Today Was Easier

Tiny choices add up.  Here's how I've come to realize this.

Each time I start out anew for what I hope to be a lifetime of healthy living, it is hard.  The first few days I don't know if I can make it. I can't remember how I've done this for two years. I want to eat nothing but donuts, candy and Moe's.  (can we say sugar addiction?)When I try to stand up to these cravings, I get upset. I feel deprived. I feel sorry for myself. I feel sad about the foods I'm giving up.  It is a perilous few days. 

In the last six months I have had too many of these diet reboots to count.  Sometimes I don't make it past the first day or two, sometimes I last a few weeks  This week I've noticed that the more often I say "Yes" to a healthy lifestyle by choosing not to eat out or choosing to push myself hard in my workouts (or really, even do my workouts) or choosing to snack wisely, the easier it gets.  

The first couple of days this week were bad. They may have sounded great on the blog, because I've focused on my victories, but they were hard.  I thought about giving up several times a day.  

Do you know what kept me going? The uncomfortable feeling I've been having lately when I sit down and my stomach bunches up.  I've referred to it a couple of times on the blog as a spare tire around my stomach. It makes me angry and it helps me remember that I don't have to be like this. I don't have to give up. I've stuck with it before, and I can do it again.

Somehow, just knowing that I've made it through four days makes me feel stronger.  It makes me better equipped to say no when temptation comes around. I can stick with this!

So, if you're wanting to get in shape or lose weight, but you're frustrated because it is so hard to start.  Just know that if you persevere, it gets easier.  Not easy, but easier. 

I'm off to Turbo for the second time this week!