Making Changes Instead of Making Excuses
This week I made a little change in my life. Actually, a pretty big change. I decided that I was tired of not liking the way I felt about myself. I’ve become lazy – and I’m not a lazy person.
I’ve been lazy with activity in my life and I was finding that the smallest exertion (i.e. a play date at the LIBRARY!) was zapping all my energy.
I realized I have been lazy with my food intake, too. I eat what’s fastest, cheapest, easiest. I blame it on Bean keeping me so busy, but that’s just an excuse. There is no reason that eating a handful of grapes should take any more effort than eating a handful of chips.
I’ve been lazy with my mind, too. I haven’t read a book in ages, and I’ve always been such a good, faithful reader. At the end of the day, I say I’m so tired and just want to veg and so I sit on the couch and watch stupid, trashy television. Why not relax instead with a good book?
Sometimes, I get so bogged down thinking that life is just too demanding for me to take time to take care of myself. What the crap is wrong with me?!?! LIFE IS TOO DEMANDING?!?! Am I kidding myself??? I’m 27 years old. I’m still YOUNG! And I’m going to be young for a long time! Why am I acting like a middle-aged slob? It’s time for me to take better care of myself and to feel better about who I am.
So, this week I made some changes. I started Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred. And even though I am now walking like a 90-year-old woman and am sore in places I can’t share with you all, I am not cheating. At all. I do the entire DVD every day. I complain and grunt and sweat and curse Jillian the entire time. But I’m doing it. Not because I want people to see me differently, but because I need to take care of myself. And I need to remind myself that I am not a lazy person.
I also started eating healthier. Blah. That is almost as much fun as my workout DVDs. But I’m sticking to that, too. I figure here I am feeding Bean all this healthy, wholesome food – it’s right here, in my house! – and after I fix him a healthy something to eat, I make myself a PB&J. Or I have a few cookies. That’s just ridiculous! And lazy! So, I’ve started eating more like Bean. I don’t even LIKE half the stuff he eats – avocados (yuck!), blueberries (bahh!), sweet potatoes (ew!) – but I’m doing it because if I can teach HIM to eat healthy, then I can teach myself.
And I have started reading a lot, too. Bean and I go to the library every week and I’ve been flying through books. After dinner and Bean’s bath and bedtime, I used to sit on the couch and eat crap and drink Diet Coke. Now, I curl up with a good book, a piece of fruit, and a glass of water. I think it helps me sleep better (which is always an issue with me – I’m a terrible sleeper) and it relaxes me.
As my reward for these new things in my life, I went to Target and bought a whole new round of skin care stuff. All of these things I use anyway, but I hadn’t bought them in a while and so I treated myself to some new products so that I glow on the outside while I’m glowing on the inside.
I bought a brand new bottle of my favorite face wash, Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser. I have used this face wash for a couple months now and I really like it. It smells divine and it make my face feel clean and soft.
I didn’t buy any moisturizer because I still have a whole tub of my favorite left. I love St. Ives products but I love their St. Ives Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer most of all. It’s really cheap ($4, I think?) and I love that it is in a tub so I can scoop out however much I need. I like it because it goes on light but it is thick enough to protect against even the driest weather. I used this all winter long in Connecticut. I put this on right after I wash my face or right before I put on my make up. It keeps my face soft. And it doesn’t have much of a smell either, which I like because I still smell like my face wash.
I bought an exfoliant, which is something that I hardly ever use. My skin is prone to redness because I’m so fair and exfoliants have always been a little rough for me. But I’ve noticed that living in Florida, I’m sweaty a lot and at the end of the day I just want to rub my skin off. So, I added this St. Ives Timeless Skin Apricot Exfoliant to my regiment. I use it every other day in my shower. I use it on my legs, too. It’s pretty rough, but after you wash it off I feel so much smoother and cleaner.
