Small Steps

I have decided that to achieve my goals everything must be taken one step at a time. I mean you can't just put on a pair of running shoes and expect to run a marathon. Food is a major problem for several reasons but most notably, it's everywhere, and I really think I am addicted to it. Laugh you may but seriously I think I'm addicted to it!

Most exercise programs recommend a level increase of about 10% a week, any more than that and you can get hurt. What if I apply this same method to dieting and eating? What if I slowly take something out of my diet every week? I'm excited to try!

I thought about this post and wrote half of it a couple of weeks ago. Below is a catch up of the last couple of weeks.

Week 1:
I am eliminating the Odwalla Orange Juice out of my daily routine. Somehow I have grown to really enjoy my Orange Juice in the morning but I realize that by taking it out I save 220 calories a day.

Week 2:
I have eliminated the extra squirt of syrup in my latte. I think I can do without the chocolate and the caramel. I have also eliminated a half a cup of milk and a cookie from my afternoon snack (Cookies are my weakness!). I really can't believe how much extra stuff I have a day. I've started to evaluate what I eat (shocked) and am excited to find new foods to eliminate.

Week 3:
I am into my second day of week three and have decided to eliminate cookies all together from my diet along with the bowl of cereal I've somehow started having after dinner.

Izumi's Telling Me to Run Not Jog

I was flipping through the current issue of Runners Magazine and I came across this add for Pearl Izumi's running shoes. I found it inspiring and made me think of all the ways that running and working out helps with facing daily challenges. I know that the next time I'm about to keel over on the treadmill I will remember that hard work will be rewarded

"If you ran without sacrifice, congratulations. You just jogged. 'Running hurts. It always has ... Guess what? Running is still a bitch. But one with a purpose. It teaches us that good things do not come easy. It teaches us that we are capable of more than we think. It teaches us that hard work will be rewarded and laziness will be punished. Don't expect to learn those life lessons from running's shiftless stepchild, jogging. Next time you suffer on the roads or trails, suffer proudly'"