Smart Choices In Tough Places Are Rewarding
Room service and conference attendee meals are just two of the challenges that come with corporate business travel. Rich, heavy dinners at fancy restaurants run late into the night only to be followed carb laden breakfast buffets the next morning. It’s not easy to leave a three-day event without gaining several pounds. There’s no way I wanted to pay that price!
While attending
WOMMNext in Chicago last week, I came face-to-face with all the referenced challenges. No matter where I turned I couldn't help but encounter another round of calories. It easily could have doomed the weight loss progress that I made in the first three weeks of April. I needed to toughen up and fight back.
While in Chicago I looked for any opportunity to walk the streets and keep the calories burning. Imagine my surprise when I arrived home and weighed myself the next morning. It felt as good not gaining as it usually does when I lose two to three pounds. Not only was I relieved and happy, I was also a little proud.
I credit my successful week to considering options and making informed choices. When bagels, fruit, eggs, sausage and bacon were offered, I filled most of my plate with fruit. When extended breaks were offered between s sessions, I used the time to get outside for a brisk walk. And when my heart was craving a great cut of Chicago beef for dinner, my brain stepped in and ordered a chicken breast or a large salad. Knowing the right things to do is half the battle. Doing the right things by making smart choices made all the difference.
Walking Makes You Smarter
While I was out walking today it occurred to me that things were changing. I have been losing weight and increasing my stamina. I feel better and I might even be starting to look a little better. I no longer walk because I have to, I walk because I want to. In fact, those crazy endorphins have got me believing that I "need" to walk. On most days I get out for a good walk at least 2-3 times.
But something else is changing. I'm becoming more aware of my environment and I'm getting smarter. No kidding. Nearly all of my walks are taken by myself. The absence of another voice might be a problem for some people, but not for me. I've chosen to use my walk time as a time to listen to podcasts on a wide variety of topics. At first, it was all about personal finance. Dave Ramsay was my spokesman of choice and the things I've learned and put into practice have been life changing. Now, my walks include TED talks, NPR, and more. I'm taking it all in.
Walking is more than good exercise... it gives my brain cells a workout too!
April Results & May Goals
APRIL
Exercise: 100,000 steps per week: Nailed it. Averaged 128,725 for April.
Weight: 270 pounds (or less): Made it! Friday morning weigh-in = 267.8
Weight: Record and track all food eaten: I recorded approximately 85% of meals.
Weight: Drink 32 oz of water per day: Nailed it again! Averaged over 40 oz
Sleep: 6 hours 15 min per night: Failed this one big again. Only 10 nights all month.
MAY
Exercise: 130,000 steps per week: Moving the goal up 30%!
Weight: 262.5 pounds (or less): Still want to be 250 by August 1.
Weight: Record and track all food eaten: The more I record the better I choose.
Weight: Drink 50 oz of water per day: I can do this. Sure have to pee a lot though! :(
Sleep: 6 hours 15 min per night: Ironically, I get up earlier to exercise now.
