Right vs. Wrong

I often think about my "golden" days in college and grad school (especially college) when I was in super-buff shape and worked hard to be that way.  And try to figure out why I can't do that now.  I thought it would be helpful to me (and maybe others as well) if I tried to write down what I was doing then vs. what I'm doing now and see if I can uncover some secrets.  Here goes:

 

What I Did Then (1997):

1. Biked and/or walked to 3-4 classes everyday (easily a 1/2 hr bike ride to and from my farthest class).

2. Ate whatever I wanted in reasonable portions - ate what tasted good, was convenient, and made me feel good, not necessarily what was supposed to be good for me.

3. Ran three times a week with an equally motivated and able-bodied friend; took three aerobics classes a week with same friend.  Actually scheduled exercise in like a class - no excuses to miss.

4. Concentrated on the present and a hopeful outlook on the future - not overcome with fears and anxiety over the future.

 

What I Do Now (2006):

1. Sit at a desk all day, walking from house to car, car to desk, and back again.

2. Ate whatever I want with no regard to portion sizes (the bigger the portion, the happier and less anxious I am); PLUS pressure myself to eat only what's good for me and have the perfect diet.  I know - it's very contradictory, but I think you all can relate...

3. Try to walk 3-4 times a week with friends at work (45 minutes each), try to get on the treadmill or do a video each morning (averaging about once a week). Make a lot of excuses.

4. Constantly dread the future - the work I don't want to do, the bills I don't want to pay, the house I don't want to clean and maintain, the diet and exercise plan I don't want to follow, the dinner I don't want to cook, the kids I don't want to bathe...  Ugh

 

Conclusions?  A BIG difference, eh?  Anyone see yourself in the above comparison???  I imagine that it's a pretty common scenario.  I know it's opened my eyes a bit wider.  The real question now is this: How can I make what I did THEN fit into my life NOW?  What can I do NOW to give me the results I got THEN???

 

What I Need To Do Now to Look Like I Did Then:

1. Work activity into my day.  Take 15 minute walks for my breaks, go up and down the stairs instead of the elevator (only one floor for crying out loud!), take frequent trips to the bathroom and water cooler, do office aerobics and office calisthenics.  :-)

2. Go back to eating what tastes good, is convenient, and makes me feel good.  Stop worrying so much about "healthy" (a trigger word), and focus more on "satisfaction" (a word that relates both physically and emotionally). Relearn the art of moderation.

3. Schedule in exercise as I would a doctor appointment or meeting at work.  Do it with a buddy whenever possible.  Make it fun.

4. Focus more on the present.  Fill my head with thoughts of what I DO want, and crowd out all the thoughts of what I DON'T want.  Put some blinders on to prevent me from getting distracted by what I DON'T want.

 

I've made a challenge with two friends at work.  One is getting married mid-October, so our deadline is Oct 2.  I've pledged 20 pounds.  Loser has to buy lunch for the winners at the winners' choice of restaurant.  I've got a long way to go!  Wish me luck!  :-)