Day 6 - Oy, Exercise...

Thank God for my friend Tracy.  For real.  I think the other really crappy thing about dieting is you have to exercise, too.  I know, I know...healthy-healthy-healthy!  I have come to discover that I only enjoy exercising when I don't realize I'm doing it like, for example, when walking with a friend and talking the whole time.  20-30 mins can go by in a zip. 

This is most definitely a hurdle for me.  I feel like I'm changing so much with my eating habits as it is that it just doesn't seem fair to have to physically bust my butt to get rid of said butt!  Luckily, my friend and I are keeping each other honest.  Speaking of honest, honestly, she's the one keeping me going.  She's on a great path and I am happy to be on it with her!  It sort of leads me to the realization that it's ok to ask for support from the ones you're close to.

There really is no shame in dieting.  I used to be embarrassed, but when I think about it, it's silly.  Seriously.  When people go back to school, they are bettering themselves.  The same goes with dieting.  Why is it, then, that so many people diet behind closed doors?  I did that for years and I realize now that it sets me up to fail.  If I'm too ashamed to tell people I'm on a diet, then how do I justify trying to change behavior?  If they love me (or hell, like me), they'll be just as supportive with the dieting as they would if I were changing jobs, getting more education, or quitting smoking.  It's hard, though, because I tend to notice the look-me-up-and-down behavior from people when they find out that the fat girl is on a diet.  Even if the up and down look is innocent, it screams "What's the point!?  You're fat!" to those of us who approach this whole endeavor with trepidation and, let's face it, fear.

I guess my point with today's post is that I'd like to ask you all (all 6 of you) to consciously support your friends if they're trying to make a positive change.  It doesn't take much.  They are taking a hard step in trying to walk a different path - they don't need people they care about sabotaging their efforts.  So, this is me, paying it forward I guess.  For anyone who happens along this blog, I support you.  You can do it, because I can do it.  And if I can do it, anyone can.

I am 6 days in, have walked 2 of those days, and have not cheated on my diet once.  Every meal has been within my calorie range and the only other things I have consumed have been the shakes and the sanctioned snacks.  I couldn't do it without the venting (so thank you, dear shrink, for the homework).  I most certainly couldn't do it without support.  Thank you guys - you rock.