Hi arwsf.
We HAVE to be kindred spirits..lol
I also have my “Tomorrow I am gonna start…..” and then there is the chocolate I sneak in since
I was good for a few hours, usually followed by something salty.
And on Shabbos and Purim, it is SO easy to “go for it” and worry about it on Monday. lol
That diet I talked about is great, and easy to follow, if you prepare ahead of time. Sometimes you eat more than you want to, but they recommend you still eat every three or so hours. It is great for losing weight and feeling great.
I learned about it from where I workout these days. I do MMA with a great organization created by an Israeli fighter. I am not sure if I can mention his name here. They have locations throughout NY, NJ, CT, and one in Florida.
When I follow that diet, I can really get into the very intense workout. When I dont, I am sucking wind within a matter of 10 minutes.
I truly enjoy the challenge of eating right, sleeping right, too, and acquiring skill in mixed martial arts.
They did their research, and while I am sure there are many good diets out there, I dont even see this as a diet. Its more like you can eat, but carefully choose what you eat, and its really not so bad.
At this point, if I psychologically crave junk, and give in and eat it, I dont feel so good as soon as I finish. I try to remember that and I have much more control now.
Fitness and diet are a life-long “hobby” so I think we all wax and wane a bit. Like anything else, to the degree we commit, is the degree we benefit. I have to focus on the benefits I want.
Oh, another thing. If I have it in the house, I will eat it. So I dont buy snacks. It’s usually on Shabbos that I go off my eating pattern. I am not sure how to get past the challah rolls at the meals I am gratefully invited to. I dont want to waste any of it and leave any over.
Oh, to answer your question about what makes me into it, is that I am the kind of person that benefits if I put effort into something and experiences the consequences if I dont exert effort.
Also, in my workout, once I am there, on the mat, they get you going, sorta like marine boot camp. You have no option to walk out, like you could at a gym. By the end of the workout, about an hour, I feel awesome, BH.
Also, the instructor is a very special person. I would say the he, along with my Rabbi, seriously, are the two best supports I have to making the most out of this gift of life. In their separate ways, my life would not be the same without their influence. I am hugely grateful to both of them.
As to your question as to why I am so into it. I would say, be’H, I have been growing a good deal in my efforts for spiritual and physical well-being. I guess I have a greater awareness of being alive?
You give me something to think about.
: )
PS. That is awesome you once lost 60 pounds. That takes a lot of mind power!