W23, Day 3: Workin' It!

Well, this week I'm feeling pretty positive.  I've done some good things that I'd like to take a moment to recap:

*I went to the gym everyday for the last six days in a row.  I'm feeling a little bummed because I'm not going to go tomorrow or Saturday (we're heading out of town) and I'm already feeling guilty.  I know though that the body needs a rest, and though I wish it were only going to be one day, I'm going to be getting in plenty of walking tomorrow because we're going to Golden Gate Park to see the De Young Museum, hopefully the Japanese Tea Garden, and my favorite, the Arboretum.  Sounds awesome, yes?

*I've been to two pilates classes and while they're difficult, I think I'm going to be able to keep doing it.  That might sound strange, like, "Well, why wouldn't you be able to do it?" but being fat really does make things more difficult--obviously--and when it's too hard, I give up over time.  We'll see, but I like the idea of pilates because it's controlled strengthening.  I'm getting stronger, one leg lift at a time!

*Last night I wanted some ice-cream really badly.  I kept picturing it and craving it.  More than that, I wanted the date-like experience that goes with eating ice-cream with my husband.  Instead, we went to the gym and I did 35 minutes on the elliptical followed by a reward of some pool and hot tub time.  This is really huge because I was able to circumvent a craving (though I'll admit that I'm still thinking about that ice-cream today).  Putting it off for a few days may not be much, but it's one step in the right direction.

*I've also been delving into some of the emotional issues that go along with overeating.  I'll follow this up at a later date, but my husband and I have been watching a show called "Addicted to Food" and it's really brought up some good discussion pieces that I am still pondering.  I guess it's helping me to recognize why I turn to food for comfort and even just to feel okay.  I need to bring my thoughts together a bit more before I delve into an entry on this subject.

Overall, I've been working so very hard to make some progress this week.  I've exercised harder than I think I've ever exercised in my adult life.  I want to make progress and growth.  I want to see that damn scale move.  I know it won't be the end of the world if I don't lose something this week, but it may feel like it.  So, I'll keep moving the next few days and cross my fingers.

W20, Day 7: One Nation, Overweight

I watched tonight a replaying of a show on CNBC called One Nation, Overweight about the ever growing problem of obesity.  The show looked at various aspects of the "disease".  I found it extremely interesting that they called obesity a disease, whereas other people might call it a choice.  Anyway, they brought up some interesting factoids like:

• At the current rate of increase, within 10 years 42% of the U.S. population will be obese.  That's a terrible, huge number!  
• This current generation of kids may be the first generation in our country to have shorter lifespans than their parents. 

The show then went on to look at all the foods that are in grocery stores and about how it's all about profit by pushing crap foods on people.  I myself find that to be very challenging whenever I go to the grocery store.  I try to avoid looking at any of the aisles too quickly, rushing in to buy the essentials and getting out of there as quickly as possible.  Crap food stares out at me from every aisle.  Imagine the cereal aisle.  Then think about how kids are bombarded with advertisements about sugary cereals in all their programming.  It's like they're being brainwashed into wanting junk.  Kids aren't the only ones.

But carrying on the kid idea, the show focused on how many high schools sell candy.  In times of major budget cuts, this is a way for schools to raise money for clubs and sports activities, but at what cost? You might say, it's only a candy bar.  But it isn't.  Not for kids who are obese.  I'll tell you a secret:  my senior year of high school I gained thirty pounds.  Why?  Was it because of what I ate at home?  No, not really, we ate pretty decently.  The real reason was candy at school.  I couldn't stop myself.  I remember begging a friend not to sell me candy, and then by first recess begging her to sell it to me.  I wouldn't have eaten it if it hadn't been there at school with me.  I know, I know, my fault for making the choice and I chose wrongly.  But what if I had never had to make that choice?  I don't want to ruin it for everyone else, but I truly don't believe in selling junk food to kids--including soda--at school.

Anyway, if you ever have a chance to watch the show, I highly recommend it.  I got a bit uncomfortable when one CEO said that he wouldn't hire anyone who was obese if he could get away with it because of the greater health care costs of that employee.  The counter argument was that policies like that discriminate against people unfairly, saying: "[Obesity] is a complex issue...and it's short-sided to say you choose or don't chose health," meaning that there are plenty of people out there like me trying to choose what's right, but struggling along the way.  Is it fair to discriminate hiring people like me?  Of course I have to say "No"!  But what about the  employer's added costs?  Still other employers are doing all sorts of incentive programs that seem to be having good effect with helping their employees lose weight and be more healthful.  Maybe that's the way to go?

In other news, good reader, guess what?  I'm finally going to do it, to take the plunge...to join out local gym.  I've been waiting for our new local gym to open and at long last, it's opening on June 1st, one day before I get out for summer break.  Coincidence?  I think not!

Here's a link to the show information:
http://www.cnbc.com/id/36073283/