Time To Change – On Diets

So, what’s the goal here? I believe that a lot of folks struggle with the whole diet/weight loss/exercise journey because we’re told to aim at the wrong goal. So, let me offer up my thoughts on where we should all be aiming.

Right away, some folks will have an objection. We’re all in different places, with different physical and medical starting points. How can we all have a common goal?

Easy. The goal is a concept rather than a specific number. It’s not about ideal weights or perfect measurements or getting your glucose/cholesterol/whatever numbers just right. Those are markers of where we’re headed but it’s too easy to get caught up in some artificial numeric goal. The height and weight charts, the guidelines for the correct test numbers lead too many of us to focus on a “number” that will make everything all right. That encourages quick-fix solutions. The sooner you can get to the “right number”, the sooner everything will be fine.

The history of it all shows that this is a failed theory. Sure, you get there quickly. But can you stay there? Or do you bounce right back up again? I believe that shows that your objective was wrong. Fix that. and the chances of success (which are never guaranteed) will improve.

So, what should be the goal?

In simplest terms, a healthy lifestyle.

Any other objective will open you up to decisions that look right but won’t stick. This entire process is best when it is focused on a long-range goal. And that’s a way of living that keeps you healthy. Your healthy numbers may be different than mine, how you get there may be different than me. Our culture wants to believe that there’s only one body type that’s “correct”.

Forget it. Focus on what you need to do to be healthy. I need to lose weight. A few years ago, I discovered that when I was in the low 170s, all my blood test numbers were good. My blood pressure improved. I felt great. And I liked the way I looked. No six pack. Not ripped.

Healthy.

Laziness, my stroke, and some downturns in life pushed me out of that healthy place. But I know what I need to do to get back to my objective.

Don’t settle for the right “look”. Don’t make it about reaching the right “number”.

Be healthy.

Onward.

My resolution remains:

 

I want to am going to be The Guy again.  The Guy weighed 175 pounds and looked good and felt good.  And his blood pressure was good and his blood tests were good.

 

 

Active Minutes – Goal is 150/week

Steps – Goal is 10,000/day

Watch my activity on my Fitbit page

Biking Mileage – Winter Break

I track my mileage with MapMyRide

The next milestone is getting back below 185.  I will get there and go on.

Official Weigh-In Weight

192 pounds

Weight Change this week: -1.0 pounds

Total Weight Loss To Date: 1.0 pounds– Goal is 17  pounds

Goal Weight and Total to Lose – 175/35