The Quest to be Fit

A couple of months ago, after seeing the results of my blood test...I realized that I needed to get in shape. Yes, I know I'm not fat, but just because I'm not, doesn't mean I'm completely healthy either. In fact, my LDL (bad cholesterol) level was borderline high and my triglycerides level didn't look so good. The reason for this, I'm suspecting, is too many southwest chicken subs at J's combined with lots of other unhealthy foods (chicken fingers, hot truck, midnight takeouts, etc. etc.) which I probably had too much of last semester. Unfortunately, I am a person with little self-control. Once I have a craving for something, I can't think of anything else. And I basically can't function without getting the thing that I want. And every time I want something unhealthy, I somehow always convince myself that it's ok, that I'm only having this on occasion (which just shows how much will power I have).

So, I took action. And, for the first few months back from winter break, I think I did surpringly well. First, I made a plan (it's always nice to plan things out) of how I'm going to get in shape by creating an excel spreadsheet (See below). You might think, after seeing the screenshot, that I'm obsessed with losing weight or something, but it's really just thorough research. :D I've read a lot of articles which tell you how you can calculate how much you take in everyday and how much exercise you need to keep that weight, or lose some weight. However, I've never actually sat down and done it (the calculation). This time, I did it and realized that, basically, even if you just want to lose one pound of fat, you're gonna have to work your butt off. Either that, or pretty much starve yourself. Of course another factor is time--i.e. how long are you going to allot yourself to lose this weight.

After this step (which I'm very proud of for doing), I tried to (obviously) follow it, making sure that I actually do that much exercise and eat that much per day. In terms of exercising, I ordered a DVD workout set from Amazon which works amazingly well because it makes me sweat like crazy every time I do it. And since there are 5 DVDs, I can switch it up so that it doesn't become boring. I also tried to go to the gym a couple of times every week. Finally, I changed what I ate a bit. I started having more salads, lean meats, and no fried foods.

However, after the initial excitement wore off and not seeing noticeable results (ugh losing weight and getting in shape is sooo hardd!), topped with incredibly stressful interviews, projects, and assignments, I pretty much stopped. And once you stop, it's super hard (if not impossible) to get back into the cycle again. And now, I probably weigh more than I did when I started since I barely exercise anymore*. Furthermore, even if I don't eat that much, I don't think I'll be losing any weight (if anything, I'll stay at the same weight) because 1. your body is just way too efficient at storing fat, 2. to lose weight, you have to either eat so little that your overall intake cannot be over your basal metabolic rate (this is the number of calories your body burns to keep you alive, all your organs running, etc. depends on your weight, height and age...see the screenshot for how to calculate your own) plus whatever other activities you do that burn calories (for now, it'd be walking for me and that's about it) or you'll have to exercise, which I pretty much don't do these days.

I guess I'm hoping that writing this entry will motivate me to start exercising again. This is something I really need to do to 1. prove to myself that if I put my mind to something, I will be able to do it, 2. be healthy, and 3. be happy.

*Walking up and down the hills of Cornell doesn't count because, as long as you're not sweating, you're probably not burning that many calories.