For the past couple of weeks I have been making changes in my life. I am trying to structure my days around a routine of daily activities that will bring stability to the once hectic lifestyle I juggled because of school and work. For starters, I am finally having the chance to exercise on a regular basis. Since I am used to waking up at around 5:30 a.m., my mornings are no longer fueled by the sense of urgency to rush out of the house to get done with my day. I am now able to go for a walk in the morning. So for the last month at 6 a.m. I begin the 2.5-to 3-mile trek that is my morning workout. It started as purely a walk and has now developed into a minute of walking followed by a minute of jogging until I finish my routine. The exercise not only allows me to wake up more energized but I am able to catch up with news, my favorite podcasts and sports via the smartphone as I walk.
This new phase in life also allows for me to make breakfast before leaving to work. And when I don’t eat at home, I go across the street for coffee and a bagel. The breakfast is followed by planned out and regularly scheduled meals, which I have been able to keep up with thanks to the help Siavash and Jennifer from SIX PAX GYM. As a result, I feel better throughout the day. I don’t get sleepy after eating; the portions I eat during every meal are getting smaller and my clothes are starting to not fit so tight.
While this has only been happening for a month and it is way too soon to celebrate anything, the fact is that I feel a lot better. I am no longer winded going up some stairs and I have more energy throughout the day than I did before.
I certainly have several goals that I want to reach not just with weight loss but with eating healthy and remaining active. I want to be able to jog those three miles, non-stop, by the end of the summer. Actually, my goal is to run a 5K by Thanksgiving Day and make a habit out of competing in these races. Second, I want to learn how to cook in healthy ways. Not because I don’t enjoy making enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, meatloaf, burgers and pizza but because the way I see it now, I’ve had my fun with eating everything that is unhealthy for me. A few weeks ago I had a physical and the blood work came back nearly perfect. I need to keep it that way and for that to happen, some subtle changes must occur. This doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy my mom’s meals on Sundays, but the days of drive-thru food and late-night meals are done.
Lastly, I want to continue feeling well. It’s only been a month but I feel better. I am not as stressed out nor am I as tired. I am in the baby steps phase of this new chapter in my life so I am learning as I go. However, with those three goals in mind, by the end of the year the baby steps will have developed into something more. It’s not a matter of “we’ll see” as much as it is “just wait and see.” Can’t wait for Thanksgiving Day.
