2020 was a wild ride. And for many of us, healthy eating, exercise, and self-care habits went off the rails.
When you’re ready to get back on track, we’re with you. Three of our members of the editorial team are making big changes in the new year and have offered to take us with them. For the next several weeks we’ll be following Laura as she quits her sugar habit and starts her fitness routine, and we’ll focus on our dynamic diet duo Bill and Mark who are working hard to lose weight and improve their health. To a healthier 2021!
By Laura J. Downey
It’s a new year and I have to make some changes.
I’ve done it before. A few years ago, before I turned 40, I told myself that enough is enough. The time to hide behind oversized clothes and people in photos was over. So I came to WW (formerly Weight Watchers) and committed myself to the program. Twelve months later, I lost 23 pounds. Although I didn’t reach my goal weight, I’ve tried to keep the weight down ever since.
When COVID-19 surfaced in the US, I stopped taking bootcamp classes and went for walks around the neighborhood. As much as I enjoy the fresh air, I definitely don’t push myself as much as I would with a trainer yelling, “Drop me and give me 20 pushups, Laura!” Months later, my body just doesn’t feel the way it used to, and in the past few weeks when I got on the treadmill to run I could barely stand 5 minutes. Before March 2020, I could run for 15 minutes in a row.
Being at home was more about finding things that take up my time. I started making treats like brownies, shortbread cookies, and cakes to cheer people up. I would give the goodies to friends who were struggling to cope with the pandemic. It put a smile on their faces, but in the end it bothered me because I started eating what I didn’t give away. I had to wonder if I was eating because I really wanted something sweet or if I was eating out of boredom.
My food has gotten particularly bad lately. Knowing that I would make healthier habits after the New Year, I ate everything in sight. I think it was a form of self-sabotage. I went to McDonald’s twice for breakfast (I ordered my favorite, a sausage biscuit), I ate two huge slices of red velvet cake a colleague made for me (how could I refuse ?!), I made chocolate chip biscuits from scratch , and I ate a whole bag of Pirate’s Booty in one sitting.
I was out of control – I need a restart. I want to eat healthier and feel better. This doesn’t just mean looking your best on the outside and shedding a few pounds. For me, this means that I am deliberate in my food choices (I need more veggies in my life!) And opt for an overall healthier lifestyle.
I’m still in the WW and check in weekly every Saturday morning. I will continue to do this and attend group meetings for support. Also, my job gives me access to a health coach and I plan to call him at least once a month for advice. It’s nice to be accountable as I am clearly not holding myself accountable as much as I should.
That doesn’t mean I won’t eat sweets anymore. I’m not doing a complete overhaul here folks! But I’ll make smarter decisions and push myself to be a better me. Every new year my sister and I create our own personal slogans. This year mine is: “Do the work in 2021.”
Laura J. Downey is the editor-in-chief of WebMD Magazine. She hopes this blog will show others that every small step can lead to a more balanced, healthier, and more fulfilling life. If you want to find out more about her trip, follow her on Instagram @laurakadowney.
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