I feel pretty good about my changes. It was an easy trap for me to fall into by using being a new mom as an excuse to just sort of let myself go. But I don’t feel like myself now. And especially now that I’m staying home, if I’m not careful I’ll end up being one of those all-day-in-your-pj’s people and that’s just not me. So, time to shape up, as my Dad would say.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go lay on my heating pad until my next workout session…
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49 Comments
Ana
Congratulations on your positivity in your life changes! I went through the same change about a year ago.. I was not happy with the number I saw when I jumped on the scale or how my clothes fit… and all I did for awhile was complain and come up with excuses about how busy I was with my grad school work.. Then one day I realized it is only going to get harder as life gets going.. big kid job… maybe a husband.. and maybe a kid!
So I also got up and started working out! And although its a love hate relationship its awesome! 30 lbs later I feel great 🙂 So best of luck with the dvd!
PS- I love that moisturizer too!
Miriam
You’ll be amazed at how quickly those changes stick. I remember fighting to run 2 miles a day. I’d come home and be proud that I ran a 12 minute/mile (I didn’t stop once). 7 months later I was running a 50k. Your body starts to crave healthy after it’s had it for a while.
Good luck! 🙂
Lindsay
Oh sister. I did the Jillian Michaels thing too! I went into it saying “it can’t be NEARLY as bad.” Bahahahah. Blind stupidity. She tried to kill me daily for 30 days! However, it works. I have since started the Couch 2 5k program for running too!
For the eating healthy thing, I just went on an Amazon rampage and bought pretty much every Cooking Light cookbook available. I. Love. Them. They have a great “what to eat” guide as well! Really helped clear up what to buy at the grocery store!
Anyway, good luck!!! 🙂
Rachel
My motto for 2010 has been ‘make more effort’ because, like you I could see that I was just falling into bad habits. We’ve applied it to lots of things, from the time we take to plan and cook proper meals to where we spend our days off. It’s been hard sometimes and I’ve failed at parts (mostly the excersise!) but 2010 has definatley been a happy year, and I think that making more effort has been a big part of that.
I really hope that all the work that you put in pays off and that you get lots out of it.
kim
I just started Jillian Michaels 30 day shred too! I have done it twice! I think she is trying to kill me. good luck with it.
Candice
Great, great changes. Funny enough, I’ve been doing a similar thing this week. I realized I was living on Coke Zero and drinking no water, which was making me feel crummy. I read a book and it was like my mind snapped awake… so now I’m really set on making a conscious effort to do these little things while I’m still home on maternity leave. It’s still hard to grab healthy meal with a newborn, but it’s totally feasible to grab an apple instead of cookies… so it’s the little changes. And I make sure I shower and get dressed every day – that definitely makes a difference. I refuse to spend a day in pjs. Yech.
Jenna
Good for you: changes are hard!
Jess M.
I am ADDICTED to St. Ives face scrub! I love the weird little things in it that scrub your face!!
courtney
Now I feel guilty because we had McDonalds for lunch. In my defense I haven’t had McDonalds for at least 4 months.
Sara
I totally understand your feelings about not wanting to make excuses for yourself. It gets exhausting, right? And, doesn’t make you feel very good about yourself either. You definitely need to give yourself a break every now and then, but I’m finding that holding on to the “I’m a new mom” excuse makes me lazy. Good thoughts, Katie!
Katherine
Go you!! I have heard that Shreders LOVE that DVD, so here’s to it getting easier … or at least getting you to the “workout high” each session faster 🙂 And I love that scrub, but I have never ever thought to us it on my legs! Genius. Will do that tomorrow!!
Gerri
Here’s to the new you..and to getting to the place you want to be! Hopefully you won’t have the 90 yr old strut for much longer.
Kendra
Another good facewash for fair, sensitive skin is L’Oreal Go 360 Clean Deep Exfoliating Scrub. I love it!
I’m going to have to try the face cream.
Jen at Cabin Fever
Good for you! Keep at it! It takes a few months for a strong habit to form that you’ll keep. And you’re so right. Bean will soon be old enough to develop his own judgement and reasoning and when he sees momma not eating good then he’ll argue why should he? Good thinking Kate 🙂
Cabin Fever in Vermont
Darcy
Yay for positive life changes! Working out is guaranteed to make you sleep better too!
