Of Food Scales and Treadmills
It’s beautiful out — a clear, blue, bird-filled day. A light breeze teases the undropped leaves still clinging to their branches, and sun has conquered snow in all but the most shadowed corners of every lawn.
It’s also cold enough to freeze the hind end off a penguin, which is why I’m lounging in our living room gazing out at the world rather than jogging or taking a hike or riding a bike through it. Although I should, just the thought makes me shudder and my veins ice over.
The indoor options are nearly as bleak. If I spend one more minute on my exercise machine I’m liable to find myself a good smelter and have it rendered into scrap metal, or whatever it is you do with annoying machinery. Short of jumping jacks, weight-lifting cans of ravioli, or doing laps around my kitchen, any other exercise choices require leaving my climate controlled house for the big, bad, wintry outdoors.
I’m a shivering, sniveling wimp when the thermometer dips below forty[1], so this would normally be an easy choice. But eleven days ago we crested the hill and skidded over into 2009. After the food-fest that stretches from Halloween to Christmas, I’d been mumbling about losing my more Rubenesque qualities and getting back into shape and now, to my consternation, I had a convenient start date.
Despite the timing, I wouldn’t say I made a resolution, exactly. More like a vow[2] recklessly proclaimed at the same time so many others were resolving the same thing: I would lose this winter weight or starve in the attempt. And with my kitchen skills, starvation was a very real possibility.
Since limiting calories goes hand-in-hand with exercise, I dragged my workout clothes to the front of my closet several days before the first of the year. Then I primed the exercise machine I’d forgotten I hated. I also made A Plan, which everyone knows is nearly as important as actually Carrying Out The Plan. Then I waited for the new year to begin. The waiting is the fun part, before the hope and excitement have been tempered by reality and, most importantly, before the actual sacrifice begins.
The first of January had its pleasures as well. Filled with promise, I bounded from bed — or would have if I’d had a proper night’s sleep — and sauntered into the kitchen to prepare a healthful breakfast, complete with vitamin pills big enough to choke a horse. When lunch and dinner came around, I prepared them as per The Plan, too, then dutifully entered all calories into my chart. I even exercised that afternoon.
Optimism carried me through three days, and pride through another four. Now I’m surviving on sheer, brute strength, and other than occasional lapses and, of course, the Great Exercise Dilemma of 2009, things are going pretty well. I’m only occasionally starving, and I’ve already lost an entire pound, enough to make…well, no difference whatsoever. But I’m nothing if not determined, even when cold and tired and hungry, which is exactly how I keep ending up.
**Update**
11:14 a.m. – 1:03 p.m.
- As it generally does this time of year. After three years in the Rockies, you’d think I’d be used to it. [↩]
- The difference is this: Resolutions are made to be broken, whereas vows are binding and, frankly, much more dramatic. They’re often louder, too. [↩]
I am the stay-at-home mother to a toddler nicknamed 
I walk about 2.5 miles outside just about every day from spring through fall. It’s fun, I have no motivation problem. Winter, however: The stoooopid treadmill just isn’t the same. I squeeze out 2 miles 3 days a week or so. Listening to audiobooks makes the machine bearable. Good luck!
Good morning, Caryn. I hiked Moab Rim yesterday, and it was beautiful, if a little chilly. The sun made it survivable. Also, I am partial to ‘lifting’ cans of ravioli at home. I recommend it.
Oh this made me laugh!
Rubenesque rocks! (Well, that’s my opinion… but I might be biased.)
Congratulations on a start, on a great start! That’s hard. I’ve been not eating dairy for ten days now, although I fell off the wagon for two days. But I’m getting right back on!
Good luck, Caryn!
If I’m going to suffer, I’m going to do it in my climate controlled house! But, that ravioli really gets heavy after a while . . .
Scrap metal is actually getting pretty good prices nowdays…
But if there’s anybody I can think of who could make A Plan and Stick To It, it’s you. Good luck!!!
@Beth – I do the same thing, walking and hiking all over the place most every day. Except in winter. Ugh. As for audio books, I don’t think I’d ever exercise if not for them! Those and some podcasts.
@Katie – Yeah, it’s the sun that makes all the difference. I did end up going out snowshoeing, and of course it clouded over as soon as we arrived! It wasn’t too bad, though, once we got moving. Pretty.
@Kit – I’m coming around to Rubenesque. I’m beginning to think (hope!) that it’s a good look for me after all. That could be the hunger talking, though.
@Spyscribbler – Wow! No dairy? I don’t think I’d survive. I admire you for undertaking it, though.
@Mama Zen – LOL! At least when you’re at home you can turn on a movie to watch while ravioling it. Next up: Moving the exercise machine into the living room so I can watch a movie while, ugh, doing my miles on it.
@Pam – You’re hilarious! And thanks for the cheering. I so hope you’re right about my sticking to this plan.
It’s 19 degrees here in Frigid Western New York, and by Wednesday the high is expected to reach…5. Outside breathing done at own risk – I hate it when all exhalations crash to the ground.
Great start!
And good luck, Caryn! 
It was 82 degrees here yesterday, so I went to look at model homes, then walked around an outdoor mall. That counts as excercise, right???
@Kath – Oh, wow. Five degrees?!? Okay, that’s definitely colder than here. And I LOVED your description of exhaling in the cold!
@Keri – Thanks!
@Alyson – Definitely. You could wear a pedometer and then you’ll know how much you walked. I once got in a half mile in Home Depot alone. I think it’s more about activity than setting, anyway.
It’s oh, so hard to motivate myself to do anything at all outside in this weather (and we have another “blizzard advisory” tonight), so even driving to the gym can be a challenge. I admire your plan and applaud your dedication (and I know you can do it)…but what I really LOVE are your footnotes. They are hilarious and perfectly awesome! More, more!!
