first step!!!
August 20th, 2009 at 4:46 am
oh! here from sits btw
August 20th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Change can do a body good! :) Love your water bottle!!! Sparks is really cool…
August 20th, 2009 at 9:03 am
GO, RONNICA, GO…Now I MUST get back to walking every day.
August 20th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Wow isn’t that the truth. That’s apparently how it works, because I’m the same way. When I’m out of balance with eating etc…it spills over to the other areas. Then there is chaos.
Well I know you can do it. You have a great attitude and obtainable goals. How can you not succeed? Good luck!! Oh stopping by from SITS.
August 20th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Kristina: My new schedule will allow me to exercise earlier in the evening, which will be helpful as the days start getting cooler and the sun goes down faster.
Scrappysue: Well, I haven’t given up pop yet. Just the afternoon one, on most days. I have no problem with drinking it, but if I don’t want it, then great!
Rebecca: I know, isn’t it cute? It’s the perfect size/feel for me. I didn’t want a large one because it hurts my wrist to drink and I already have a problem with pouring drinks down my front. Plus, this way I’ll be able to keep my water cool until I’m done drinking it.
G. Zoe: Thanks!
August 20th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Good for you! I wish you well on all of this. Sometimes making those initial steps is the hardest thing you can do.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:24 am
i think cutting out soda/pop is such a huge step. i have never understood the appeal of pop, it doesn’t quench your thirst, it is full of caffeine (which makes you need more caffeien, i.e. drink more soda) and sugar. the ladies i work with pound back those cokes like crazy, then wonder why they’re diets don’t work or why they need another one so soon after.
congrats on making life changes, it is hard to do, but very worth it.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Hey!
You know what I talk a lot about healthy lives and everything too but the major prob is that I just talk!! I don’t do!! And I hate doing that!
August 20th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Go you!! I was thinking about trying Sparks. It sounds just right up my ally. I am still trying walk/jog everyday, when it is not raining. but I don’t eat heathly. Hmmm…I think I need to start. thanks for the inspiration.
August 20th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Way to go! The pastor of the church we’re visiting said this a couple Sunday’s ago (and I wrote it down because I need to remind myself of it): “discipline has nothing to do with feeling but everything to do with purpose.” I don’t feel like running but I’m purposing myself to get up and run for the good of my heart.
August 20th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Good luck with your new routine and I hope you reach your goals. I have tried to cut out sugar. No Dice! I tried to cut out cola. No Dice! Bread and butter are just too good to say goodbye to. I have gotten myself back on the treadmill this year from a 8 year hiatus. That feels good, as does the can of coke I have after. That’s bad, right? Take care.
August 20th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Excellent ideas – and I have to check out that site!! Sounds very good. You might also like to join us in the 30-Day Throw Down! that starts September 1st over on my blog. The rules couldn’t be simpler and it gets us in touch with real food. There’s also a contest for a $100 Amazon gift card. I hope you can drop in. :)
August 20th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Good for you. I’ve been trying to take a walk in the evenings, too. Sometimes I really just don’t want to, though.
August 20th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Love your heart! Love the blog– it’s always a pleasure to read. Hope the new plan works. I have devised one of my own– it’s called operation “wear-normal-non-maternity-clothes-again.” Hmmm. Perhaps I should shorten the title.
August 20th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Kim: Yes. It’s always “tomorrow…” or “next week…” Well, it IS tomorrow (ummm, not literally of course…).
Valentine: I haven’t actually cut it out…yet. For me, it’s not so much the caffeine (that helps) but the taste. Tastes better than chocolate!
Kaibee: Join me on the starting to do!
Pam: I highly recommmend it. At least try it out. The great thing is that you follow your own plan, it’s just helping you out.
Vicki: So true! I almost never “feel” like doing what I’m supposed to do!
Kiki: I definitely have a mixed plan right now as well. I hope to cut down (not out!) even more, but the important thing I think for any plan is no absolutes. I’m going to allow myself a free day (Sunday) and I CAN eat whatever, as long as it’s in moderation.
Robynn: Thanks, I’ll check it out!
Carol: I don’t really want to either, but I’m making myself do it anyway. For me, it’s about the habits…if I can just get in the habit of doing it, I’ll be better off.
Cindy: But if you shorten the title, it won’t be as Cindy-esque!
August 20th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Good for you for making the committment to live a healthy life. Spark People sounds like the perfect tool for you. Good luck!
Twitter: caitysparkles
Says:
August 20th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I wish you the best of luck in these commitments for living healthier! I think that’s fantastic! Also, SparkPeople is a fantastic community. I have a lot of friends who have nothing but good things to say about it. I think you will love it. :)
August 20th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Perhaps I should try that site; Kim is always raving about it, and I’m in pathetic shape. Not good for a bride-to-be!
August 20th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I used SparkPeople awhile ago & really loved it! Good luck on your journey!!
August 20th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Thank you for the link – I’m totally going to check it out, and kudos to you dedicating the time and making the commitment.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
If I could just get out and walk it would do me a world of good. But then again, I am very overindulgent about some foods. I’m going to check out your link. Maybe it’s what I need. The water thing on top of my coffee consumption might do me in though.
August 21st, 2009 at 1:23 am
Good for you, Ronnica! I’m going to head over to the link and check it out.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:19 am
Amanda: You should! And I’ll even be friends on there with you, something I wouldn’t do for anyone else!
Erin: Thanks!
Kayren: Start small! I tell ya, I was shocked at the good side affects that the water has done for me!
August 23rd, 2009 at 12:53 am
nothing ever made me more lazy than when i got an 8-5 office job. i was exhausted both physically and mentally at the end of the day. i have no clue why.
August 24th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
[...] a little money, and doing some exercise (gasp!). In fact, though I’m only a week into my commitment, my pants are already getting loose. A good thing…except two of these pairs I just [...]
August 24th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Good for you and I love your water bottle.
I’ve been doing Eat-Stop-Eat. It’s an easy way to lower calories.
There is a website by that name if you are intersted.