It's an annual event, isn't it?
I saw it in my inbox yesterday.
Moe's Southwest Grill and Golden Corral want me to overindulge. BodBot then wants me to exercise it off. After that I can pick up a Papa Murphy's pizza to engage in a Keto diet.
So... anyone else confused about physical health?
Ads and articles promise we'll get in shape "in days," melt fat "instantly," or get clear skin "overnight." Planet Fitness is ready to sign me up right now without any down payment. Every commercial break during a Hallmark Christmas movies has a Peleton promo (P.S. Don't ask me how I know that).
Meanwhile, I really do want to reengage with some better eating and fitness habits - maybe you do, too.
It seems we get this way every January because we've been in a cycle of indulging... the kind that begins in October with all the candy (Reece's Peanut Butter Cups, anyone?), continues through November's Thanksgiving get-togethers, amplifies through December's Christmas goodies and culminates in all the finger foods on New Year's Eve.
I mentioned on Day 1 of this 2020 Reset that I'm working on a list of 10 things I don't regret from the past 10 years. Another thing that would be on my list?
2. I don't regret failing at things that I know I need to be doing. Every step in the right direction matters, even if I stopped at some point. That includes physical health.
Can I offer a 2020 reset on all this "body language?"
I'm not an expert, but I am on the journey. Here's what I'm going to remember and apply (even if I fail forward in doing it):
- Reset assuming that food and events have to be connected. How often do we just assume that a holiday or special event needs gobs of food? While I'm a fan of the community formed by "breaking bread" together, why must I assume *every* movie night or big game or celebration *requires* eating poorly (especially when I am sitting down for the whole night as I do it)? There's a difference between food available during entertainment versus turning food into entertainment.
- Reset how I eat out. I often meet people at local coffee shops or restaurants, or eat food on the go during busy weeks. I've started looking for the healthier options, like instead of getting a 500 calorie drink at the counter I grab a bottle of zero calorie vitamin water from the cooler. I'm also paying attention to the nutrition info on menus. Two weeks ago I ate lunch with someone and ordered a burger he recommended... but only ate half because even at that portion size I was 700 calories for the sandwich and side. See spending money on food as an investment into your body rather than an excuse to be careless.
- Reset how I exercise. I used to think that unless I could get in a whole 45 minute (or longer) workout that it wasn't worth doing any of it. Now I'm going to do what I am able to do, no matter how long. Last night I decided to do 3 sets of push-ups because I had time for it. I made every one count. The best exercise to do is the one you'll actually do - so do it and don't shame yourself for what you didn't do.
- Reset the moderation lie. You've heard it said, and maybe even said it - that we're allowed to do everything in moderation. Are you sure that's true? Because it seems like some things don't ever need to happen while other things could happen more often. Just because something is fast doesn't mean it won't slow you down; just because something is cheaper and gets you by doesn't mean it won't cost you and break you down later.
Maybe this is all why it feels like the commercials are laying it on so thick right now. They show people who are clearly already in shape rocking it on diets and machines that we're not sure how to use, let alone sit on. They've kept good habits for months that we don't know how to start. And so the opinions of those who seem “better” or “greater” at this get louder and louder towards those of us who may just be starting out or don't yet know how to go back to exercise habits we used to rock.
Don't worry,. Again, I'm in this with you. Later today I'm going to spend an hour at the gym. That sounds impressive, but it's the only time this week I would have done so. But - again - I did a set of push-ups last night. And I plan to do some sledding this weekend with my family.
Start something physically healthy that is worth starting. And celebrate starting it, and every time you do it. (Just don't celebrate eating celery with a hunk of chocolate cake).
"Some of you say, “We can do anything we want to.” But I tell you that not everything is good for us. So I refuse to let anything have power over me. You also say, “Food is meant for our bodies, and our bodies are meant for food.” But I tell you that God will destroy them both. We are not supposed to do indecent things with our bodies. We are to use them for the Lord who is in charge of our bodies." (1 Corinthians 6:12-13)
You got this. I'm posting this on my Facebook page so you can share even one small thing you're doing well - I'd love to hear from you and swap some encouragement. Let's each do something right, and then do the dance.
