Discipline

Photo by myself in Brooklyn, New York.


New Yorkers tend to be thinner than people who live elsewhere in the US. It's something you notice if you're here a while. Part of this is due to fashion consciousness, and being bombarded by advertising and stores every day. And part of this is due to the lifestyle of walking around so much.

Lately, I've been changing the way I'm eating, in an effort to lose ten pounds. The idea is smaller portions and more of them during the day. Typically, I have three meals, and by the time I eat, I eat very quickly and down an unbelievable amount of food. (Think: man-sized portion for petite woman).

I've been relatively disciplined these few days, but I could be better. So far, salads for lunch, instead of a full 'lunch special' at a sit-down restaurant. Small snacks during the day, like peanuts or sunflower seeds. Eating out of a real bowl, rather than a take-out container. That kind of thing.

I've been doing this for less than a week, and I've somehow managed to gain a half pound. How is that possible?! I'm not going to be deterred by this, but I'm perplexed.

I've relied on my somewhat speedy metabolism and good genes. The long work days and commuting back and forth to Mark's place make it tough to get to the gym. Before I met Mark, I lifted weights and ran. Despite having to commute to my gym, I worked out at least four times a week. I looked and felt fantastic.

It's going to take a lot of gumption to do it all - work like crazy, maintain a relationship and take care of myself. I'm not sure I can do it, but I can at least try.

After this deadline, I'm going to get back to exercise (yeah, yeah...I've said this to myself countless times). Even though there's a 24-hour gym near my office, I'll still have to figure out when I can go. Now is the time to start.

Wish me luck!