I went from a home-based job that pretty much gave me the freedom to be as active as I needed, to an office job that has me plunked at a desk in front of a computer for 9 hours a day. I went from a lean, healthy guy to overweight and sluggish in a span of six months. Tacked on 15 pounds. With a kiddo at home, another en route and basically zero extra hours to get a workout in (other than waking up stupidly early or trying to squeeze a run in after supper and before bed, which sucks when it's -20 out) I had no idea how I was going to change things.
The last straw was in early January trying to fit into a pair of slacks and not being able to get them buttoned. Said enough was enough.
We get an hour lunch. Despite being surrounded by workaholics who come in early, stay late, and eat at their desk, I said screw it. If I get an hour, I'm going to take it. So I got a gym membership to a place that's just a 5 minute drive from the office. At noon I take off, lift weights or run for 45 minutes, hop in the shower if needed and then zip back and eat lunch at my desk. I've been doing this religiously 4-5 times a week since Jan. 5. My pants fit again, I've gone from 180 to 172, I feel healthier than I have in a long time, and my abs that have been missing for a few years are coming back. Plus, it really helps break up the day looking forward to something other than 5 p.m.
And the best part is that in a couple months a new gym is opening up directly south of job. So I'll be able to get another 8 minutes in a day, which doesn't seem like much but certainly helps.
On top of this, I cut alcohol out during the week (except for special occasions). I try to eat more vegetables and I rarely eat out. Bring leftovers or make a lunch every day. And I'm chugging water. It helps curb the cravings for surgery or bubbly beverages and keeps me full. I rarely feel the need to snack any more.
Anyway, that's worked for me so far. I'm hoping this is a lifestyle change I can keep up for a long time, because being inactive and unhealthy is bad for my body and mind. Especially in between hunting and fishing seasons...
