This is powerful. All of this. We can start a dozen conversations about this.
I personally find inspiration through conquering odds and statistics. What I mean by that is this, when I joined kung fu over a decade ago, I was seriously obese. I heard that some instructors only gave me three months before I would quit. I didn't, I managed to lose 85lbs in a year by running and eating tuna fish, but it was not sustainable. I kept the weight off for five years then starting smoking (again).
Now I am 43. Almost of my friends my age has back problems, is addicted to something or is on a path to an unhealthy place. I don't want to be a statistic, just because I am in my forties doesn't mean I have to be on the decline. It's not ok that everyone my age has back problems. I shouldn't find solace in that. My friends just submit to age, 'yeah, I am old now, back hurts every morning... hey, I am in my 40s, what did I expect?' No, I don't want that. I want to be mighty. I won't to prove them all wrong.
15 months ago my doctor told me I was borderline diabetic and my cholesterol levels were off the chart. The assistant told me, I had the second highest triglyceride levels she has ever seen. They immediately prescribed all kinds of meds for me, and said I would have to take it, forever. I told them, can I just change my ways 100% and not take the meds? They said, you come back in three months, if you can somehow, someway change all that you are, we will see then.
In Decemeber '12 I joined G and came back to the doctor three months later and got tested again, I rocked that charts with perfect numbers. They couldn't believe that someone could reverse all their numbers.
I get a kick off the sheer impossibility. Without the walls, obstacles or odds in my life so far, I would be in a tough place. I love the challenge, because now I KNOW I can conquer most things if I put my mind to it.
Gymnasium regiment got me to where I am today. I did the challenge twice, had awesome results. I did what they asked of me. I nixed diary and sugars and did moderate grains which in the end was some oatmeal and brown rice. After the challenge I ate 80% clean. Did G once a week. But I wanted more results. In the fall of '13, I kicked it up by trying to go to sessions at G, three times a week. I also went tighter on my diet, bringing my eating to being 95% clean. What that means is I have whiskey on some nights, just a glass or two. I will have some wheat bread if sprouted isn't available, I know, sinful. But if that sandwich at the fair keeps me away from the other junk, I am good with it. And personally, I can manage that. Those are examples of my bads. I can still feel good and keep my shit in line.
Traveling, birthdays and parties. I will usually keep cool when traveling. Maybe have that one bad meal, but eat clean throughout in order to 'earn' my bad. But that bad has to be good. I won't eat just anything. If my child get mac n' cheese and if it's the bomb, I will have a bite or two. I will drink lots of water and jedi mind trick myself, and try to forget it.
Stress and emotions steer you off the path. That is why one may choose to eat bad. We need to be concerned with what is really at work, deep within us. Per the article, this is the real demon. Exorcise that.
Now, my body is transforming so much. I get compliments from all kinds of folks... I got carded three times in the last two months. Hadn't got carded in ten years. I can wear mediums instead of extra larges. I still have a paunch, but as Josh says, when you're older, your body will fight you tooth and nail on anything you do. I just need to learn that I should be happy with what I have, and not looking like Enrique Iglesias is ok.
-Find our what is your stress. Try to reduce this, albeit this is the toughest thing ever. Stress is the root of all things, not good.
-Try to get good rest and sleep. Quality.
-Find a workout buddy you can rely on to do quality workout.
-Find a fun sporty or other activity to do to fill your heart with good fun, like weekend hikes, fishing, skating, biking. Maybe a weekly canoe trip at Foote Brothers by Ipswich is the key. Open your head to outdoors, away from your trappings of home, or work.
-Drink tons of water.
-Make one meal a deal, automatic. Monk-mode. A smoothie or an oatmeal. No thinking involved. For the challenge, kick up the process to more meals if you can.
-Move often.
-Pay attention to your body. Always.
-Have a goal in mind, short term. 'I want to wear a half top by this summer.' 'I want to feel good in those leather pants.' You know.
-Surround yourself with like-minded folks.
-If you're going to be bad, be deliberate and not stress on what you're going to eat. Just know you want it, be happy with your decision. Make it count.
-It's ok to fall down. Just pick yourself back up.
-Know that we are here for you. I believe in what you're doing. I know you can do whatever it takes for you to get to where you want to be.
-Gorgeous
