slowly, slowly

Did you know that I've been to the Himalayas?

I climbed to Annapurna base camp, which is 4130m above see level. The entire trek, all two weeks of it, was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I have ever done. By the time we flew out of Jomsom, my legs we constantly aching, my bowels were exhausted but my sense of accomplishment had never been greater.

I wasn't the fittest person when I did this trek, furthermore I have exercise induced asthma. So as you might imagine, I often ended up at the back of the group with the Sherpa (Dawa) and his constantly reassuring words - "slowly, slowly".

Though I'm not climbing a mountain now, these two journeys (the trek and my transformation journey) have many parallels... and Dawa's advice still rings true.

Lately, I have eaten badly, drunk less water (but more alcohol/soft drink) and reduced my level of activity. I haven't been transforming, I am regressing.

As you might have gathered from my previous post, this is frustrating me. But guess what? I still made poor choices even after that post. Rather than continue the cycle of good behaviour, then bad behaviour, then frustration, followed by hopelessness. I'm trying to focus on progressing consistently, even if it is slowly, slowly - making better choices as often as possible.

So I've starting looking into overeating and compulsive eating. Just to see if any insights there might help me. I love research and education. And although I already know a bit about health, exercise, the body and the mind, it never hurts to learn more.

Now I have two books to read: The End of Overeating (by David Kessler) and The Headspace Diet (by Andy Puddicombe), and there is plenty more research to do.

I'm not looking for a diet or a quick fix, I guess I'm just looking for something that will help everything 'click'. I know there is a healthier version of me, I just haven't had to determination to become her yet.

Anyways, I will let you know what I uncover.

- Dani

no more

It is as if nothing has changed. I am putting on weight again and making poor decisions.

I don't plan enough, I'm not disciplined enough and all I seem to do is talk about the potential to improve.

Well that is it!

No more excuses.

No more Coke Zero.

No more treats.

No more positive dribble on this blog.

If I do not start making real changes constantly, then I will not write one more word about this supposed transformation. Now I say constantly because I have great days and terrible days, but there are not enough great days.

And if any of you see me engaging in counter-productive behaviour - please feel free to bring this up.

- Dani

happy, healthy, fit

Hello!

12wbt Round 4 has well and truly kicked-off and yes, I have been deviating from the plan. Unlike last round though, this is not freaking me out (and I no longer feel like a failure). I know that I'm still exercising (goddamn intermediate toning sessions are hard) and that my nutrition is ok (but it could be better).

Not 12wbt, but not bad either

The next few months are all about warmer weather, get-togethers and frivolity. So to reach my goals during this hectic time, I am focusing on two things: discipline and positivity.

These would have to be two of my weakest areas - I'm not disciplined (at all) and I'm not a very positive person either. Focusing on my weight and fitness has made me very 'me-centric' and I was often in a state of disappointment.

But this time I'm not going to be disappointed because
1. I will have a plan and I will be organised
2. I will follow through, I will stick to the plan, I will be disciplined (and when the unpredictable occurs, I will make suitable adjustments)
3. I am focusing on the positive elements of my life, elements that don't stimulate stress, elements that are within my immediate control (e.g., I will focus on my improving fitness, I will not stress about how unfit I feel)

And this inspired my new mantra.

Happy. Healthy. Fit.

All of these things are within my control and none of these need to be stressful. I want to be happier, healthier, fitter person. A person that I can be proud of. (And it really shouldn't be that hard.)

At the moment these are just words, but I am putting them into practise. I have already planned my meals and exercise schedule for next week. The shopping list is ready too. I have also adopted a colour system to monitor how well I stick to the plan.

It is no longer about 'I can' or 'I will' do this, but 'I am'... I am doing this! (And you can do it too!)

- Dani