First Step

Well, here we are. My first attempt at blogging. Not sure where this is going to go, and I'm not sure if anyone will ever read this, which is okay. I'm doing this for my own reasons, and to try and hold myself accountable as I start down this new path.

I'm not the type to keep a diary, but I'm on the computer a fair amount, and since I have more than a few blogs I check on daily, I thought I'd jump in and give it a go. I may choose to tell a few select friends about this blog, if I think they might enjoy it and/or take something from it.

I'm doing this to document my effort at getting into a healthier lifestyle. While a large goal will be on weight loss, I'm really hoping to become a healthier person, in all aspects.

I turned 40 this year, and I'm starting to feel my age. Weight gain has been an obvious issue, and is becoming more noticeable this year. But more than that, I simply do not FEEL healthy. I have been dealing with issues of heartburn, indigestion, and stomach bloating. I've also had a recent history of anxiety disorder/panic attacks. I do not sleep well, which is related to the anxiety. I feel weak - the typical "skinny fat" person. I'm starting to feel stressed out constantly.

And, to be honest, while I realize age is just a number, there is just something that doesn't sit well with me and the number 40.

As a physical therapist, my main interest is in helping people. In my practice, I work primarily with injured workers, attempting to help them in returning to work safely. In this regard, I have been fairly successful. I try to give each client my best effort, and I am going to try to do the same with myself.

I think the eating part will be the most difficult aspect. From my reading/studies, from what I can tell, the way I currently eat is about as bad/fattening as it could be. The only positive is I don't drink sugared beverages on a regular basis. I'm pretty much a carbohydrate addict. I eat way too few vegetables. I miss lunch frequently, and tend to graze in the evenings.

Like anyone in these times, I think I will have some challenges with finding the time and energy to perform exercise on a regular basis. Time management has never exactly been my strong point, and I certainly waste enough in front of the television, or, particularly, the computer.

In terms of plans, I will be following a relatively low carbohydrate (specifically, low starch and sugar) diet, focusing on protein, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and veggies. I'm going to try to plan my days, eating between 5-7 small meals per day. I'd also like to cut down on the diet sodas, and drink more plain old water. I probably will have to keep track of total calories, but will likely not get too detailed with this (and may consult with a nutritionist to get an idea of where I should be).

With respect to exercise, I'm going to try and exercise 5-6 days per week. The focus will be on strength training, particularly whole body circuit training. I've got a ton of example programs, and I will also design some of my own as I go along. Most of the exercise will be performed at home, although I will occasionally exercise after work (I often work out with a colleague on Sundays). I'll also use ways to perform other physical activity (Non Exercise Physical Activity), such as playing with my daughter, family walks, biking to work in the warmer months, etc. I'm hoping to get a little into cooking, something I've always liked.

I probably will not go into details with respect to actual work outs. Mostly, I will try and document where I did well, and where I came up short (i.e. missed workouts, diet cheats, etc.) I will try to regularly update with certain statistics, such as weight and body measurements. I may highlight certain "personal bests," as they come along. There may also be the odd bitch or rant, we'll see.

Right now, I will be taking initial measurements, may or may not upload some "before" pics, and set some goals for the end of the year.

So, again, I have no idea where this is going to go. I'm hoping to update at least once a week. But I hope the journey is interesting. I do hope this goes at least a year, and look back at that point at what was accomplished.

Physioguy