Pain and Enjoyment

Like so many Americans, I make New Year’s resolutions and then fail to follow through.  For the past few years, I haven’t even bothered to make my own. I've actually piggy-backed off of friends and family from time to time. My right-handed cousin wanted to use her left hand more last year, so I gave that a try. It went simply “okay.” After a lengthy discussion with my husband, I decided this year that I needed to couple pain with enjoyment.

Yes, pain. Losing weight is painful—physically and emotionally. It’s more than just dieting and being sore after a workout. It’s looking at oneself in a mirror and saying this isn't me or more exactly, I don’t like this version of me. To change this version of me, I've decided to lose 20 pounds this year. I think it is an attainable goal but not an easy one.

My diet of choice is the Paleo diet.  I almost don’t want to do it because it’s trendy and following trends really isn't who I am. However, my husband is a passionate follower of this diet. And honestly, in the past when following it, I actually did feel better.  We already have a ton a Paleo-friendly cookbooks, so I don’t have any excuses. As we all know, excuses are a dieter’s worse enemy.

My choices in exercise are more limited due to previous injuries.  I've decided to try Pilates due to its low impact characteristics. Plus it’s convenient, for there is a studio within walking distance of my home. I am now going twice a week. I go to a group class and for a private session to learn how to modify some of the exercises and focus on my trouble areas. I’m amazed at how in tune I am with my body only after a month of work.  I will have to add more cardio into my routine though to actually lose the weight.

Now to add enjoyment. What do I like about me? What makes me happy? It was important for me to choose something that didn't require anyone else.  Last year I took a beginning quilting class and enjoyed the creativity and sense of accomplishment it provided. It made it an easy choice. Getting a new Baby Lock sewing machine from my husband at Christmas helped the decision making a little too.