Will Run for Cheeseburgers

Will run for cheeseburgers! And pizza …or some other form of cheesy deliciousness.  This describes my run on Friday.  Granted not the healthiest thing to eat after a run, but I had a coupon…and didn’t want it to go to waste.  The burger staff looked at me funny because I had sweat dripping down my face; probably smelled like mildew and outside (still sat down to eat though).  The clouds looked funny; but I continued to chomp down on the cheesy goodness with fries and a drink.  No soda though, I didn’t want to be too unhealthy.  I walked home with a full belly and a drink, under funny looking clouds.  By the time I arrived home, I had grandeur thoughts of movies I haven’t seen, ran upstairs to grab my car keys and grocery bags, jumped in the car and drove to the nearest Redbox (my favorite) location, i.e. the grocery store.  I proceeded to purchase stuff for lunch the next week, ice cream, chips, and water (you know…those pantry essentials) and of course two movies all while encompassed by my cloud of mustiness. Arrived home, showered, popped in a movie, scooped out some ice cream, and relaxed for the rest of the night.

Did I really make a change or a step towards nutritional health? Or have I succumbed to the belief that if I exercise I can eat what I want?  As there is no scientific evidence to prove this, dieting and true weight loss requires a complete lifestyle change, such that most aren’t willing to fully dedicate themselves to.  We are all guilty of wanting the appearance of health without the conscious and somewhat sacrificial actions of denial. (Matter of fact, I’m eating a bag of chips right now…and for some reason I can’t close the bag). Even those who’ve had the gastric bypass surgeries are subject to the same fate if their habits don’t change. Surgery and exercise can only help if one is fully dedicated to the process of healthy living.    

Then again, everything is a process. Getting a job and going to work is a process. Obtaining financial stability is a process.  Even choosing shows to watch on TV is a process.  All of it requires the desire for a result and the plan to obtain that desired result.  The problem is that we always have a plan for the results but never the plan to obtain the results.  We already know what we are going to do with our prized possession (for me, wearing my pants again); but develop inadequate plans to ensure the successful execution to obtain the said possession (for me, cheese is a food group and tomato sauce/ketchup is a vegetable).  In spite of access to all of the resources, support groups, etc. online; there is no ready-made plan for anyone, because we are all different for a reason.  We must accept our weaknesses, remember our strengths and plan for them.

I love pizza, cheeseburgers, and ice cream. But I need to lose weight and run a marathon. Jimmy Buffett summed up this conundrum … “[I] tried to amend my carnivorous habits….but at night I’d have these wonderful dreams, some kind of sensuous treat, not zucchini, fettuccine or Bulgar wheat, But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat.”  I want a Cheeseburger in Paradise. And yes, I will run for it!  But I can’t run effectively without the proper nutrients and hydration. I can’t lose weight without eating vegetables, fruit, and a moderate plate (or without closing this bag of chips).  I need to transform my eating habits to reflect my desired result. 

So no matter what your result may be for this day, this week or this year, make a plan to address your strengths, your weaknesses, and how you will overcome them to actually achieve your ultimate goal. Be not weary of the challenges because their guaranteed to come when you are on the right path, just make a plan for how you will adjust.  Out for a six mile run.  Wish me luck. SMOOCHES!!

Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” — Fitzhugh Dodson