Lisa
I just started 30 Day Shred too! After doing it the first time, I was so sore I couldn’t even walk up the stairs to my house, let alone do the video two days in a row.
I don’t know if that makes you feel any better, but clearly, you’re in better shape than I am! (I’m determined to work up to it, but it may take a while!)
Angie
Go Katie!!
All I could think while reading this was “me too!” I have done most of these changes slowly over the last 5 months too!! I joined WW for the eating part (I needed a little help there) and have been getting exercise almost daily and reading more . . .a lot more! I love to curl up in the evenings (prefferably in the sun) with a good book . . .it keeps me from snacking!
Keep up the good work!!
Alaina
Good for you!!! I’ve been doing a bit of the same…doing stuff that I enjoy and not just things that stress me out. It’s good to put yourself first like that sometimes.
Oh, and I totally use that St. Ive’s stuff, too…it lasts forever…I love it!
Caroline
I needed this post! I have been feeling the same way…so worn out – find myself sitting on the couch for hours at end. I am going to go purchase this dvd — do you have to have workout equipment like a yoga mat or weights? Can’t wait to hear about it!
Katie
Hi Caroline – My yoga mat and weights are still packed somewhere out in our storage shed. I’ve been using a towel for my mat and two soup cans for weights! I need to just buy new weights (you can get them at Target and they aren’t that expensive), but until then I’m still feeling the burn with my soup cans!
Pam
Good for you! I just started “fixing myself” up, again. I moved from California to Washington, DC about a year ago and lost my amazing shape in the process. While I was still active after the move, lately things have been getting in my way and I’ve gotten lazy. Rather than let myself get comfortable with that, I decided to change it. So starting last week I made changes too. I’m doing 1 – 2 major changes a week and just adding them on. It started with drinking more water – 2 big nalgene’s per day, and having only fruits and veggies for lunch, with some protein at dinner. This week was working on my sleeping schedule – which has been harder than I imagined – and cutting out caffeine. Next week it’s time to work the exercise – 7 days a week – back into my life.
Keep on, keeping on!
Stephanie Hannum
Thank you for this post €” especially since I was sitting here contemplating canceling my workout with my trainer in the next hour. Changes are tough, but thanks for sharing them and inspiring the rest of us to get moving!
LMC502
It can be really hard to make the time to take care of yourself, but it’s also so important! Congrats on the changes you’re making for yourself 🙂
Also, thank you for posting what you purchased. I have been looking for a new moisturizer to try, and I plan on picking up some of the St. Ives Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer to try this weekend.
Megan
My friends and I call it the “Mom Blob”. And I have been fighting it myself lately. Just made a big change in my life today as a matter of fact. Q-Tip and I joined a gym. I wrote about it today.
It’s a HUGE step for me. But it’s got to be done. No more crappy excuses for me!
🙂
Megan
http://reddirtandcrazy.blogspot.com/2010/06/theres-no-turning-back-now.html
Caitlin Brown
something must be in the air this week 🙂 I started making very similar changes and it already feels like its improved my attitude so much!
Angela
I’m on a mission to shape up and start toning up too!
I also use the st.Ives apricot scrub, its so addictive.
Katie M
Way to go, you’re a rockstar! You’re inspiring! Question… how are you advancing w Jillian? I moved up levels about every 10 days, but may or may not have been ready, or was way ready depending on the level…
desiree
i am an exercise science major so i study fitness and health all day long. there are a billion and one “fads” out there to hook you on eating healthy/ loosing weight (such as food labels that say ‘zero trans fat!’ but are really loaded with saturated fats), but jillian michaels is not one of them! i do a combo of several of her workout videos (which i suggest when you get bored of the 30 day shred over and over€”i like her yoga!) but here are a couple of my simple suggestions to try to implement:
1.drink A LOT more water (usually when youre feeling hungry you’re actually just thirsty€”try this)
2. keep your saturated fat % ALWAYS under 15% (check your cabinet, you’ll be surprised)
3. put your workout clothes on (even if youre in the living room-it will help you get motivated)
4. buy a new cd/download a new album to workout to/run/walk to
5. make walking dates with your hubby or baby
6. don’t do fad diets€”learn what is healthy and make it a permanent lifestyle change
when you’re sore€”go for a walk. this doesn’t sound like the best remedy because it may hurt, but it truly will make the pain less. i would also look into a foam roller. these things are amazing. you can google them to learn how to use them (or email me!) and you can purchase them even at walmart. they basically will help you loosen up, stretch out, MASSAGE!, and loosen up the lactic acid in your muscles! its amazing.
don’t give up! you’ve gotten through the hardest part!!
