Fitness for Srs: From Potato to Tomato

A while back I wrote about starting to move to the next level of fitness. The journey from potato to tomato is not without its plateaus, so six weeks ago we decided to take another step and join a nearby gym. People following my Twitter feed have noticed my Metal Motivation hashtag lately. This is why. Music makes working out a lot more fun, and metal is motivating for me. Especially Rob Halford, who has the most inspiring voice I've ever heard, but that’s a subject for another post. Lurve.

In addition to 3.5 hours a week in the gym, we've been fine-tuning the diet with a focus on portion control and the right calorie percentages. It sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is. In a nutshell, our approach = work out, eat less, and eat the right stuff. This approach is not one of those quick “Belly Buster 9000!!!” things. It is not fast or easy. It requires effort and a complete change in foodly mindset, but the result is lifelong sustainability. Would you like to know more?! Wait… sorry, random Starship Troopers flashback.

Many people groan when they think of improving their eating habits or getting off of their butt more often. I’ll admit that the idea was daunting to me two years ago when we began this journey, but it has turned out to be one of the most positive experiences of my life. I’m happier, healthier, and almost have something resembling energy! What is UP with that?! Seriously, the difference is night and day.

I won’t say this change has been easy. Do I miss donuts, ice cream, and Vanilla Coke? Oh my, yes. But snarfing them way too often nearly wrecked my health, so out they went other than the occasional treat. And honestly, they taste better as a treat than they ever did when I considered them a staple. Moderation is worth my former weight in gold. 

Here are some examples of my progress shown in cats.

I went from this...

I am blargh, but also srs. So srs.

To this…

Woo, we're truckin' now!

Unfortunately, I still wake up like this.

Who dares disturb my slumber?!

That may never change no matter how much I train to get up early. I do wake up faster, though!

I’m not a tomato yet, but I’m off the couch and on the move. It’s a very good start.