When we experience a discovery so profound that we're positive it will affect us for the rest of our lives, a couple of things seem to happen--at least for me. First thing is the thought of why didn't I confront this years ago? This question brings up all kinds of negative regretful thoughts and emotions. Monday night while I was exercising in the water, I took a break for a few minutes along the side of the pool. I was watching families frolic about in the adjacent family pool. I noticed the big guy who unknowingly had an impact on me had moved from the hot tub to the pool and now was enjoying water games with what I assume were his kids. I couldn't help but think of all the potential good times and memories I sacrificed with my daughters because I refused to break free. The only comforting thought I could zero in on in the moment was all of the future fun I'll have with my grandson Noah. He'll never see his overly dressed grandfather in 95 degree weather waiting alongside or waiting in the car while he has fun. We'll be laughing and having fun together.
The other dynamic I've noticed is the coming down from the "high" of the experience. So many natural signals, previously set in stone beliefs and mental/emotional issues were blown to bits Monday night, replaced by a freedom and euphoria found in this new, authentic reality. I swam last night and it was good. It almost felt normal, without hesitation and without anxiety eating me alive. It was just, okay. Everything was okay. I didn't snap any pictures or make any videos. I didn't invite my daughter to help me out and be there for needed support. I just enjoyed the water. I didn't feel naked. I actually marveled in the differences between before and now, especially while I was walking past the full water aerobics class. I would have never stepped foot in the lap pool area with that many people around, before. Yesterday it wasn't a big deal to me. It just wasn't. Now, I'm confidently looking forward to swimming at least twice a week and maybe three times, depending on my schedule. My swim trips from this point forward will never be as intoxicating as the first but I assure you, I'll never forget the feeling and it would be very difficult to unlearn the lesson.
A good question came up on my Facebook page today about my food, Susan writes:
"Sean, this is not a criticism, but just an honest question- Your food choices seem a little redundant (omelet, pita, taco, cheese on almost everything, etc.). Do you not get tired of eating the same (or similar) things everyday?"
My reply:
"Susan--no offense taken! I eat what I like and nothing I don't. I abstain from sugar and avoiding this one substance seems to be working wonders for me. Although widely suggested by the likes of Bob Harper and other experts--I came to eating very similar foods for breakfast and lunch quite naturally. Often breakfasts and lunches are similar with rotating varieties of fruit. I try to occasionally mix it up and find some variety with dinner selections. It works for me-- I haven't necessarily become tired of anything because I love what I prepare and eat. I'm gradually adding a few things here and there in an effort to mix it up--for instance adding in the all natural peanut butter. If you look through the Twitter feed of the last 4 months--that is easily the most nutritious approach to food I've ever experienced. And it's no surprise I feel better than I ever have in my life--even better than when I was at 230. Yes--I LOVE cheese, obviously... The important thing to keep in mind is, the only reason I keep the twitter feed and post the tweets on my blog is for my own personal accountability. It isn't a suggestion of what anyone else should eat. It isn't a food plan. It isn't recommended and designed for anyone but me. If it occasionally gives someone some new ideas (some tell me it has), then awesome! I had one person tell me that seeing the food pictures gave them a new perspective on how food while losing weight could look--it was a needed visual for that person. But seriously, I do it simply because it keeps me accountable. You don't need a Twitter account to view the twitter page-- you can find it here: www.twitter.com/seanaanderson Thank you for the question."
My workout tonight was a solid elliptical performance. I've noticed the more I get into my music the better the workout. If I climb on the machine and I'm thinking about a multitude of other things while I workout, not so much. Now, right before I start my workouts, I take thirty seconds to a minute to stand still, close my eyes and prepare my brain for exercise. I'm clearing the thoughts during this time, letting it all go to the side while I work on me. This centered balance and awareness, or presence idea came from an exercise we use before starting most of our group weight loss coaching sessions. It really helps!
Food Tweets:
Cheese omelet w/double mozzarella-1 whole egg, 4 whites. Medium green apple. I'll need a snack mid morning! 302 cal. pic.twitter.com/xECStI2D7G
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 7, 2014
Snack: Hot Laughing Cow Light French Onion Pita-w/2 wedges dry grilled on foreman. 1/2 srv sweet pot. chips. 210 cal. pic.twitter.com/3CwsuQMlkd
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 7, 2014
Turkey & Guacamole tacos. 4oz ground turkey, avocado (98g), light sr crm (15g), 2% cheese (14g), lettuce. 505 cal. pic.twitter.com/DzToNZvQKr
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 7, 2014
Boneless/skinless grilled chicken thighs, grilled whole grn beans, sweet pot.fries, 1/2 Anjou pear, orange. 605 cal. pic.twitter.com/xSrdww0NnA
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 8, 2014
Celery w/LC Light Creamy Swiss wedge & celery w-1/2 serving (16g) natural peanut butter. #lastfoodofday 145 cal. pic.twitter.com/8yU3Vbt7y1
— Sean Anderson (@SeanAAnderson) August 8, 2014
I came in 69 calories under my 1200 net calories after exercise goal. I'll call this close enough today. My total calories for the day registered 1,816.
Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
