Okay, so this isn't really about Star Wars. But it is a little bit. Liz Gets Healthy has to go into Yoda mode. Because here's the deal with life, everybody,
do or do not, there is no try.
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Will I ever look as hot as Mark Hammill in the 80's?
Probably. |
Just kidding. There is a try. But sometimes you just have to decide to
do something. When I started Liz Gets Healthy I think I wanted to do something. Although apparently that something was start a blog. I talked with my dad on the phone tonight and he said he would be happy to see my blog come back-- but he was leery of how much time it takes up and whether or not it is actually a helpful thing for me.
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Just kidding, Shakey, it's not a question. |
The answer is, yes, it is kind of helpful. But it is not the most helpful thing in a weight loss process. Blogging is awesome. But blog entries don't bring me closer to healthiness or further from diabetes. You know what is a helpful thing?
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Running. |
Running. Eating better. Moving in any way. That's what helps. So in a way, this blog is more like a step in the right direction. It helps me gain the motivation to do the things I need to get healthier! And I get to pick clip-art! It's win-win!
Seriously though, all pictures of Luke Skywalker, Shakespeare and Homer aside, I have not been doing well. I started eating burritos again, alone, secretly, paid with cash, like an addict. Binge eating disorder is not diagnosable as of right now, but it's on the list for DSM V. I really, really struggle. It's easier for me to pretend I'm okay with being big and just go with it. In the long run, it won't be easier, and it's going to take a lot of work to change my habits, because they are not just unhealthy, they are disordered.
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No kidding, Mr. Scale... |
Sometimes I think maybe I should go all-out-ridiculous and go on a liquid diet or join some kind of weight loss group. Or write the folks on biggest loser. By the way, here's another wake-up call: I qualify for gastric bypass surgery. That's right. My BMI is high enough that doctors would consider making incisions in my abdomen to cut pieces of my stomach out and reroute my digestive system. I am actually that sick. I need to take this that seriously. I actually just met a lady who had GB-- then I googled some results about half an hour ago. The results are terrifying. GB might save people's lives, but please do not google what it does to the rest of your body. Seriously. Don't google that.
I don't want that for me. I really, really don't. So Liz Gets Healthy is back. There is no easy way out of 100 pounds, but there is a way out. I just have to put on my big girl pants and go for it, one day at a time.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for coming back. Thank you for even entertaining the thought that I can do this. Thank you for being inspirations. Thank you for being my friends and my family. I will probably fall off the wagon again. I don't even know how to drive a wagon, so you know, it's likely I'll fall off, but I'm going to get back on that wagon again and again and again.
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To climb onto the wagon you must know the wagon. |
Why?
Because I kind of need to. Because I really want to. Because "Wagon Driver" will look hella good on a resume.
I found that what works for me is volumetrics--I had to eat a lot of food to be happy, but then that meant choosing food that was good filler (high fiber, mostly vegetables, low-calorie). So, stretch the 4oz of pasta with grated carrots, or add handfuls of coleslaw mix to everything (this doesn't make for a bad burrito).
ReplyDeleteAlso, the "Eat This, Not That" comparisons online make it a lot easier to eat at restaurants. Ruby Tuesday's has spaghetti squash with good marinara sauce.
Margaret Sankey
Speaking of burritos, doesn't your favorite local burrito bistro make burrito salads? You know, all the ingredients minus the 500-calorie simple carb tortilla? Just ask for extra lettuce to fill you up.
DeleteWoot! Glad you're back! If you need a Y buddy, let me know :)
ReplyDeleteLiz, what have you learned by falling off the wagon? I know for myself and lots of others falling off happens. I'm sure your readers would love to hear how you handle it, what you learn from it, and what it takes to get back on. Perhaps that could be the subject of tomorrow's blog post? - D
ReplyDeleteGood luck Hun. We are all here to support you.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up, Liz! You can do it. Just because you fall off the wagon doesn't mean you have to stay off. I'm looking forward to reading more of your blog posts and watching your success.
ReplyDeleteNathan
I am proud of you and all of your efforts to become healthy! I am terrible at reading blogs but I will try my best to keep up and keep supporting you through all your ups and downs! Love!
ReplyDeleteI have faith in you! I may not personally know you but I do know that in some things, failure just cannot be accepted. The motivation is there. The equipment to start doing things right is within your grasps. All that's left is your drive to meet your goals! And if you feel your will to be faltering slightly, find friends and family to use as support pillars to help you bear the burden and fight through the doubts as a supportive group instead of attempting it alone. Good luck with it!
ReplyDeleteHey Liz, you have no idea who I am, but I know Tarver and just wanted to say good luck. 80% of your battle will be what you eat, with the remaining 20% coming from how active you decide to be.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest thing you can do for yourself is to educate yourself on the glycemic index and protein content of foods. It's a pretty simple formula: Low GI + High Protein in all your meals = dramatic weight loss. I'd also recommend doing 6 days on, 1 day off...it makes it 10x easier knowing you have a cheat day every week if you commit yourself to the other six. Keep us updated!
I would like to second both of this person's suggestions. I use the 6/1 method for working out, and that has made it tons easier to stay on track. Also the diet formula is simple and very adjustable to individual preferences. I would caution that 1: it's OK to have high GI foods, just less of them; 2: when selecting a protein source choose low-medium fat; and 3: high protein is fine for 6-12 months, but not advisable in the long run because it increases ammonia in the blood stream and makes your liver work overtime to correct it. I hope that helps!
DeleteLiz, you have got to appreciate how loving and supportive all these people are. And knowing the bunch of geeks that are your friends and family are, not a single person has hammered you for getting the episode number wrong on your Star Wars theme. Thanks to everyone for their support. Also some good advice and tips. A support group can be all the difference to stay on the wagon. Just call one of your burrito sponsors when your car swerves uncontrollably in the direction of any burrito hut (not to be confused with Jabba...). Just call us up and say...my name is Liz and I am a burrito addict, we will respond by saying...welcome Liz! Have a great day EVERYBODY! DAD
ReplyDeleteLiz, your blog is so fun. I love to read what you've written. Good luck! Love you! Mom
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see this is back up and running! No pun intended. Keep up the hard work.
ReplyDelete