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Working full time for the last two years has really taken a toll on my health. My weight has gone up (yes, even without eating all the stuff I don't eat) and my energy flat-lined. I've gotten into some bad habits and I lack the motivation to exercise. I used to walk 2+ miles a day just to get to work and now I drive everywhere. It's a sad story.
There's good news! I'm going to try tracking macro-nutrients and exercise using fancy phone apps ('cause that makes it fun, right?) You can "friend" me on myfitnesspal and runkeeper if you want. Be my friend! Walk around my neighborhood with me! If you have an MSU fitness center pass, let's schedule a "workout date."
"
I already feel a need to write an update because I already see areas that need major improvement! You guys, it's really hard to work out consistently and eat right!
Now that I'm done whining, here are the things that are going well and things that are NOT going well.
Excercise:
I have exercised more this week than any other since August. Huzzah! I need to walk or do yoga every day to stay in a healthy frame of mind. This area has improved since I started tracking but there is still room for improvement. My main issue is motivation. I have the time, the means, the energy, but not the will power. Finding friends to walk with me is really helpful!
Diet:
I haven't made major changes to my diet, just tracked calories and macro nutrients (protein, carbs, fats). I have also tried to be more intentional about eating when I'm hungry and not eating when I'm not hungry. This is easier than it used to be since I'm a recovering emotional eater. My other stress-relief hobbies help out here (yoga, walking, painting, reading, talking, music, etc.)
My goal for macro nutrients is consistent with a basic paleo food plan starting point: 20% protein, 20% carbs, 60% fats. I got really close to those percentages at first but as the week went on and my stress level rose, I have had increasing percentages of carbs, and decreasing percentages of protein and fat. One fact is glaringly obvious to me just based on my feelings; I NEED PROTEIN.
Since starting this job in February, diet has been a big problem for me. I often don't have time to eat lunch or have to eat while driving. I don't mind eating while driving but it makes meal planning very difficult. It's fun to eat fruit, nuts, chips, fruit/ nut bars, packages of deli meats, etc. but that's not really a full meal . . . I regularly don't get the protein I need or get it too late in the day.
I love making and eating chicken salad . . . for about two days until I get sick of it. I need more chicken salad type meals that can be eaten cold and on the go. Ideas? (Think paleo . . .)
In conclusion, I expect the exercise will continue to improve as I continue tracking. I need to work on increasing my protein to help me feel full and happy. Proper planning on the weekend is probably the key here. At least now I have my fitness tracking data to back me up and keep me motivated.
-April
Working full time for the last two years has really taken a toll on my health. My weight has gone up (yes, even without eating all the stuff I don't eat) and my energy flat-lined. I've gotten into some bad habits and I lack the motivation to exercise. I used to walk 2+ miles a day just to get to work and now I drive everywhere. It's a sad story.
There's good news! I'm going to try tracking macro-nutrients and exercise using fancy phone apps ('cause that makes it fun, right?) You can "friend" me on myfitnesspal and runkeeper if you want. Be my friend! Walk around my neighborhood with me! If you have an MSU fitness center pass, let's schedule a "workout date."
"
I already feel a need to write an update because I already see areas that need major improvement! You guys, it's really hard to work out consistently and eat right!
Now that I'm done whining, here are the things that are going well and things that are NOT going well.
Excercise:
I have exercised more this week than any other since August. Huzzah! I need to walk or do yoga every day to stay in a healthy frame of mind. This area has improved since I started tracking but there is still room for improvement. My main issue is motivation. I have the time, the means, the energy, but not the will power. Finding friends to walk with me is really helpful!
Diet:
I haven't made major changes to my diet, just tracked calories and macro nutrients (protein, carbs, fats). I have also tried to be more intentional about eating when I'm hungry and not eating when I'm not hungry. This is easier than it used to be since I'm a recovering emotional eater. My other stress-relief hobbies help out here (yoga, walking, painting, reading, talking, music, etc.)
My goal for macro nutrients is consistent with a basic paleo food plan starting point: 20% protein, 20% carbs, 60% fats. I got really close to those percentages at first but as the week went on and my stress level rose, I have had increasing percentages of carbs, and decreasing percentages of protein and fat. One fact is glaringly obvious to me just based on my feelings; I NEED PROTEIN.
Since starting this job in February, diet has been a big problem for me. I often don't have time to eat lunch or have to eat while driving. I don't mind eating while driving but it makes meal planning very difficult. It's fun to eat fruit, nuts, chips, fruit/ nut bars, packages of deli meats, etc. but that's not really a full meal . . . I regularly don't get the protein I need or get it too late in the day.
I love making and eating chicken salad . . . for about two days until I get sick of it. I need more chicken salad type meals that can be eaten cold and on the go. Ideas? (Think paleo . . .)
In conclusion, I expect the exercise will continue to improve as I continue tracking. I need to work on increasing my protein to help me feel full and happy. Proper planning on the weekend is probably the key here. At least now I have my fitness tracking data to back me up and keep me motivated.
-April
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