Michaela
“avocados (yuck!), blueberries (bahh!), sweet potatoes (ew!)”
OH Katie. and here I was thinking one day we could be BFFs. those things are all amazing!
not as amazing as chocolate, but still.
I’m doing the same thing atm – been eating well for two weeks, and am doing a big house overhaul before I start my honours year at uni. My reward was all new stationary and matcing folders and boxes and a bookcase. And I’ve been reading more- I realised recently that for someone only a year away from having an English Literature degree my Kendra/Classics ratio was a leetle out of whack.
Stick with it! and good on you for recognising the changes you need to make, but don’t be too hard on yourself!
Heather
Wow you’re brave making all those changes at once! It sounds like you have a really positive outlook on everything, and I am so inspired from reading this post. I have been feeling the need to make similar changes for a while, but I just haven’t been motivated enough to make the changes. After you first posted about starting the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred I went on to Amazon to look it up and read the reviews. It seems almost everyone who’s tried it hates Jillian, but has seen amazing results from it. I went ahead and ordered it this week, and I can’t wait to try it. Good luck, and I hope you’ll post occasional updates about how you’re doing with all these changes!
Kim
Good for you! I think we all make excuses, but it’s easy to get into a long rut full of excuses. You’ve inspired me to think beyond the excuses. Maybe tomorrow? 😉 Just kidding. Today.
Maybelline
way to go Katie! now I have to go and do the same, I weight more now than when I was pregnant =( and I don’t feel good about it at all. I started a DVD called crunchless abs, but I’m so lazy that most of the days I skip it. Thanks for motivate me to be a better mom and feel like I’m not alone in this process (after having a baby). By the way PB&J is not such a bad choice as long as you go with the serving size, sometime I have that for lunch ’cause it helps me with my sweet cravings 😉
Laura
Good for you! We look forward to hearing how it goes.
I’ve been making some changes too, and have done 30 Day Shred in the past. Stick with it and you’ll be pleased with the results!
pam-tastic
Good for you! Sometimes it is hard to remember to take care of yourself…whether you have one child or four like I do. I’m glad you decide to make a change and I know that you are so determined and dedicated once you start a project, you’ll do terrific! Kudos!
twitter: pam_tastic
MaryGene
Go girl! I bought JM 30 Day Shred yesterday but I still have to get weights before I can start. I’m looking forward to it/not looking forward to it. I went on Amazon last night and read the reviews and most said if you stick to it, it works, especially with diet changes in addition to shredding for 30 days. Some reviews said there were knee issues, but I’m hoping I’m not one of those people!! Always protect your joints!!!
Megan (Best of Fates)
I can totally relate to this post – and not just the issue with skin that’s prone to redness. Every since I’ve been unemployed (I always imagine soaring music playing in the background when I write that, as if people are reading it and imagining me destitute and turning to cat food to survive.)(Let me assure you, should I use up my savings I won’t have any cat food to fall back on, not owning pets of any kind.)… but as I was saying, since I’ve been spending my days at home, it’s insane how quickly I’ve become terribly, terribly lazy. Not needing to motivate myself to get up early and commute, I’ve somehow lost the ability to motivate myself at all.
I should probably work on that.
But then you mentioned needing to give up Diet Coke.
And that just makes me want to crawl back to my couch and whimper.
natascha
You go girl! It’s time for me to move Maddie’s toys out of the way so I can start using my Wii Fit Again. No more excuses!
