That damn slope

I've slid a bit. And by a bit, I mean a lot. I think the real low point was this afternoon as I sat on the couch stuffing my face with crap chocolate slightly melted in stale coffee while watching Faerie Tale Theater with Shelley Duvall. Of course, that was after the burrito, cheesesticks and goldfish late Saturday, and the (other) burrito, swedish meatballs, and midnight chocolate chip pancakes.

I fell hard. The best indicator that I am not eating well is when I don't food journal at the end of the day. I don't want to face the truth. What's funny is that I have been doing great with exercise and training, but food late at night is my downfall.

Sitting with crumbs on my belly while watching Matthew Broderick be Prince Charming, I knew I needed to pick myself up and start the day again. I took a long run after a nap, and it was a perfect cure. I've been eating healthy for the last few hours, and am feeling on the up and up.

We all need different things from a diet. Some people need a strict plan, others need general guide lines. What works for me is making my own food. In the kitchen I am in charge, and can do whatever I like with portions, and oils, salt and sugar. I don't like depriving myself though, so when I go out to eat, I don't look for the low-cal option, I look for whatever sounds tastiest, and then try to resist eating it all right then. Having a small budget makes eating in a better option 95% of the time, but this weekend I ate out 4 times, and that took it's toll.

I have been working on making a budget for myself. I think I need to keep my health in mind when I factor in a restaurant and drinks amount. Then I can save money and my health!

In good news, I am pretty sure that I ran over 3 miles today! It is my week to be running 35 minutes straight, and the last five usually involve me panting and slowing down, but daggummit, I made it to 35 minutes straight! I think....I might....be becoming....a runner? Weird. Here's hoping my boobs don't disappear!

Everyone needs to go about "dieting" their own way.

Update like you mean it!

So my goals for the past week were 1)do something crazy, and 2)open a Fitday account. I did accomplish both of my goals, but in different ways than I first thought. It’s funny how life takes your plans, does a little twist, and says, “now what?” But enough of my waxing poetic (nothing about waxing is poetic...where did this saying come from?) Here’s what happened:

I went jogging. *gasp* No seriously, I did. For the first time in at least a year and a half. I strapped myself in with two bras, leashed the dog, and alternated walking and jogging for 45 minutes. How CRAZY is that!? Now it gets insane because...I loved it.

(This is me striking a happy Losergirl pose in the backyard, while my

dog tries to catch flies in her mouth. Inspiring, no?)

I had been inside and driving all day and the crisp fall air combined with twilight jazzed me up and I kept wishing I could go longer! Too bad my dog had eaten a dozen muffins (including paper wrappers) the night before and threw them all up in the street. Good times, good times my friends:)

I started an account on Fitday, and am still learning how to use it. I found out that I am eating around 1800 calories on days I don’t have social events, and then I eat (and drink:) around 2100 calories. My intake also fluctuates with my work schedule, so that is something I have been more conscious of. One thing I appreciate about Fitday is that they do a pie chart for every day, letting you know how many of your calories come from fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

I have to be honest, I don’t enjoy calculating all this stuff out. Every once in a while is fine, but I prefer to just be mindful about what I eat, and try to exercise. This may change over time and as it gets more difficult to lose weight, but I focus on my breathing and sweat intensity on the elliptical, instead of a certain caloric number. And my food choices are focused on healthier foods (fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean protein and some tasty fat) in moderation, instead of a gaol number. That works for me.

So figure out your own method. How do you judge your health? Do you count calories expended/caloric intake? Are you cutting back on carbs? On sugar? Not eating late at night? What is your personal living healthy plan?