Dieting Days I

Articles

Nancy Jackson

Dieting Days I
May 12, 2003

Okay, so as of April 22nd, I have been on a diet. I am quite proud because I havent slipped though this is only May 12th. But I am hoping that I stick with it. I am committed ( no that does not read I should be committed thank you) to staying with it and my family is being ever so supportive.

So far I have to say there are many things to contend with but it is doable to be on a diet. There are many pros and cons with being on a diet and I guess depending on how much willpower you have, it will determine the outcome of it.

Now this wasnt a New Years Resolution thing, I gave those up eons ago. No this was a waking up one morning kind of thing and deciding that it is now or never. I would like to lose fifty pounds or at least fit into a comfortable size 10 in jeans. Either one I will take. The visual and planning of the goal is the easy part. SO is my attitude with it. So is my dream of being thin and thinking about all the cute clothes I am going to buy, be able to wear, and maybe just maybe get a tattoo or my belly button pierced. So is my idea of exercise at least 4 times a week and drinking tons of water. As of today I have done all that except exercise because I also have a horrible cough that is lingering from a cold from last week. But I am proud and will persevere.

Now as I mentioned earlier, it is also an expensive venture to eat and buy healthy foods. I spent fifty dollars alone on herbs and spices. Sheesh! I also bought a step, weights, and a water bottle. You see, I am committed. The problem is I also have to cook more. Yikes! I am not a lady who envisions herself in the kitchen or cleaning house. I dont look at that lifestyle to desire. However, I am now cooking more and enjoying it because I know I am eating healthy and I am proud when foods turn out so good my family begs me to cook it again soon. What a compliment!

Another con is increasing water intake. Now I am up and down from my writing study to visit the little girls room.

But there are many pros. Already I have lost a couple inches, I feel better, my skin looks more radiant and seems softer, my hair and nails have grown quickly and have a shine to them. Well, I cant see the shine on my nails because I painted them, but the hair thing is noticeable. Other than the cough I feel very good and because I have already seen results it makes me want to stay on it. My next recording date on progress will be around the 22nd of May. There is a pair of jeans that I want to fit into and then another pair smaller than that pair that I eventually want to wear. I dont weigh myself, but typically for every eight pounds you lose, its about a size smaller. Because I also lift weights its another reason to not weigh myself because muscles weighs more than fat and I dont want to get all obsessive about the numbers.

First and foremost this diet is for me. To feel and look better. Shrinking in dress sizes is just a bonus, compliments from my family is wonderful, and well okay, I am in the kitchen more but I am loving it.

Diets arent easy, this really is a lifestyle change and I plan to keep that as my focus. Its a little tempting to watch others eat something that I have taken out of my eating habits, but I am more focused on the end results and missing out on something doesnt seem such a big price. I want to be around a long time and in order for that to happen, these changes are necessary.

As a writer I am on my bottom for the majority of the day, so to add any kind of exercise in is actually a big deal. I find already with the few times I have gone out for a walk, it helps my creativity. I am sleeping better (well except when I get a coughing fit) and find I am not as hungry as I once thought.

Making changes always takes getting used to. Some it takes longer than others. I know I will have obstacles, pitfalls, and maybe one bad day here and there. But I have my familys support, my determination, and now other people whom I dont even know aware of my changes, and that is just the way I want it. Besides, when I finally hit the bestseller list, I want one smashing photo on the back page, a slim, healthy, happy person smiling back. I am going to get there. One day at a time.

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About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author and poet with works in Literati, Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Sonny World, and various anthologies. Her pasttimes include spending time with her loved ones, drinking wine, and lots of writing! Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com

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