Well, that's not entirely true. Fat is cute when we're talking about the pudgy thighs of a baby or the pinchable cheeks of a toddler. But when you look down where your abdomen belongs and find instead a roly-poly squishy belly, it's really, really not cute. Not. Cute.
So, instead of lamenting the truth of that fact, I have stopped eating cookies. Again. Cookies are like poison to me and yet, I keep scarfing them down. It's amazing that I can disable my self-control so completely that I do the very thing that I know for a fact will make me fat. What is wrong with this picture? And can I fix it?
I still haven't started to exercise but I did order a new sports bra and I did investigate a gym (that turns out to be right here in my town). The gym is a "Crossfit" gym which means that I might have to get in shape before I join because the work-outs are hard, from what I'm told. However, (and this is Mel's logical, reasonable brain speaking), the gym is a good idea for several reasons: 1) It's literally five minutes from my house; 2) The classes are at 10 a.m., a perfect time for me; and 3) I really need to build muscle mass.
I have also downloaded to my iPhone a "Couch to 5K" app. Did I already mention that? It's so awesome, yet I have not done the first work-out. But I will! I will! Because I want to use that app. I am just that addicted to my iPhone. (And also cookies, but get away from me, Cookies! We cannot be friends!)
I printed out the Couch to 5K program a year ago and still haven't done the first workout. UGGHH! I'm going to have some free time soon though so I'm going to print it out again and really do it this time.
MMMMmmmm...cookies....step away from the cookies.
Posted by: MB | November 11, 2009 at 04:34 AM
Mel,
I've been reading your blog for a while now, but I've never commented. I just wanted to say that I started CrossFit this summer without ANY pre-existing strength, and it's completely doable. Fun, even. If I had waited until I thought I was "ready," I still wouldn't walk in. I'm so glad I did. I've actually lost a lot of fat and gained a good amount of muscle using CF training and following their nutrition guidelines (they'll tell you about it at the gym). I also used to be plagued by emotional eating and CrossFitting has helped to take a lot of that out of the equation.
CF scales the movements to tailor each individual person's level of strength--so for example, I started doing pull ups with resistance bands looped around the bar to help me get up (they're like a giant slingshot), but others use lower resistance bands or no bands at all. Everyone gets their first unassisted pull up in good time. So a pull up workout will be hard for everyone, bands or no, but it will also be doable for everyone. This is true of every workout they'll throw at you: you'll be able to finish it.
Anyway, I was so excited to read that you're going to try CF! Just remember that there is no shame in being a beginner. Everyone has to start out somewhere, after all. Sorry for writing a novel, but CrossFit has done such good things for me that I thought I'd encourage you to try it out.
Jenni
Posted by: Jenni | November 11, 2009 at 06:40 AM
Mel,
There's this book called "Body for life, for Women" and in it is this little bullseye thing you're supposed to print out (it says, the answer is NOT here) and put on your refrigerator or whatever is tempting you to over eat. I thought it was sort of goofy but I'm thinking that I'm going to post it on my pantry doors and see if it helps me re-think my choices. Maybe it will help you too? I'm finding it harder and harder to take care of myself as my bulges get bulgier so I'm right there on the bulge front with you. Time to say goodbye and good riddance.
Posted by: Michelle | November 11, 2009 at 06:40 AM
Do you like to dance? I dance. I've lost 60 pounds in 7 months, and my only form of exercise is dance. I have an iPod playlist for it, and do it first half hour of lunch, and a half hour to 45 min. at home in the evening. So easy, and best of all, so fun!!!
Posted by: Sunny | November 11, 2009 at 07:47 AM
Yep...that's me and potato chips. Hate having them in the house, can't stay away. *sigh* We'd be rich if we could make them calorie-free.
Posted by: Super Ninja Chubbly Pants | November 11, 2009 at 03:54 PM
Great steps, Mel!! Take each step and each day as it comes. You are such an encouragement and an inspiration!! Just think of how great you will feel after your first CrossFit exercise session- knowing that you are getting a HUGE headstart on your "New Years Resolutions" (I figured that since I didn't lose the weight I planned to lose at the beginning of 2009, that 2010 is a new year, and so I am getting a "head start" by starting now. I know, little tricks, and it may sound dumb but if it works then why not!!) Best of luck.
Posted by: Encourager | November 12, 2009 at 07:45 AM
Ha! Walk away from the coookies! :D
The Couch to 5K is a great program - I will check up on you to hear how its going! :D
Posted by: Biz | November 12, 2009 at 10:47 AM
I was just lamenting on my own spare tire and thinking I have a future blog post about its return. If I can fight the humiliation in admitting that publicly, that is.
Congrats on getting back on the wagon! High five!
Posted by: Steph. | November 12, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Nice post, thanks for sharing this wonderful and usefull information with us.
Green Tea
Posted by: Jemerin | November 13, 2009 at 02:53 AM
You can eat whatever you want and still lose weight. The trick, of course, is to change what you want to eat. I eat whatever I want to – but I no long want to eat a donut. I’ve convinced myself through research and reading that sugar is one of the most insidious killers that isn’t considered an illegal poison by the USDA.
http://www.greatweightlossreviews.com/weight-loss-tips/eat-what-you-want-and-still-lose-weight/96
Posted by: salmasaly94 | December 12, 2009 at 03:02 PM