It’s almost the end of February, which means I’ve been on this new diet plan almost a month (yes I know it’s kind if cheating because February’s the shortest month). So I thought tonight I would talk about where I am now, what I’ve learned, what I’m doing right, what I’m doing wrong, and were I want this to go from here.
I started February feeling fat, ugly and wanting to changes that. Now I feel slightly slimmer (not significantly so, but we’re getting there), and quite a bit happier about who I am. I’ve started to learn how to love myself, and it’s about time. I’ve spent 21 years loathing my appearance, it’s about time I learned some self love. Whenever I take a shower I try to pick out a body part I like, instead of focussing on all the flabby flappy bits I hate. For example I’ve decided I have a really nice arse, and I’d quite like to get rid of my love handles so I can show it off!
I have taken a number of positive steps this month; steps I hope are lifestyle changes and will be slightly permanent. I’ve pretty much given up fruit juices, which were a major source of unwanted sugar and calories. Instead I’m eating more fruit and veg, as at least with the actual fruit you get fibre as well as the sugar. The other major change is my attitude to carbs. I haven’t gone carb free, for reasons mentioned in this post, and I’m not sure I want to. Cutting carbohydrates out completely might have a good impact on my waistline but a negative impact on my brain.
I’m trying to eat less carbs, as I’m aware that my reliance on large portions of carbs was at least partly responsible for my size. I’m also changing my attitudes as to what carbs I eat; where before I was reliant on processed white carbs like pasta and bred, not I try to eat more rice and potato. And when I do have processed carbs, I try to have wholemeal varieties. It’s not always easy to stick to, but I do my best; as of right now I honestly couldn’t tell you when I last at pasta. Another method of lowering the amount of carbohydrate I’m eating is to replace something like apsta or chips with something less carby and more healthy. For example this evening instead of chips I had roast parsnips.
My attitude to calories has also changed. Before I used to ignore the numbers and hope they go away. Now I have a better idea how many calories are in a food, and if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. I’ve learned that calories are not necessarily your enemy; provided a balance is maintained and foods are consumed in the correct moderation I can eat pretty much whatever I want. Which is awesome!
I’ve pretty much given up unnecessary sugar too. I’ve permanently switched to sweetner in my teas. And just in case anyone wants to jump on the ‘Aspartame is bad’ bandwagon, I’m studying toxicology at the moment and there’s no evidence at all that it’s harmful. Not unless you plan on injecting massive doses directly into your liver everyday for the rest of your life. Academic bit over. I don’t drink carbonated drinks or soda very often, but when I do I’ve switched over to sugar free here as well. Meaning almost the only sugar I’m intentionally putting into my diet is in my morning porridge. And I’m afraid that’s staying.
The one thing that’s a little bit iffy is the exercise. I’ve been making an effort to walk more, walk faster and do more housework, but the skipping thing hasn’t really happened yet. Need to buy a sports bra, and that’ll have to wait til next month’s budget. I’m also very tempted to get a pedometer to monitor just how many calories I’m burning walking to and from lectures and around the lab. If anyone can recommend me a good pedometer for a reasonable (student) budget I'd be very grateful.
One of the other things that hasn’t happened as much as it should is the drinking of water before meals. I honestly just keep forgetting. I’m drinking plenty of water, cordial or teas (some of which are herbal and/or caffeine free), but they’re usually after meals. I’m also still working on the alcohol thing. I’m going to try drinking more water at the pub, and buying half’s instead of pints to see how we go. I don’t mind not having succeeded 100% in my first month; it gives me something to aim for.
The plan for March is to keep up the good work. I’m going to try improving the amount of exercise that gets done, and the amount of water I’m drinking. I’m also going to try cut down on the alcohol and see if I can go the whole month with no takeaway. Failing that, if I absolutely must have takeaway I’m going to try getting a jacket potato.
And if all else completely fails, I’ve learned that it’s okay to mess up. I just have to pick myself up, dust myself off and try again.
