Evolution one – Week one

Monday, March 02, 2009

Hi Folks,

This is the first day of training. I have never taken a “before” picture until today... and I have to say it is kind of hard to look at and embarrassing, too. I have lots of cool excuses for why I look like that, which I will share with you on this first post.

Here they are:

1) Last year I went through a miserable break-up; probably the hardest break-up I have ever experienced in my life. I decided to do something completely different during that time. I decided to follow the advice of one of my favorite writers and teachers Pema Chodron. She recommended in her book “When Things Fall Apart.” that anyone going through a difficult time should try leaning into it and getting really familiar with those feelings. My normal way of dealing with this type of loss or change was to run away, move to another state and avoid any feelings at all. This time I did it differently, hoping it would be easier in the long run. It was not easier, but I got to know my self really well.

Also, during that time I gained 7 pounds. I was fully aware of what was going on. I told myself “I always gain weight during difficult times.” I made it my norm. I was fully conscious of my need to eat to comfort myself and still did it. I wasn’t exercising either. Another struggle I have with difficult times; I give up all of the things that make me feel good about my self.

I did, however, stay with the moment and spent a lot of time leaning on my friends for support. It was a huge growth period, but not an easy one.

2) I worked at a job where sweets were easily accessible. Every day there was some kind of donut or other food for free. I have this thing for free food! I never buy it for my self at home, because I know my self well enough not to expose my self to too many sweets. I do love ice cream, however, and usually buy just a bar or something, instead of a whole gallon. I have always done that type of planning. Any way, FREE and SWEET are a bad combination for me when I am not being conscious of my eating habits.

3) I was not eating regularly either. I was not planning my meals at all and finding myself starving and eating late and eating a lot, because I “fasted” most of the day. I learned quickly, it is not a good idea to starve your self and eat when food is available. I learned how this could ruin the Metabolism. I didn’t think about it at the time, though.

Weight: 145.4
Workout: 20 minutes spin bike, 10 minutes total row, walk dog for 1 hour
Menu: Veggies and Protein (5 meals every 3 hours, plus 2 cups water every meal)
Until next time...

Think, Believe, Act, Achieve

Dakota

Today’s Mantra: If you follow your heart, know that you will be taken care of…