I have recently discovered that a bit of effort when it comes to looking good makes me feel a whole lot better. There is, however, no use in looking hot if you’re feeling anything but. So I’ve been ‘working on ma fitness’ (thank you Fergie) to ensure that I get the best of both. It’s not that I want to lose weight; I want to feel healthier.
I’ve got my skincare and make-up sorted. Prettified eyes have become an essential in the few minutes I’m willing to devote to my morning make-up routine. My hair has finally lost its product virginity to a can of volumising mousse. Next up on my “stop being lazy” list was my health and fitness, and that wasn’t quite as straightforward.
I work from home during the day and then head out to my evening job. It’s just the puppies and me from 9am-3pm. Despite my requests, neither of them tells me to put down my fifth biscuit of the morning. Sadly, I find eating to be an excuse NOT to sit down and do work. This wouldn’t be so bad if I chose a banana over a custard cream. I rarely crave the healthy stuff; I want the cake. Give me all of the cake.
So I’ve been teaching myself the art of self-discipline. Believe me, the art of sexting is easy in comparison. Each morning I’ve been working out and I’m limiting the amount of rubbish I allow myself to eat.
And I quite like the change. I don’t find it easy but, lo and behold, I do have some willpower after all! Much to my initial disbelief, I can tell myself “okay, but if you eat this now you shouldn’t eat that later” and “do you need the whole bar or will just one square do?”
Some days, I really do need the whole bar.
Apps like Munch 5 and Waterlogged for my iPhone help me to keep track of how much fruit, veg and water I’m consuming. It turns out that I’m surprisingly motivated when I can see my achievements in front of me.
While I will never become a health and fitness fanatic and I’m sure that I will never join a gym, it feels good to develop willpower and to finally want to treat my body and myself better.
I feel amazing after a workout. I find it easier to choose healthier food so that all that exercise isn’t a complete waste of time. Above all, I generally feel ‘better’ and that is a great feeling.
Image via tvol's Flickr