Feb. 1--After successfully dropping almost 25 pounds last year, and unfortunately, putting some of it back on, the Buckley's Big Belly Bust was the boost I need to get motivated again. After all, if restaurant people and fellow foodies aren't my peers, who are?
After threatening to kill her if she ever revealed my weight -- I really did; should I be ashamed? -- I stepped on the scales for Lisa Dick, and I was officially recorded. You can follow my progress at whiningdining.com and get periodic updates on the group in the paper, too.
I talked to personal trainers Gerry Finney and Michael Beeler about what I should be doing. I hate cardio, but I know it's a requirement for heart health and weight loss. But an hour of it a day is discouraging to me. Beeler suggested I break it up.
"It really doesn't matter if it's 10 minutes six times a day or 60 minutes at a time," he said, before telling me that it's perfectly fine, even wise, to start with 20 minutes of cardio instead of 60.
Finney agreed that starting with smaller goals and working up to the big goal is the way to go, but that the "G" word is what it's all about.
"The first thing you have to do is identify your goal. Get a clear picture in your mind of what you want," he said.
I explained that eating out as often as I do doesn't help. Not everyone wants me reviewing the plain fish for all my reviews. He listened, then pulled out the hammer:
"The reason people aren't living the healthy lifestyle they want is because of the story they keep telling themselves," he said. I started to protest that no, no, my situation is different, when I realized the futility of it. Everyone, after all, has issues.
As Finney pointed out, some people work two jobs, others shuffle around three kids -- we all have demands on our time. He suggests finding 15 minutes here and there for fitness, or finding a way to make it fun.
"The best thing to do is to distract yourself -- put the treadmill in front of the TV -- or get a buddy," he said.
Other tips from Beeler:
Never skip breakfast.
Take the stairs and get in extra steps by parking far away when going to the store.
Eat mini meals.
Tips from Finney:
Keep a food diary.
Take baby steps, starting out with just 10 minutes of exercise and adding one minute daily.
No fast food.
Clean out the pantry.
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