Challenges

There are a variety of challenges to be faced when making the transition from sloth to not-sloth. I hesitate to say 'Active' because in my mind that conjures up images of women in sports gear smiling as they stride through a park on a sunny day. That is so not me.

My reality this morning was I pulled on the sweat pants I wore last night which had a bit of my dinner on the leg from where I wiped my hand while cooking. I had a toque, gloves and my coat against the wind. I was alone on a rural road and it wasn't sunny. In fact, freezing rain started shortly after I got back.

But still, I did it. I got up and got a 2.5 km walk in before 8:00 this morning. After a shower, I logged into my computer, and 'went to work'. And the best part is, I got through everything I had planned to do before noon. Part of that is because I'm at home and don't have all the distractions and noise of an office. But part of that I think is due to greater mental focus. And I attribute that to getting outside and getting moving early this morning.

This is what greeted me. It was worth getting up for.

Welcome!

This blog is to chronicle my attempt to gain mental clarity and stability through increased activity and better diet.

Today is the starting point. I don't know what sparked me today but I'm tired of being fat and tired. Something has to change. I'm 44 years old, 5'3 and weigh 202 lbs. That's 160 cm and 91.5 kg. Frankly, I don't think it matters which scale is being used, it's too much weight for my frame. As for the mental clarity part, I have received repeated diagnoses of depression from the age of sixteen, including a bout of the postpartum variety, so I think its now fair to say that depression will be a lifelong companion. But that doesn't mean I have to give in and let it define who I am.

The Challenges

Of course there are challenges - this wouldn't be something I'd chronicle if it were easy.
I've tried to get a grip on my weight and (lack of) activity for a long time. See, I like sitting around and chatting with friends. I like it more when I have a glass of wine in my hand. And nibblies on the table.

I like food. A lot. There are lots of people who view food as a necessary evil that has to be dealt with and if they could just take a pill they'd be happy. I'm not one of them. I like to cook. I believe in using real food too so that usually means full fat, minimally processed, minimally packaged. I'm hoping to use this to my advantage.

I'm challenged by living a long way (85 km) from my workplace so I spend a lot of time in my car. When I get to work after a 1.5 hour drive, I sit at a desk for eight hours, then I get back in my car for another 1.5 hour drive home. That's 11 hours of sitting.

One last challenge is I've been sedentary for so long, I've lost both muscle mass and stamina. I want to regain this.

The Goals

One thing I have discovered though is that walking helps to clear my head and leaves me better balanced - blows away the cobwebs as it were. It is as good a starting point as any. My tangible goals are:

1. Walk daily - even if I just go to the mailbox and back.
2. I'd like to lose 10 kilograms in a healthy and controlled manner.

The Rules

I expect I'll add to this list but this is what I'm starting with:

1. I can still have a glass of wine, but the serving has to be controlled. By that I mean, don't just pour it into the glass, but be aware of how much I'm consuming. I'll measure it for a while until I know what a 100 mL serving looks like again.
2. Same with food. Measure, weigh and be aware. Especially with chips.
3. Be active daily.

I view these as way points rather than end points. This blog is for me to be accountable. Will you join me on my journey?