Of Oatmeal and Exercise

For the past two weeks or so, I have been working on a fun and oh-so-yummy post. It has consumed each and every one of my mornings and has left me with one thing on my mind: oatmeal.

Easy oatmeal, baked oatmeal, toasted oatmeal, overnight oatmeal, rolled oats, steel-cut oats... oats, oats, oats, oats, oats!

I go to bed thinking about what oatmeal I'm going to make in the morning; I wake up and try to document the whole process; I spend the rest of the morning thinking about how I could make my recipe better and whether or not I should remake the whole thing all over again; in the afternoon, I daydream about eating oatmeal again. Mind you, this started out as a simple project. I thought to myself, "Hey, it's only a few recipes - how bad could it be?" Now... well, it is nearly a full-fledged addiction. I LOVE my oatmeal. Why? Heh... you'll find out soon enough!

As much as I love oatmeal, I love brown rice more. Ohmygoodness. What is wrong with me? It's not even anything special, it's just plain, brown rice, hot off the stove. It's like a drug. I know, I'm crazy. I suppose we all have our weaknesses. Actually, I happen to have quite a few of them.

Come to think of it, this entire day has been a weakness. I want to eat EVERYTHING. And it doesn't help that I am currently surrounded by homemade fried chicken, fresh rolls, the best chicken salad ever, and... rum cake. Dear, glorious rum cake. Why do you tempt me so? Sigh, some days are certainly easier than others. There are days that I look back over my food log and am so proud of myself and how well I have eaten. On days like today, I do everything I can to ignore the sweet, little pleas of my favorite foods.
     "Eat me! I'm delicious!"
     "You're not really that full, are you?"
     "Come on, it doesn't matter if you go a few points over... just this once. You know you want to."
     "You went to the gym today, don't you deserve a little treat?"
No! Stop that whispering in my ear! I want none of your trouble, you wheedling, calorie-laden nibble! I went to the gym to be strong, not to earn brownie points (literally).

Ha, it's really hard to believe that I like working out now. No, I'm serious. I, the self-proclaimed hater of all things active, actually enjoy getting my sweat on. I never thought I would say that in a million years, but there. I said it! Ahh. There is just something so rewarding about setting out to do something challenging and accomplishing it. That, and the results are SO worth it.
     "Have you lost weight? You look so skinny!"
     "She described you as petite, but you're taller than me! She should have said athletic."
What are these people talking about?! Never before have these words been used to describe me! I feel flattered, inspired, and empowered all at the same time.

There are two main principles I like to follow while working out:
     1. Go as far as you think you can go. Then go further.
     2. Make each day's workout the best one yet.
I repeat these to myself as my muscles burn; they help me push a little harder and make it through. These two sayings have taken me from running 1/4 mile at 4mph on a treadmill to a 12-minute mile outside. From not being able to breathe after swimming four laps, to powering my way through 1650 yards. Day by day, I improve. I haven't missed a workout in 5 weeks, and I don't intend to give up any time soon.

I wish the same for you, in your journey towards becoming a healthier you. Don't quit. Find sayings and quotes that motivate you, and use them in any way you can. Repeat them to yourself when need be, or write them on your wrist - anything that helps! Keep a workout log so you can reflect and track your progress. Oh, and shun the seductive sugar! But... only most of the time. Do let yourself have a little som'n som'n every once in a while.

- Rebekah