I love your meaning of vow! Definitely binding! Keep up the good work! I know you’ll be successful!
You go, Caryn!
Sadly, it’s been around 50 degrees here in NC, so I don’t have any excuse for not going outside for some exercise. Okay, there’s that writing, which was why I bought an elliptical a few months ago. So far, so good.
@Marilyn – Check your email!
@Robin – Thanks, Robin! That’s what I’m hoping at least!
@Marcia – Wow. 50 degrees? Jealous!
I actually like my treadmill, but this year one of my resolutions is to start walking the dog three times a week instead of using my machine so much. So far, it’s the 2nd week of the year and I’ve already broken that resolution! Maybe if I’d made a vow instead, lol. Good luck!
Hilarious post, Caryn! And know that you are not alone in your struggles. I’m an exercise instructor and so it’s my job to exercise. But I also love to bake, especially during the Christmas season. So even the instructor has Christmas cookie pounds to get rid of!
Loved the bit about your ‘Rubenesque qualities’
I’m a cold-weather wuss too, but now that we have a puppy, I’m forcing myself to walk her everyday. Today was particularly chilly and windy–the sacrifices!
@Katie – That sounds like a good resolution, for both you and your dog! Maybe it’ll get easier when it’s not so cold out?
@Conda – Thanks! And it’s nice to know that even exercise instructors fail sometimes. I’ll have to remember that next time I’m in an exercise class or watching a video!
@Alyssa – Oh, but I bet it’s fun to watch your puppy’s enthusiasm, right? Though with the cold and wind it would have to be an awfully cute puppy…
It’s much harder to start a new diet and exercise regime in winter. But — you’ve lost one pound! And if you keep going, you’ll lose another, and then another… Keep it up, Caryn!
Congrats to you for undertaking such a goal, it looks like you’re off to a nice start, keep up the good work Caryn.
I’ve been hitting the treadmil more, too. Those dang Christmas cookies were a killer. Plus, we’re going to FL in March, so I must get to my summer weight by then.
@Mary – Boy, don’t I know that! Both the bad weather and the lack of fresh fruits and veggies make it harder to start now. But, alas, it needs to be done.
@Soleil – Thanks! Here’s hoping…
@Jennifer – Good luck to you! At least you have a good reward at the end.
I hate the cold. If it weren’t for my Wii Fit, I’d be getting zero exercise at all. But even that is minimal and I’m not eating well enough to counteract my slothlike ways these days!
No need to be jealous anymore.
We’re going into the teens tonight will have a high of 30 degrees tomorrow. One would think a former NY-er like myself would be used to cold weather. Then again, that’s part of the reason why I moved. Go figure. *shrug*
Okay, I’m feelin’ the Artic blast in TN too…for us south paws its anything below freezing. It’s been in the teens, so I’m in flannel jammies and wrap a blanket around me whenever I write. I’m a major cold whimpie.
And I feel your pain, Caryn. I’m on day six of a new push for losing those unwanted pounds. So far, so good. I’m starting my stepper today, and hoping for the best. Good luck, I’ll be cheering you on!
Well…
Now that vow has really been screamed out to the stratosphere. You are stuck with it now. Go Caryn!
Sadly? I never have any trouble finding motivation to exercise. I actually tend to have trouble sitting down (and you do not need to guess how much trouble that causes when attempting to date). I even created an ugly mashed together thing out of odd bits of wood from Home Depot that were about the right size, just so I could stand at my computer rather than sit.
I do however lack any motivation to stop eating like a hoover turned loose on a never vacuumed 1970′s shag rug. Well. I have motivation. I talk about eating better regularly. I just don’t follow up thought with action. A pound is a big step. I’m going to go tie my hands down in an attempt to keep me away from the fridge. Thanks for re-upping my motivation again. :~D If you keep it up, the rest of us will remain motivated.
What happens if you lift cans of ravoli then eat them? I like the distinction between vow and resolution – and must agree vows are much more binding. I learned long ago that trying to monitor/control my food intake is far beyond my ability so exercise is my only hope. After struggling with the very same cold weather dilemma (very present over this way), I broke down and got a membership at the rec center. To my suprise, I actually look forward to my time on the Elipical . . . mostly thanks to my ipod and cable TV
Keep up your determination!
@Courtney – I’m jealous of your Wii Fit! I’ve heard they’re just wonderful, though I’ve never tried one, and I’m not about to get one unless I’m well acquainted with how they operate first.
@Marcia – Here’s hoping your cold snap doesn’t last. I know I, for one, am very ready for spring. Sounds like you are, too!
@LaDonna – Good luck with your own weight loss efforts! I’m pulling for you. As for wearing flannel pajamas and a nice blanket, that sounds rather cozy.
@Kristi – Well, I’m definitely jealous, although I can see how it would have its disadvantages. Still, you must have an amazing metabolism. I can sit, but I can’t sit still. I always have to be fidgeting, at the very least.
@Becca – LOL! Yes, that is a danger. I must make sure the picture is always facing into my palm instead of up into my face, lest I become tempted! And you have an excellent point – maybe I should concentrate more on upping my exercise so I don’t have to deprive myself too much. Already last week I burned three times as many calories as my “diet” allotted, so I think that’s a good start.
[Not sure if this went through the first time - reposting]
I’m impressed! I hate indoor exercise, and I’m not thrilled by the prospect of cold-weather outdoor exercise either. Luckily, it’s usually warm enough around here (high 40′s) to bundle-up and go out for an afternoon walk.
Snowshoeing looks really fun. I’ve never tried it.
P.S. I recently discovered a couple of your comments hidden away in my spam-comment folder. Aghh! Sorry about that. For what it’s worth, they’ve been approved now, and I’ve fixed my spam issue, so it shouldn’t happen again.