So, way back when, I posted my resolutions and goals for 2008. We're 3 months into 2008, and since I do this in business, I thought it was only fitting that I give everyone a quarterly update as to my progress on these goals!
I had essentially 5 areas that I wanted to focus on in 2008 :
- Financial
- Physical
- Professional
- Charitable
- Personal
I've decided to update one at a time so I don't overwhelm my large readership... Let's start with the one where I feel I've had the most success - Physical.
Here are the general goal-concepts and corresponding updates:
Goal: Begin Training for a 5k.
Update: If you watch this blog, you'll know that I did not walk. I completed my first 5k in a personal best time of 31:57. And I'm not done. I'm running more 5k races. I enjoy running. I've got a great support network for this, and have to say this goal is 100% complete!
Goal: Resume weight training at Key Largo.
Update: I lift at least twice a week now - Mondays and Wednesdays - and have begun to see some results:
Okay, as you can tell, that picture is not me. I certainly don't wear underwear that tight. Anymore.However, I've dropped about 8 pounds with weight and cardio training, am down a couple of inches on my waist, and have dropped a meaningful percentage of body fat. This one is a work in progress, and again, I need to thank my support crew who faithfully shows up to the gym with me! Thanks!
Goal: Expand healthy eating habits.
Update: This one is not 100% good. I'd say I've made vast improvements over my previous eating habits, and I really like everything I eat. Variety is a bit low right now, but I'm slowly adding to my healthy repertoire. I eat a low-cal, high protein, high fiber breakfast, have an apple a day, eat a reasonable lunch (most of the time) and then have a high protein snack before hitting the gym. I feel good about that. I'm getting much better on making dinners for the week, but slide off the healthy horse on the weekends. Anyone got recommendations here? Oh, and I still go out to lunch once a week. Usually Booche's on Friday, but that has varied lately. This is non-negotiable. One thing I'd like to remove from consumption is soda. I have less than 12 ounces a day, but that's 12 ounces (and around 200 empty calories) I could eliminate. It's just so tasty!
Goal: Add/explore daily vitamins and supplements
Update: Zero percent to goal on this one for 2008. I take some vitamin B6 occasionally, but it's expired. What's the shelf life on these things? I bet they just start to lose their effectiveness. At any rate, I've asked for some help and guidance in this area from a very knowledgeable friend, and hopefully I'll have a better update next time.
That's my story. You've read my update. A lot of you have given me encouragement and support along the way. I really appreciate it! I've learned a lot and really feel like 2008 has been a fabulous year so far for me - in all areas I'm trying to improve.
Now, how are you doing? What are you doing in 2008 to be healthier? Even if you're doing nothing - share!
4 comments:
nicely done! i, too, struggle with the eating better issue. though i have made considerable changes, i have not 'cut out' anything, per se. in fact, i'm eating a mini-milky way as i type. (hey, at least it's mini, right? oh 5 minis doesn't count? damn...)
i'm resting comfortably at the 15lb weight loss mark, flirting with going for the last 5lbs. i could cut out drinking.
but i won't. :)
Hi Nick! Good post - I try to keep up with this stuff... anywhoo! Comment with regards to soda drinking - I am a HUGE fan of diet soda, particularly diet sunkist and diet mt. dew - but this wasn't always the case. I think it takes a transition to diet, but once you get used to it you will be amazed how sugary regular soda tastes. I also have to say (though I am not the biggest fan) that diet dr. p is very similar to regular dr. p and is a great substitute. Just throwing it out there! Good luck!
Dr. Oz says to cut out soda completely for two weeks, then see how you feel. It's also a good way to lose a little extra poundage. I don't really like drinking the stuff, it burns my throat.
Dr. Oz ALSO says to get 100% Whole Grain bread and extra virgin olive oil. Eat one slice(before dinner, only) and put just a little drizzle of olive oil for taste. Doing this before dinner will fill you up faster, so you won't eat as much, and the olive oil is good for your liver.
Go, Oprah, go...
to follow up with megan, yes switching to diet rather than regular soda will take away the extra calories. another thing to consider with soda is all the OTHER things that are in it. First, the sugar completely disrupts the function of your liver and metabolism in general due to the high insulin release that occurs immediately after you drink the soda. That is followed by a low blood sugar crash once all the sugar is absorbed, but you may not feel it as much because of the caffeine-and that's not a good thing. The high level of phosphorus makes your blood more acidic and effect your ability to absorb calcium, which affects your bone density and kidneys over the long term since you aren't absorbing much of the calcium you consume and your kidneys must process it to excrete it. Not to mention the effects of acid and sugar on your teeth. Try going cold turkey for a week, then drink a soda and see how it tastes and feels in your throat. By the way, this is all coming from a reformed diet dr. pepper a day drinker! i'm looking for an article for you, once i do i'll post the link.
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