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I know what I eat is not the problem, because I don't tolerate solids well. My husband says I pick like a bird, but that's because of scar tissue that's formed and I have trouble chewing things enough to get them to pass through my esophogas. My body is in starvation mode and hangs onto every calorie I put into it, and with no activity to work off those calories, my hips grew as wide as my office chair.
Being an author for most of us is a passion, but we must remember to find time for our health. I don't make resolutions because they are usually a dismal failure for me, but this year, I did resolve to put ME first. So, I'm not giving up writing, I'm going to try to be more time-oriented and work in my creative juices around walking or attending water aerobics. Instead of empty caloried foods, I'm imbibing in protein shakes and I have to say, I feel much better.
I started exercising already, and I've lost nearly 30 pounds. I've been a bad girl this week because of appointments, but next week, it's back to the three day grind of adding some sort of activity into my life. I'd like to stick around for another several years and keep doing what I love. Besides, I have a lot of stories started in my WIP folder that need finishing.
So, do yourself a favor. Although you love to write, find some time in your day to make yourself a healthier author. It's a new year, and time for a new start.
Thanks for this important blog, Ginger. I'm swimming three times a week, so that really helps. I love the water (and it's warm and briny) so it's not a chore like trying to do jumping jacks, not that I could at my age. But it's so true; balance is the key. Good advice, Ginger.
ReplyDeleteFirst- congrats on that first 30 pounds,.,,way to go girlfriend Like you've ... I've made the same observation - I started the new year with a Fitbit and in my first week I've lost 3 pounds... I put in 10,000+ steeps a day and I've been watching my calories burned and available- it tells me active minutes and sleep pattern. I'm loving it.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Ginger. I Just saw a program about how sitting all day leads to various diseases. Congratulations on losing the weight. I know how difficult it is. Sounds like you're turning your life around. Thanks for sharing an important message. Keep up the good work. I'm trying to take your advice also. Hard to do sometimes.
ReplyDeleteExercise of some sort is important as we get older. Keeps the brain more alert or so they say. My dogs have to be walked every day so rain or shine they get taken out. I started some regular exercises just a week ago and cut down on the chocolate intake and have already lost a kilo (not sure how many pounds that is) but it really bucks you up to get on the scales and see you've lost a bit.
ReplyDeleteI got in the habit of exercising each day, so, thankfully, I've been able to counteract the time spent sitting while writing.
ReplyDeleteWeight! Ugh. It's been the bane of my life. When I retired from a day job and made writing my career I had the benefit of two dogs to get me up and out on a daily basis. I used to see another walker on my daily route whose dog was quite elderly. Then I didn't see him for a few weeks. Yes, his dog had gone and he quickly found without the daily walk he'd put on 10 pounds. It was too soon for another dog he said, so he was walking himself! It was a point well taken. Walking helps exercise the brain as well as the body. It's thinking time for me so my walk serves 2 purposes. Good post Ginger!
ReplyDeleteSo very true Ginger. I have found a temporary solution though. I'm in Australia for 5 months helping to care for my new baby granddaughter - now 9 months old - and boy has she helped keep the weight off. I've lost about 16 lbs since I arrived and am now verging on the too skinny (a new one for me) Only problem is I have very little time for writing so I really need to sort out the work/life balance thing.
ReplyDeleteWell done with you weight loss. Keep at it.
I've tried to put more exercise in my life too, and have lost several pounds. I try to cut back on my eating, and often I succeed. I know you do pick like a bird, so eating isn't causing you to gain weight.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on losing 30 pounds! I hope to see you this year for camping!
Congrats on the weightloss, Ginger. A great accomplishment. The protein drinks are great. I drink one in the morning and exercise with a DVD daughter Andrea got me (Jane Fonda's Prime Time workout). It easier on my joints than running, which I used to enjoy, but my knees and back rebelled, and I had to stop. Unlike you, I love to eat and have to curb urges to feed my mouth. Enjoyed your blog. Sending hugs and love.
ReplyDeleteGinger, we're on the same wave-length. I've gone back to my warm water exercise at the community pool. Because of my fibroalgia, however, I have to exercise moderately, or else I pay for it the next day. For me, years (decades!) of writing haven't resulted in excessive weight gain, but rather severe upper and lower back problems. Our bodies weren't meant to be hunched over computers for long stretches, but I realize that for many, their livelihood depends on that.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Ginger. It is important to take the time to be healthy. If you have any kind of job where you sit a lot, you have to plan in your schedule for regular exercise. It's also important to eat healthy and take care of ourselves. Let's face it. No matter what our jobs, we won't be good at them if we don't feel good.
ReplyDeleteSince I write slowly, extensive sitting at the computer isn't much of an issue and I walk every day. I envy you all who work so quickly.
ReplyDeleteWow! 30 lbs! Congratulations, and I'm glad you're hanging in through many physical difficulties to care for your body and to write, too.
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