It’s the third lockdown, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Everything is shut, events have been cancelled, gyms and swimming pools are closed. I don’t have to do anything and can’t go anywhere anyway, so I mostly sit at home on the couch. Of course, it’s really nice for all of us to be home, sharing a coffee with a treat on the side, cooking elaborate dinners, capped off with ice cream for dessert. And why not? After all, you have to do something to counter the virus blues.
It took me a little while, however, to ise
that my health was diminishing, while the excess weight was accumulating. In fact, I was almost in a state of collapse. It really couldn’t go on any longer; I was so miserable, as a result of which even more kilos sneaked on board.
I realised it was high time to take matters into my own hands, but… where to start?
Serendipitously, an advertisement specifically recruiting women aged between 45 and 55 caught my eye just at that moment. Who wants to become fit and energetic again in three months? Just try turning that down. I knew right away that they were talking to me. After an intake session and a trial lesson, I was sold. Twice a week there was an early morning strength training session aimed at keeping the energy burning all day.
I overhauled my dietary habits and was soon reaping the rewards of all my efforts, both literally and figuratively, which was tremendously motivating. After three months, I had lost at least 10 kilos and was feeling fit again. It’s now a year and a half on, and I’ve lost over 22 kilos. Most importantly, I feel fitter than ever before.
Small steps toward a green and healthy lifestyle
Personally, I’ve discovered that you can get a long way by taking small steps. The main thing is just to do something!
You can do it too, and I can help you. Choose two new habits for yourself. Start exercising and change something about your diet. Most importantly, believe in your capacity to keep it up.
Resolve to walk for half an hour every day, or attend a group session at the gym twice a week. Try avoiding potatoes and rice this week, and eating vegetables instead, or not having a sweet treat with your coffee for a week.
If you stick to your resolutions, you will already notice results after a week. And the week after that? Just take another step. And the week after that one too…
‘Another step’ means something different for everyone. For me, it’s about whether I’m going to transition to a vegan lifestyle. I’m still figuring that one out. I’ll keep you posted.
Warmest regards, Ester
PS: I’m curious about which two new habits you’re choosing this week. Let me know! Write them down below, and I’ll hold you to them 😉