Well, technically not the '£' key. Actually, I'm talking about the 'lb' key, if such a thing exists. And if it doesn't, we should make it happen. I promise you, it's invaluable.
So still being in my "I want to be thinner and healthier now!" bratty whiny stage which seems never ending, on Wednesday, I set out with a plan. Having had quite a turbulent week involving hospitals, relatives and relatives in hospitals, by Wednesday when the whole ordeal was winding down I was completely tired out. So instead of a Plyometric workout which I'm sure I would have collapsed halfway through (absolutely no exaggeration for a change!), I decided a better course of action would be a little hike.
I like hiking. I take my furry wards out, I take my camera and I work *and* play. Hey!
The path I chose, while feeling quite delicate, was mostly flat but with some terrain, and some pretty views that I thought might calm me considerably. Fields, sheep...fences. That sort of thing.
"Ah ha!" I thought to myself. "I will workout AND calm down. Helzie, your genius astounds me at times!
And just for fun, just for a giggle, I'll weight down my backpack to give me a proper workout. A couple of bottles of water, some art stuff...my goodness I'm a clever thing! Helz, they'll name a trophy after you yet!"
So I packed up my bag, with the weight equivalent of about five pounds. Not a big deal, huh?
Yes, big deal. After a couple of miles, I was ABSOLUTELY MISERABLE.
The top of my legs...achy.
My shoulders....sore.
My face? Red, sweaty and so unattractive I was actually wishing I would not meet anyone on my walk because I'm sure they would have run the other way.
And that was five pounds. Just five pounds.
Five pounds.
Pounds?
Five.
Indeed.
I've lost almost forty of these suckers, and giving me five back makes for a very unhappy bunny. I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt, here and now, shout from the rooftops kind of oath.
I will *not* put on those pounds again.
This experience seriously makes me question how on earth I managed carrying those around, how I'm still carrying the extra I am now! My heart, my muscles, everything...I'm making myself work so hard, and it's not fair. On my body, on my mind, on me.
So even though it was horrifying, miserable and kind of gross (that's the sweaty, red face bit!), it was totally worth it.
The next time you think "One won't hurt...two won't hurt....three won't (you get the picture, we've all been there!)..." I challenge you to go to your kitchen, look at the weight of a bag of sugar and pick it up. Imagine strapping that bag of sugar to your chin, or tush, or thighs for the weeks it would take to get rid of it again.
Uh-huh. Not so appealing now.
Of course, occasionally a cake is worth it. So is a pasta dinner, so is a box of belgian truffles, whatever floats your boat. Of course it is. Food isn't the enemy, but it isn't really your friend, either. It's just a nutrition source, and one you have to be sensible with. Moderation and all that jazz.
So good luck this week, with everything you have planned and every goal you have set. And remember to do whatever it takes to move forward. Even if that includes strapping sugar to your thighs.
Although I wouldn't go hiking like that.