I'll use running as an example. I have tried to break 4 hours in two marathons now. That's a LOT of training and time devoted to two very long races. Frankly 4h 5m and 4h 1m are great times, both beyond what I was able to do years before. Because I have been so obsessed about breaking 4 hours, it's hard to celebrate the achievements, and frankly, I should celebrate!
I just got finished running 8 x 800 meter repeats... basically, I ran as fast as I could for half a mile 8 times with 1/4 mile recovery jogs between. Why? Because I want to learn to run faster and more efficiently. I do this once a week and am working may way up to 10 x 800 meters-- this is a really challenging workout. I rely on my beeping watch to tell me my splits to make sure I am running at the pace I need to be running.
Another day during the week, I run what are called Tempo runs. Tempo runs are where you set your goal time for a race, then figure what pace per mile you need to run, then run several miles at that pace to train your body how to keep the pace and not go too fast for the race. This also requires the beeping watch.
Another day, I run a distance run where I build up mileage at a slow pace... the goal eventually is to run 20 miles a least 3-4 times a few weeks before the marathon. I have to think about mileage and building muscle and carb intake, and not going too fast... etc.
Why do I do all this? Because I love running... and I simply want to improve at it... and not because of the weight loss qualities, of which, really, there are little. I mean one would think that the longer you run the more calories you burn, so the more weight you lose. In reality, the more you run, the more you need to eat, so the more calories you consume.
But I digress. My point is that I run three other days during the week to remind myself about why I love running. I leave my watch behind on these days, go as fast or as slow as I want, and go as long as I want. If I had to measure my splits and distance for every run, I think I would quickly learn to hate running.
The same goes for eating. Yes, I need to make sure that I am eating the right foods and not too much, but seriously, eating should bring enjoyment, shouldn't it?
If every time I go to take a bite, I start calculating the protein, fat, sugar, carbohydrates, antioxidants, omega 3s and 6s, calories, sodium, photosynthesis, vitamins, minerals, onomatopoeia, and fiber- then I start thinking about exactly how many miles, how much time, how much yoga... etc I need to do to "burn" the calories so to lose weight, I will start to dread eating.
Frankly, restrictive diets don't work and exercise bulimia (you try to burn, through exercise, exactly the number of calories you've consumed) is a real problem... none of this is healthy living, and none of it works.
So, I say, have a little fun and try some new things- try some new foods, chuck the (underresearched) food pyramid and enjoy your meal... over time, make small changes for the better... slowly cut out heavy starches and simple carbs until you learn to enjoy the new lifestyle. Slowly build your new diet, and stop reading too many books and stay away from fad, restrictive diets. Mostly, stop obsessing about every bite and enjoy yourself!
Find something active you like to do... exercise is good for the muscles, heart and lungs, but not an excuse to eat a whole cheesecake, but live a little and have a slice- every so often!
Tonight is the Sugar Bowl, so before I sign off, I simply want to give a shout out... Go HOKIES! Beat Michigan!
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