Lose weight the fun way.

Posted on July 25, 2015

Well, we all reach a day when we know we have to begin, when change has to happen. Tonight, I signed up for DB, hoping that the financial incentive, or disincentive, of losing my own money will motivate me in a way that having goals, self-promises, and ideas of change in the not-too-distant future have not. It's really a shame that I cannot rely on the latter more to motivate me towards returning to a healthier, earlier state.

My reasons for wanting to lose weight and get healthy are manifold, and mostly quite obvious. I want to feel better. I feel better when I can move quickly, gracefully. When I don't feel overwhelmed by a staircase or a cross-campus walk between classes. I would like to improve my strength, flexibility, endurance. I would like to run 5Ks again, go biking, kayaking, hiking.

I slipped on the ice in the winter of 2014, my first bone fracture, and after two surgeries, things are not right yet. Mostly, I have not been jogging for 3 miles every morning like I did before the slip. I need to get back to that state. The change was slow, glacial, but similarly seemingly unstoppable. I lost weight at first, then slowly gained. I cannot accept my (very bad) doctor's advice that a person my age has to choose more suitable activities for a person my age. While this suggestion makes my lazy doctor's job easier, I will get back to being able to jog 3 miles/day, like I did before.

So, how to get there. I don't really have a secret formula. I know I have to make healthy food choices, increase my activity level, and start working out. I have a smoothie ready to jumpstart tomorrow morning, will cut out drinking soda, and am going to transition to a plant-strong diet. The CSCS at my school has made a great plan for my wife and I to follow; now I just have to follow it.

But I am not a zealot. I know there will be ups and downs, I know this effort will encompass body, mind, and spirit. I know I will have to give myself permission to make mistakes and bad choices, but will see the trendline move towards making healthier choices as the weight trendline hopefully starts dropping.

Day Zero of the Transformer Challenge. Six months--one semester--of changing a lifestyle. Starting tomorrow.

Comment Now!

Damian B.

12/30/2016 1:22PM

I know I'm responding to an old post, but I wanted you to know KT, that I appreciate your post. I have not tried indoor rowing except for a stint at a XFit gym a couple times. There are erg machines at my school, however. Funny thing about the hip replacement--I am in the waiting room where my mother-in-law who has had one complete hip replacement is getting x-rays and a check-up before a surgery, and my father-in-law shattered his hip (ball socket of the femur, really) a few days ago and got through surgery and hardware installation just yesterday. I hope to not have to have a hip replacement, but good for you for persevering and overcoming this challenge and moving forward!

07/28/2015 9:16AM

Have you ever tried indoor rowing? I had to have a total hip replacement at age 33 and cannot "run" anymore. Indoor rowing has been the best thing that ever happened to me...if you have access to one, try it--- I promise you will love it and it will torch calories equal or more than running. Check out concept2.com for rowing instructions. Best thing I ever did, even competed in a competition in Atlanta this year! Good luck!

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Damian B.

Never tried it, except through a XFit trial class. Ouch! on your total hip replacement, and so glad you found the rowing, and to the competitive level to boot! We have a rowing machine around. I may have to just try it! Thanks, and good luck back at you!

Serena O.

07/27/2015 10:12AM

"The change was slow, glacial, but similarly seemingly unstoppable." loved that. We all know that one, injury or not. This is the bet for you, I can feel it! You're ready. Cutting out soda will be great, just be wary of caffeine headaches. I've slowly moved to unsweetened iced tea so that I can ward off the headaches at around 4pm if I cut out caffeine completely! Good luck to you, and thanks for the inspiring and well written blog.

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Serena O.

No, what is kombucha? (Googling now)

Damian B.

Kombucha is a fermented green or black tea that adds nutrients from microbial production. It results in a slightly effervescent slightly vinegary drink that many believe is a health elixir.

Tiffany T.

07/25/2015 10:56PM

I don't think fitness activities are very age related as your doctor says. I believe you can achieve your goal of being able to jog & hike and all. I know a man well into his 60's who still jogs everyday. It's all about ability, you probably want to start slow so, or with more low impact activities like the kayaking and swimming, so that you don't aggravate your injury. Best of luck!

Damian B. likes this comment.

Damian B.

Thanks, Tiffany. 100% agreed. The number of people I see starting "exercise makeovers" even after 50 years of age inspire me. Luckily, there is a pool close by and my kayak is at the ready! Best of luck to you!