Aspriring to inspire
It was by the end of May or beginning of June when I finally decided —again— to make significant changes in my life. After my kids kind of bullied me for my tummy, I realized something was wrong. And if you add the fact that climbing a few stairs left me exhausted than we have the perfect combination of things that made me begin exercising, eating healthier and drinking plenty of water.
I am not a coach or expert on this arena. Actually I must accept I used to be one of those guys who was never related to practicing any kind of sports. However, during a recent medical examination I was asked to reduce the fat on my system before it could develop into other health issues.
One day, while watching television at the couch I stood up, took my tennis shoes and short pants and walked towards the park. At the beginning my wife thought it was just a matter of days. But time past and my exercising remained. Also, as part of my venture I decided to skip dinner and changed it for just fruit, a cup of coffee or a small glass of almond milk.
The effort soon began showing results. My personal prize for the small victories was to buy a pair of new running shoes and other sports clothing. In August I got from my sister the best birthday gift I have had in recent years — a scale which became the cruelest judge in my conquest.
The most important part of it all is nutrition. For me breakfast turned into a slice of turkey breast, a boiled egg or any other source of protein. By mid-morning some fruit or nuts provide a help to wait until lunch, which for months has been a bowl of salad with tuna and croutons, combined with lime juice and a glass of calorie-free, flavored sparkling water. In case hunger attacks again some dried cranberries or a low-calorie bar are enough.
And speaking of water, a great ally in the venture has been plenty of the vital liquid sufficient to satisfy the body when one has that sensation of need of food. Actually, experts say that that body emptiness is in reality a demand of water by our systems. Some others have recommended me to have a cup of tea after my early morning exercise session to get rid of some extra fat. Something else I have tried with great results is drinking sparkling water or mineral water as we better know it in Spanish. It helps a lot in losing weight.
The hardest part of it all is willingness. If you are honest about the desire of feeling and looking better, the first thing to do is admit that there is something wrong that requires an adjustment of daily routines in order to modify what we see at the mirror and scale. Exercise must begin slowly and easily. Start with a few minutes and with exercises that do not make you feel tired. Add a few minutes or more difficult routines per day. You must enjoy the activity. Little by little you will not be able to skip any single day of exercise.
Perseverance, patience and discipline are key factors to reach your personal goals. And do not forget to award yourself when achieving your goals — a slice of cake, a nice dinner at your favorite eatery or that nice dress or shirt that did not fit weeks of months ago is good enough to compensate your hard work. Besides, you deserve that price.
As said above I do not pretend to be seen as an expert. The idea of sharing my personal experience just looks to inspire at least one reader who has been hesitant or choosing weight loss as a New Year’s resolution. Arturo Bojorquez is Adelante Valle Editor.