I’m getting healthy

Something a bit different from me today – instead of an easy recipe I’m going to share my thoughts. My health is something that’s been on my mind for a while now but I don’t think I can bury my head in the sand any more, I need to make some changes for the mine and the family’s sake.

Let me start by saying that of you saw me you wouldn’t say I was fat, although my BMI says I’m borderline overweight, and this isn’t about going on a ‘diet’. I just want to feel better in myself and want my children to have a healthy lifestyle too.

So if I’m not overweight what’s the problem?

The problem is I’m getting older! I used to be one of those annoyingly skinny people who could eat anything they want and never put on weight. Now i’m older my metabolism is slowing down. Add to that the fact that I’ve changed my diet in the last few years so that I can eat the same meals as the kids (they’re not fan of the spicy vegetable based meals I used to eat most days) and you can see why my weight is creeping up.

I’m a stone heavier than I was when I got pregnant with my youngest and half of that has gone on in the last few months (since I started posting tasty recipes on this blog… 🤔). I’m struggling to zip up my ‘fat’ trousers at the moment and I’m buggered if i’m going to buy a wardrobe full of next size up clothes. I used to work as I dietitian so I know that eating as little as 100 calories a day more than you use up will lead to a stone’s weight gain over a year. I also know that tasty, healthy food can be easy to make. So there’s no excuse really,  is there?!

I need to start thinking about what the kids are eating too. Puddings and cakes are great to make with children because they are easy to make and taste good. There is definitely a place for those foods in a healthy diet (we all need a treat sometimes, don’t we?) but if I’m serious about teaching them how to cook I need to be showing them how to make meals and healthy snacks too. And it’s important for them to learn that treat foods are just that, a treat.

Food isn’t the only issue here, though.  I used to work in a job where I was on my feet all day. When I changed careers my work became more sedentary but I joined a gym to make up for it. I also used to walk miles every week, getting out for a couple of hours in the evening when the weather was good,  as well as a longer walk on the weekend. That all went out of the window when I had kids – they can’t walk long distances and by the time they are in bed of an evening I’m ready to collapse in a heap on the sofa, the gym is the last thing on my mind. Somehow, though, I always thought I’d remained fairly active – I run around after the kids, walk them to school every morning and rarely sit down before 8.30 at night. How wrong was I?! Hubby bought me a fitbit for my 40th birthday at the end of last year (he wasn’t being harsh, I had asked for it!). The aim is to get to 10,000 steps a day, which equates to walking five miles. I thought I’d ace it but instead there are several days a week where I struggle to get 6,000 steps. And the weekend, when I’ve got all day to be active, are often my laziest days.

Again, I want to be a good example to my children. None of them are particularly sporty – Will having gave up on both swimming and football within one term last year and Vic quit ballet after just two lessons. Maybe if they see me exercising they will be more likely to do it themselves.

So what’s the plan?

Erm, I haven’t really got one yet! But I feel like making this public will motivate me to make some changes, and maybe some of you will even join me 😊.

As far as exercise goes I’m going to challenge myself to get at 8,000 – 10,000 steps every day. I have also found an infographic on Pinterest with a quick daily exercise routine. It only takes a minute or two so I don’t think i can chicken out of doing it. I even did it in front of the kids this morning – I felt really awkward doing squats in front of two inquisitive kids but I did say I want them to see me exercise! I’d love to sign up for a class or even commit to doing a DVD at home regularly but I need to do a bit of research on what is on offer in my neighbourhood first.

Food wise I want to eat more fruit and vegetables (the kids are way better at eating fruit than I am) and I’m going to have to cut back on the cakes and chocolate, only eating treats at the weekend (which will be a massive challenge when I’m in work, there is always something tasty of offer there) and coming up with some healthier recipes to make with together and share with you.

So who’s with me? What tips have you found to help you get back into shape? Does anyone want to join me, so we can keep each other motivated? Let me know in the comments xx