Return to No S, Habits, etc.
Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2015 3:43 pm
Hello again to all. It has been quite a while since my last post here but I decided to check back in and discuss what's going on, in hopes that it will bring about further success for myself and maybe a few others here.
In previous posts I discussed my success with No S and Shovelglove, but exactly two years ago this week, I moved and changed jobs and my new circumstances forced a dietary change for a while. At that time, I made the conscious decision to move away from No S, as my new job made it more difficult to maintain the 3-meal-a-day schedule. Since then, my eating habits and weight have varied drastically. While I have managed to maintain a mostly acceptable number on the scale, I know I have been consuming far too many sweets and other less-than-healthy foods and my body composition has suffered for it.
So now, two years later, with the help of a simplified work schedule and daily routine, I have decided that it is time to return to No S. I began on Monday and have logged three successful days so far.
My decision was due in large part to my previous success with No S and my belief in the idea of making just one simple change at a time. Habit and habit-forming are popular topics here, so I thought I'd share some of the habits I've formed over the past few years, as these habits are what give me the confidence to start No S again.
- I run everyday, no exceptions. This started as a holiday running streak that began the week of Thanksgiving 2013 and I liked it so much I just kept running. At least one mile each day, and I try to do a longer run at least once a week.
- Some form of workout everyday, no exceptions. Even if I can't find 14 minutes for Shovelglove, even if it's just doing a few jumping jacks or holding a plank for a minute before bed, I make sure I do something every single day.
- My most recent habit is that I consume a green smoothie everyday. I am terrible at eating leafy greens so this ensures that I get a good serving of greens and fruit everyday. I've had a smoothie everyday for almost a month now and I like this one a lot. I understand, however, that there will come a day when I don't have a blender or frozen fruit handy. That's ok. The idea here is that I have a smoothie everyday that it's possible to do so. (The smoothie will also be a bit of a No S mod, as I have it any time of day.)
The habits above were established one a time, with clearly-defined 'rules' and expectations, and when I took at look at how simple they have been to maintain, it became clear to me that I was ready for No S again. I'll also note that running a mile and doing a few jumping jacks a day are admirable attempts at fitness, but in my experience, they don't help much if your other habits are a crappy diet and a six-pack of beer each night. It takes attention in all of these areas to see results, at least for me.
I apologize for the lengthy post but it's great to be back! Good luck to everyone and I hope to post again soon with results!
Thanks!
In previous posts I discussed my success with No S and Shovelglove, but exactly two years ago this week, I moved and changed jobs and my new circumstances forced a dietary change for a while. At that time, I made the conscious decision to move away from No S, as my new job made it more difficult to maintain the 3-meal-a-day schedule. Since then, my eating habits and weight have varied drastically. While I have managed to maintain a mostly acceptable number on the scale, I know I have been consuming far too many sweets and other less-than-healthy foods and my body composition has suffered for it.
So now, two years later, with the help of a simplified work schedule and daily routine, I have decided that it is time to return to No S. I began on Monday and have logged three successful days so far.
My decision was due in large part to my previous success with No S and my belief in the idea of making just one simple change at a time. Habit and habit-forming are popular topics here, so I thought I'd share some of the habits I've formed over the past few years, as these habits are what give me the confidence to start No S again.
- I run everyday, no exceptions. This started as a holiday running streak that began the week of Thanksgiving 2013 and I liked it so much I just kept running. At least one mile each day, and I try to do a longer run at least once a week.
- Some form of workout everyday, no exceptions. Even if I can't find 14 minutes for Shovelglove, even if it's just doing a few jumping jacks or holding a plank for a minute before bed, I make sure I do something every single day.
- My most recent habit is that I consume a green smoothie everyday. I am terrible at eating leafy greens so this ensures that I get a good serving of greens and fruit everyday. I've had a smoothie everyday for almost a month now and I like this one a lot. I understand, however, that there will come a day when I don't have a blender or frozen fruit handy. That's ok. The idea here is that I have a smoothie everyday that it's possible to do so. (The smoothie will also be a bit of a No S mod, as I have it any time of day.)
The habits above were established one a time, with clearly-defined 'rules' and expectations, and when I took at look at how simple they have been to maintain, it became clear to me that I was ready for No S again. I'll also note that running a mile and doing a few jumping jacks a day are admirable attempts at fitness, but in my experience, they don't help much if your other habits are a crappy diet and a six-pack of beer each night. It takes attention in all of these areas to see results, at least for me.
I apologize for the lengthy post but it's great to be back! Good luck to everyone and I hope to post again soon with results!
Thanks!
happy holidays!