Sue
Way to go Katie! And while you’re at it, here’s a lil something from my inspirational book. Leo B’s blog http://www.zenhabits.com is amazing, read it and you’ll understand why.. go through his archives, and read it. You can even do this when you finally sit down after a long day. 🙂
He talks about how he came through changes in his life and how it has influenced him, hoe to achieve goals, how to balance your life and etc.
I am not promoting his blog lol, but it is so amazing what he writes about that i want to share it with everyone who is planning on making changes in their lives! You take what u need and apply it.
give it a go, and let me know how u liked it! 🙂
Katrina
I have been needing to make some changes too… and you have inspired me to make more of an effort. My son is 11 months old in a few days… and I want to set a good example for him too… Thanks for the slight “kick in the pants.” even if it wasn’t intentional! haha
Marla
Last night, I did Jillian Michaels for the first time. On Monday, you motivated me to get after it and I netflixed the DVD. My wedding is in six months and I need to shape up! Thank you for motivating me.
Marla @ http://www.asthefarmturns.wordpress.com
Joke
I’m always sad to hear people don’t like the taste of healthy food, but just keep going Katie! You’re going to be fine 🙂 If I were you, my motivation for eating healthy food would be wanting to teach by example. When Bean gets older, he will want to eat the same things you do!
It’s good to hear you give yourself a kick in the pants, I also need one on this lazy day 🙂
R$
Way to go, Katie!
Although, I must say I used to manage the front desk of a day spa on Newbury Street in Boston and the facialists would always tell people to be very careful with St Ives scrub. It can be pretty harsh for your face and leave you with teeny cuts which can cause puffiness or worst case scenario, infections. And are you also using a daily exfoliating face wash? Sometimes skin can produce more oil when it is under attack and you are leaving yourself vulnerable for sun damage.
I used to have access to all kinds of expensive products, but my current fave exfoliator is actually a tblsp. of baking soda mixed with water- the more water you use, the gentler it is. It also kills bacteria to help prevent breakouts. You can leave it on for a few minutes as a mask as well, but rinse it off right away if you feel any stinging. It leaves the skin drier than you might expect, so you know it’s sucking out all the bad stuff. Follow up with moisturizer 🙂
I also like to wash my face at night with a soft plastic bristle facial brush and cetaphil cleanser. It feels like a deep clean but still gentle.
You might also find that as you workout more and drink more water, you won’t need as much exfoliation because your sweat will force cell turnover.
Keep with it!
Sarah
Jillian Michaels is EVIL!! I tried the 30 day shred too, and even though it works…. I hated every second of it.
THEN, I got Zumba and Turbo Jam, and I sweat a ton and actually have some fun! (rhyme!)
You should try those!!
Dawn
okay – I did it. your first post about the 30 Day Shred got me thinkin, but NOW I have it on my Netflix Queue -AND moved it to the top of the list!
Tan@tan/green
Hooray for you! I hope you stick to it! I went through the changeover to eating better over the last year/year and a half…and your body will feel so much better! I have been visitng family this week and eating some junk and honestly it just doesn’t taste good at all (I can get through about 4 oz of soda before I have to ditch the rest). You will want only the really fresh, really tasty, really whole food before you know it – I hope Chris is joining in so he and Beanie can be your support team! (And I suppose for his health too 🙂
Abigail
Good for you Katie!! I’m proud of you for being able to make and stick to your changes. Reading your post(and recieving a current picture of me from my MIL) made me realize I have fallen into the same rut.
Looking forward to hearing your results after 30 days!
Jordan
So I just did day one of the 30 day shred, and while I didn’t think it was THAT bad (I do run and ride my bike a few times a week, so I guess I’m not that out of shape even though I’m fat), I do have to say that I loved the punching/boxing part. I felt like I was punching Jillian in the face, and for some reason that made me feel good and powerful, haha!!
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Suzanne Wing Branch
Katie! I love it. I just read this post and I love it. I’m currently going through some similar changes. I live in the sticks of Alabama (on Lake Eufaula) and I’ve been making excuses for myself for long enough. I finally decided I had to get out there and “grow where I’m planted”. Good luck to you–it’s always nice when you realize the problem because then you can work on it, it’s exciting!! 🙂