08 Why I’m blogging...

Why I’m blogging

Hey Folx, 

I took a little break to hang out with my family and reflect on why I’m blogging. I still don’t have a 100% answer yet. I may never, but I’ll press on. Moving forward, my goal is to post 3 times a week. One reason I’m blogging is because I truly hope to motivate others that have been in a rut or wanted to make similar changes to their lives, but just haven’t been able to fully commit. I’ve always been able to take a first step, but to commit has been a challenge. Fortunately for me, I’ve figured out a solution and it was to count calories. But it wasn’t that easy. I took the step because of years of researching and messing around with other diets, and a realization I had when talking about weight loss with my colleague. Taking the next step was easy, but finding the right solution allowed me to commit. 

I’m also blogging because it keeps me honest and accountable, and I can track my progress. For instance, I’ve done a terrible job counting calories the last two weeks. I go through these cycles of consistency where I find myself feeling good about my eating and activities, and then I cheat a little. A little turns into a lot, and then it becomes too much. It shows that I’m not perfect, and that’s ok. I don’t need to be perfect. It actually does a really good job of reminding me about why I count calories. When I feel like shit, or get a bout of indigestion, I remember that I have a solution to that problem. In a way it keeps me honest. So ya, I cheat, but I don’t have trouble returning to my goals and commitments because they are just that, goals and commitments. If I had expectations, then I’d be bummed, mad, and that would have ruined everything. But my frame of mind won’t allow it. So I’m back on the horse, as it were. 

Finally, I think it would be pretty cool for my kids to read when they’re older. They may not give a shit, but they might. I want them to know that they can make changes in their lives too, at any stage. That they can make commitments and choices in their lives leaving them full of true happiness. You don’t have to live a life that is unfulfilling, that makes you sad, or that doesn’t excite you. You have one life, make it worthwhile, and never leave regrets on the table. I love you. 

Mental Health Tip: Expectations versus commitments. These are distinctions in mindset. When unfulfilled, one leaves you upset (expectations) and the other (commitments) allow you to pick up where you left off, unemotionally phased. Don’t let emotions (like beating yourself up for “failing”), that only slow you down, get in the way of your commitments. 

Food Choices Tip: Go easy and quick! I love soft boiled eggs because I still get that rich, runny yolk, can put it on low calorie toast, previously made potatoes or rice, or just eat them by themselves, and the cooking and cleanup are minimal. And they’re super easy to make! 

Recipe: Soft Boiled Eggs.  I like 2-3 eggs at a time. Put water in a small pot, enough to cover the eggs by an inch. Boil the water. Put the eggs into the boiling water for 6 minutes. I’ve found that 6 minutes is the perfect time for runny-slightly jammy eggs. More or less time will be a runnier yolk, maybe some white parts not cooked all the way, and longer time will give you an over cooked egg (in my opinion). At 6 minutes, take the pot and place it under the faucet, running cold water into it. You want to cool the eggs down as quick as possible, down to a handling temperature, but not to a cold temperature. Finally, use a spoon to gently crack the egg all around, and with some practice, you can peel the egg off in one piece. If the egg is too warm, white parts will stick to the shell, this is annoying to deal with. Season your eggs! 

• Eggs - 3 - 18 g protein - 0 g carbs - 15 g fat - 210 cals
• Season with salt and pepper
• Add whatever components you like

Cooking Tip: Make it easy on yourself! I often get caught up in trying to make a moderately fancy meal, and then I often don’t like it. When all I really wanted was a chicken taco or soft boiled egg, and I tried to make braised lamb shank blah blah blah that turned out dry... 

Meal Prep Idea: Don’t! If you want something different each day (I often do), then plan on that. Meal prep is great and easy for the sake of not having to count calories and weigh out food for every meal; it reduces the workload. If not doing that doesn’t bother you, then don’t prep!   

Next post: Are calories from various sources the same?