Can't Work It Off

Posted on July 30, 2015

I have often heard that you can't out exercise a bad diet. I have never really tested that theory - until now.

In the past, I have logged my calories and tried to workout extra hard in order to burn off the extra snacks and goodies that I ate that pushed me over my calorie threshhold. This week, I tweeked my back and am in too much pain to do much physical exercise. I am still trying to keep moving - walking and stretching, but the burn from those does not really compare to the burn from running or HIIT which are usually my exercises of choice.

Last weekend, when I was only hurting from sciatica and not from this back thing, I participated in a 3k Mad Dash obstacle course in my home town with my husband and four children. It was an amazing blessing that we could all do this togehter - we had fun! Back at home, just picking peas in the garden I turned wrong and sent my back into pain. It was getting better last night, so I jumped on the trampoline with my son. That was a foolish mistake. I am hurting again today.

A person can learn a lot through pain. I am learning that I can count on my children to help me more than I realized. My sweet 9 year old son was especially concerned about helping me - carrying the clothes basket, asking if I was doing OK or needed help. I can tell he is on the way to becoming a kind gentleman.

I am fairly certain my back pain will subside in a few days and my life will return to normal. I will up my pilates, yoga-like, and stretching type exercises to try to increase strength and flexibility in my back, but I will probably be relatively pain free. Many people struggle with chronic pain with no hope of relief. They often struggle to lose weight and be healthy without the luxury of going for a high calorie burn workout session. My sympathy to those people is increasing.

It will only be with God's help that I will be able to exercise self-control in my eating and learn to do what I can with my pain.

Comment Now!

Thank you!

Sorry to hear about your back. It is wonderful to hear that you like spending time with your family and especially your children. Two of the greatest things we can teach our children are 1) The ability to enjoy life by engaging in healthy activities and 2) The importance of family and the joy that can come from spending quality time together and strengthening family bonds. It sounds like you have those...I am hoping your back heals fast and you are able to get to back to the important things in your life! Until then, I hope you enjoy your family in other ways and find joy in them instead of worrying about what you can't do right now. I hope you have the best day possible!

Darla S likes this comment.

Darla S

08/05/2015 5:05AM

Absolutely- More empathy is one thing I have gained in this weight-loss/back injury journey! I am glad God is still teaching me!

Paula C.

08/01/2015 12:58PM

Sorry to hear you injured yourself! Backs are very funny. I have had mine go out a couple of times by doing nothing out of the ordinary. It did give me an opportunity to be 'still' and listen which I don't do so well. I think a lot can be learned through our adversities. God uses them, I think, just for that purpose. I too appreciate my health and ability to exercise and move and have much more empathy for those that struggle with chronic pain after my back issues. How awesome to see the wonderful helping hands and kind hearts of your children. Have a blessed day!

Darla S likes this comment.

Darla S

Thank you! God is using my pain and I am a slow learner, but I am starting to feel better!

Tiffany P.

07/30/2015 8:14AM

I hope you begin to feel better soon! You really should read It Starts with Food... and look into Paleo eating. What all of these people have found is that it's not actually about calorie restriction, it's about the types of food you're choosing! I learned so much in the past week or so, and I will never go back to eating anything that comes in a box. Only grass-fed beef, organic lean protein, green, leafy vegetables, fruit, and high quality fats for me. Knowledge can really change your life and your relationship with food. Mine was so dysfunctional before now. Good luck!

Justine U. likes this comment.