Ramblings part 3

I’m welcoming myself back! Hello again friends, its been to long since I have got some writing down. I blame it on the levels of lock down preventing us from doing anything. Here in Auckland, New Zealand we are still rocking a level 3 lock down but with some privileges.

Some of those eased restrictions include gathering in limited numbers in open areas for things like picnics. We have also been hitting the beaches and for a few companies, including the one I work for, are open for business. I must say its been awesome to be productive again. Home schooling my boy is productive in a way, but its not for me. I have a new found respect for teachers. I don’t know how you do it!

So with the ease in restrictions and my foot at around 80% of full function, I headed out for some paddle boarding with my friend and work colleague Shaun. We went to Orakei basin in Auckland and set out for a few hours on the water to chat and catch up, but also to enjoy the calm and relaxation that comes from being on the water. So probably nearing 2 hours into our paddle, and in the region of being about one or more kilometres from our launch point, my paddle came apart and sank. Not ideal being so far from where we need to be, plus the wind was picking up and the water was getting really choppy. I found myself feeling like I was literally up shit creek without a paddle. Needless to say I got a decent shoulder workout as I lay on the paddle board and paddled back by hand.

I have being doing a 30 day challenge. Aimed mainly at my tummy. It is in the form of a cell phone app that gives you exercises to do each day for 30 days. Basically since May up until around early September, I had very little activity in the form of exercise, due to my foot being broken and healing. In that time my tummy got to be quite a well rounded shape. I have been feeling very uncomfortable with it as it has always been something I have wanted to avoid, getting a belly I mean. It is quite well known that men as they age, tend to gain weight in their mid section. As I am getting older I can confirm this fact. If you stay fairly active you can delay the effects, also if you have a good metabolism, or are just blessed with being able to eat, drink and be inactive and not gain weight. But for me, I like to eat and sadly I gain weight easily.

For the past two years or so I have been cycling to work basically everyday. Its nearly six kilometres each way, so call it twelve kilometres a day. And its quite high intensity so it works out to be a decent bit of exercise. And over two years, has had me in decent shape. I went from that, to zero for the good part of six weeks and then even longer with the time it has taken to be able to walk and put decent pressure on my foot again. So from two years of daily exercise to four months of nothing, my body took a hit. And I’m sick of it, so I have been doing this challenge as a start to getting back into better shape. I’m happy to say its going quite well. I can definitely feel a difference in my trousers and also now there is less of an obstacle in the way when I sit on the edge of the bed to put on my socks. I was shattered to find it a struggle to put on socks!! My tummy was stopping me from reaching my foot! And that was pretty much the last straw.

So now that my 30 day challenge is over, I can gladly say that my tummy has gotten less round, my trousers are more loose, and putting sox on is no longer an issue. But it cant stop here. I’m on a mission to get the belly gone. I have have been using supplements too. Lets face it, we can all use a little help some times. But after 30 days of my program and the help of science in food, I have ditched 3kg and a bunch of centimetres. All I need to be able to do now is incorporate a bit more cardio to make it easier. But that is all dependant on my foot and toes, and how much they will let me bend them.

Anybody out there that has found themselves struggling with weight and fitness levels will know its not easy to change. It seems old habits truly die hard and good habits are not easy to start. But I often have, and have had that little voice that nags me. If you have experienced that, try to listen to it. And don’t be fooled into half killing yourself as you start out. Anything is better than nothing. Small steps, one after the other make a journey.

If it starts with 5 shaky, moaning and grunting sit ups in your living room, so be it. Its a start. And soon those 5 become 7. And the 7 become 12 within a matter of days. Push ups can be started out on your hands and knees. Again 5 will become 7 and 7 become 12. What ever it is, just get it going. And don’t feel that you have to tell anybody. You just do you, and quietly go about your business. And give yourself time to rest too. A day off here and there is welcome and needed for your health and recovery. If you get the guilt feeling, just do something easy, like a walk and some stretching. Again, anything is better than nothing. I highly recommend a cell phone app. It gives you a range of things to do, and its like having a training partner. Look into it.

Whatever you decide to do, try to remember it does take time. Eating healthier is always a good way to get good results, and drinking more water. I personally don’t agree that it has to be two litres a day. I would say it depends on your body. Listen to your body and those little nagging voices. They often know what you need. And remember that, often, a sign of needing more water is a feeling of hunger. So ditch the regularly scheduled coffee, tea and sugar drinks for some water.

Stress and anxiety can cause eating issues to. For me when I would have anxiety, I would turn to chips and tv, to try and turn my mind off worrying about whatever it is that was on my mind. I’m glad to say that I have been able to get that under control a bit. So try and avoid eating when you are stressed. I can definitely say it creates a bad habit.

Also plan your shopping and what you are going to make to eat. Don’t go to the shop to wing it. Make a plan and shop to that plan. If you have the option, and it is a good option believe me, do your shopping online. I found that this stops us buying impulse food, mainly junk food. You will also save money by avoiding the impulse shopping and buying. So make a list of what you want to eat, order it and get it delivered.

Whatever journey you are on, I hope its a good one and you find success in the attempt to master this thing called life. I’m not giving up yet, and I urge you to keep going to. Again, if anybody reading this wants to chat about anything at all, I’m happy to listen and even offer some advice. Who knows, maybe I have experienced something you are going through. Don’t be afraid to reach out. To anybody. Rather ask for help.

On a lighter note, did you hear about the chameleon that couldn’t change colour? It had a reptile disfunction.

Much love.

https://sunshinesammy.mynuskin.com This link will take you to my online store. You can find a range of products on there to help you in your journey. You can even view the full range of products that are available. Items can be sent anywhere in the world, terms and conditions may apply. If you have any questions just drop me a message.

I can highly recommend the Tegreen and the Metabotrim. Tegreen offers anxiety relief, is an antioxidant and assists with sleep. Metabotrim helped me with sugary and salty cravings as well as assists in maintaining blood sugar levels.