A month ago today, I began a wellness journey. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a New Year’s resolution, but more of a health revolution. If you follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed a number of tweets from the gym in the past month or so. Since January 23 I’ve lost 15 pounds and am well on the way, Lord willing, to a healthy lifestyle.
I’ve always been the chubby guy. From as far back as I can remember I’ve always been a little hefty. Every year as a new school year would roll around, I would have to go with my mom to the ‘husky’ section at J.C. Penney to get awkwardly cut clothing with terrible patterns. I think I owned Arizona jeans in every color including purple. The huskiness continued through high school and now through my 20s.
There have been seasons of my life where I’ve tried to get in shape and lose weight, but more often than not, the motivation would fizzle and I’d be back to where I started. About two years ago I had a really good run for a couple of months and I lost about 30 pounds which was awesome, but life circumstances and the busyness of church life got ahead of me and I found myself with an unused gym membership and zero motivation to get moving again.
I know it’s a bit of a risk to make public declarations about being on a diet, getting in shape and whatnot, but I figure I’ve got one solid month on the books and making this public definitely holds me much more accountable, so here goes…
As I enter into the final months of my 20s, I want to shed [literally and figuratively] the old Tim and enter into my 30s on November 25, healthier, leaner, and stronger.
This past month has not been easy but I feel so much better already and I know if I stick with it, that I’ll make my goal.
What I’ve been doing:
- The gym is now part of the daily routine. I joined a gym that’s literally around the corner from my house. It’s on the way to the coffeeshop I work from nearly every day so I don’t have any excuses! Fitness Formula Clubs are a great group of gyms in Chicago and they have a great social media presence [which of course, I love]. I’ve been a member of a number of gyms in Chicago during my five years here and it’s crazy to admit that I’ve been to FCC more times in one month than I was at the other gyms combined.
- I hired a personal trainer. This is a huge investment, but it’s already been so well worth it. I’m working out with a trainer 3 days per week and have been going 3 days on my own. 6 days a week. He’s been a great motivator and, for me, I really needed the accountability of having someone at the gym waiting for me and to push me. Lord knows I would go easy on myself. My trainer Corey has been amazing and he’s helped me believe in myself and pushed me to do things I would have never dreamed I could do.
- I joined WeightWatchers. If Charles Barkley can be man enough to admit he’s using WeightWatchers, so can I. I’ve been counting my points and using the WeightWatchers system to keep track of what I’m eating. The iPhone app for WeightWatchers makes it so easy to keep track of what I’m eating and is really helping me be much more aware of my eating habits. My new favorite question is, “I wonder how many points that is?”
- I traded my Starbucks Gold Card for a Camelback water bottle. I’m drinking water like it’s my job. I have also given up my morning buzz at the ‘bucks and am only casually drinking coffee or caffeinated beverages. This has been a HUGE adjustment, but I can tell the difference now that I’ve overcome my caffeine withdrawal.
- My diet has changed. I hate the word ‘diet’, but more than anything, I’ve just changed the way I eat. I’ve sacrificed a few things: flour, sugar, red meat, and processed foods. Most of my diet consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish, turkey, and very little dairy. No alcohol, either, except in moderate doses once a week. I am allowing myself to “cheat” one meal per week, but for the most part I’m keeping it healthy. Whole Foods is taking my whole paycheck.
- I’m actually eating breakfast. My morning latte used to count for breakfast in my books, but not anymore! Again, like the no caffeine thing, I’m amazed at how much more energy I have by eating a good breakfast. Who knew?
- I’m learning how to cook. As a single guy in Chicago it’s pretty easy to pick from the assortment of fast food places and carry out joints and not cook for yourself. Well, that has changed for me. I’m cooking nearly every meal at home and have made a promise to my trainer to only eat half of the portions I get served at restaurants if I do eat out. I’ve really enjoyed tinkering around in the kitchen and discovering what I like to cook. It’s a great new habit for sure.
- I’m walking more. I’m taking fewer cabs and trying to walk distances that would normally be traveled by a bus or a train. Or, I’ll get off a few stops before my destination and walk the rest of the way.
- I’m getting adequate amounts of sleep. As much as I love being a night owl, I’m now trying to get a good amount of sleep [between 7-8 hours] per night.
- I’ve got a great cheering squad. I have some friends who have lost weight in the past giving me a lot of advice and encouragement and my roommates have been very supportive as well which has been awesome. Having people who are motivating and encouraging you is so important!
And, to bring a spiritual tone to the conversation: I know that I need to honor God in all areas of my life, including my health. As much as this is a physical thing, it’s also a spiritual journey as well, asking God to help me and to be disciplined and have self-control. I am grateful for all of the opportunities I have and know I need to be healthy and in the right frame of mind to pursue them.
So, that’s been my ‘secret’ for the past month or so. I know some of it may seem a bit drastic, but I know if I keep up with it that I’ll continue to see results. I’ve got 10 months to go before 30 and I can’t wait to see how it goes. I know there’s a long, hard road ahead, but I’m ready for the journey.
What about you?
