Why Diet?

At this point there’s no chance I’m going to start looking like a Victoria’s Secret Angel, so why make the effort?

Let’s be real, most of the things I’ve sacrificed aren’t exactly doing me any favors. French fries and pizza they taste so good, but they generally leave me feeling, lethargic, bloated and craving even more, usually something sweet like ice cream.  Once ice cream hits these lips, it may as well be like the explosion of a gun at the start of a race announcing, let the cravings begin!!!

When I look at it, most simple changes I’ve made are not really sacrifices. They’re better choices. Why should I stick with my diet?  I feel like diet is a little harsh, it’s more of a mid-life lifestyle change, not to be confused with a mid-life crisis;) OK, back to the reasons why I should make the changes. It’s a given, I’d love to see the number on the scale drop, and certainly not feeling like I need to use pliers to zip up my pants is a bonus. Those really aren’t my motivators, they’re just lovely benefits.  Here are four reasons why I want to stay on track.

My health is a huge motivator. My thirties brought its own set of life changes and health issues and I adjusted and faced each one. The challenge of my forties is totally different. Exhaustion is harder to combat, and I’ve started waking up with aches. Hell, sitting in my chair at work can leave me feeling as achy as a good workout used to. These changes have been subtle. They came on slowly and it’s taken a little while for my brain to understand the impact of age, maybe my brain is slowing down too, not cool! These days, it’s basically yelling, “Hey lady, you aren’t 20 and you didn’t work out, you shouldn’t ache!” Moving is helping me keep some of those aches at bay. Making better food choices is helping me cut down on headaches, sleep better and bringing some energy back. I’m already feeling stronger and healthier 6 weeks in, and I’ve only made simple changes. (K.I.S.S. keep it simple silly)

My relationship; I’m lucky my BF is joining me on the quest for dropping a few pounds and bringing sexy back, at least our version of sexy;) This is something we are doing together which makes it easier, it keeps me focused and it absolutely motivates me. (All smiles) In our lives there’s a lot going on; jobs, kids, houses, parents etc., so there’s no shortage of ways for us to support each other. The diet is a way we can support and help each other. This is something that is strengthening our relationship. I’m sure you can relate to this, work can be draining and I don’t want that to keep me from enjoying my evenings with him.  I want to get home and feel full of life even after a stressful day.  Our evening should not revolve around me being zoned out on the couch.  The changes I’m making are slowly bringing me back to life.  They are also giving me confidence.  I’m not sure if confidence affects your relationship, but when mine is low it absolutely changes me. Confidence in my appearance leads to confidence in other areas, and that definitely helps our relationship. I want my relationship to be fun and playful. The results from a small amount of effort have a huge impact on my relationship. Totally worth it!

My friends are another big reason I want to continue the journey. Being honest with myself, acknowledging I’ve entered the danger zone of 40’s fatigue and gotten fluffier than I’d like has brought me closer to my friends. It allows me to complain and relate to my friends because it’s happening to them too. Maybe it’s a little sinister but, YAY, I’M NOT ALONE! They understand when I’m hangry and don’t hold it against me. They know the challenge of a slower metabolism and how hard it is to keep at a goal that 10 years ago I would’ve conquered with ease. It’s quite possible we’re bonding over a challenge that will be a part of our lives for a long time, at least until our eye sight gives out;) The support of a good friend can push me just enough to keep going. Don’t get me wrong there’s a couple of times I’ve cussed out my BFFs under my breath because I want someone to say go ahead and be lazy. Thank goodness for fierce friends who don’t tell me what I want to hear. They tell me what I need to hear. (You know who you are!)

My kids;  I don’t need to be a certain size for my kids to love me, they’d love me even if I looked like Mrs. Claus. They keep me moving and I want to have the energy to not only get to their games but be there to cheer them on. Getting healthier is giving me that energy back. I want them to see I have made a choice to take control of my health. They need to see how good choices, even simple ones like what I snack on, have an impact on my life.  Teenagers’ emotions are so out of control showing them how exercise and diet can empower them and help them sort through their stresses is a huge lesson I want to give them. It’s just not a lesson I can teach with words, it requires living as an example.  Amazing how my kids without even trying are forcing me to manage my life, who’s teaching who???

If dieting and a few life style adjustments can lead to that many benefits, it’s absolutely worth the effort to change my approach on my day. Amazing how a few small changes are leading to a very big impact on my world and that’s exciting!!!

Peanut butter Oreo blizzard???  No thank you;)