My husband recently complimented me by noting that in a crisis, I am good at quickly figuring out what needs to be done, assembling resources, and doing it. This is true, in a number of respects, and I am grateful to have the skill and drive to carry it off.
There are some aspects of my life when this is hard and unfortunately, it is related to my physical health. I have a difficult time maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. I had coincidentally rejoined Weightwatchers a few weeks before my cancer diagnosis and had already started losing weight. I added walking at least 5 times a week a few months later, and I’ve been walking nearly every day for over two years. Since I started logging my miles on 12/2/12, I’ve walked close to 2000 miles.
I started tracking my miles as a way to help maintain my exercise program. That, combined with my renewed interest in nature photography, has helped me maintain the habit. Admittedly, I am having a little trouble transitioning to the damp part of the year but I’ve gotten out in some rather cold weather and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the outdoors. I know that I am getting my groove back.
My diet is another matter, altogether. I don’t eat a lot of sweets except around the holidays. And my gluten allergy means that I can’t eat most prepared foods anyway. However, I have been eating a lot of fruit, A LOT, and probably too much. I know that sounds silly but it has a lot of sugar in it. Finally, I know that my portion sizes are too big. I have gained nearly 20 pounds over my goal.
This all started when I decided to stop tracking what I ate every day. I stopped following Weight Watchers, basically. I was in a groove. I was ten pounds below my goal weight and walking a lot. I was really fit. I don’t know why I let myself do this. THIS IS HOW I’VE REGAINED WEIGHT EVERY TIME!
I keep restarting Weight Watchers for a couple of days but I have not yet gotten it to stick. Really, I am hoping that by writing this, I will get myself back into the long game, especially since we are in the holiday season.
I usually don’t end my blog posts with questions, but I have some. How do you help keep yourself motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
My Eyes Are Up Here 
It’s a constant struggle for me. I am trying to eat healthier and I do exercise regularly, but since my diagnosis I have gained 20 pounds. I do blame at least some of my weight gain on the aromatase inhibitor I’m on. Now with the holidays coming, I know it’ll be even more challenging to eat smart and squeeze in exercise. Don’t beat yourself up. Keep telling yourself you’ll do your best and every day is a fresh start. And enjoy the holiday eating while keeping up your activity as much as possible. That’s my plan anyway. And wow, you’ve logged a lot of miles walking. Good for you!
You are doing great with the walking! Balancing healthy eating and exercise is a ” work-in-progress” effort me forever and always. Staying motivated for me is about shaking things up and doing new stuff. Try a new class, a new hike, something to keep it interesting. Being outdoors feeds my soul, so I relate to the challenges of our dark, rainy season. For food, measuring portions is helpful. Using smaller plates(which look more full with less food) seems to help. Meditation helps me stay grounded and I do less mindless eating–less is not the same as none. And be kind to yourself.
Thank you, Yvonne!
I agree with Nancy.
You’ll get back in the groove.
By the way Liz, You look great.