Look Both Ways

After a strong start, I feel like I’ve fallen off-track with my fitness plan. I haven’t been to the gym regularly, I’m not adhering to a strict food schedule, and it seems like I might never reach my goals.

That’s one way of looking at things.

I once saw an ad that said to not look at how far you have to go, but instead look at how far you’ve come. That definitely brings a differently perspective.

In the past twenty-two days I have not had a single cookie. Not one. This is a big accomplishment for someone who earned the nickname Cookie Monster. I used to eat cookies with little discipline or control. Cookies served as a comfort mechanism whenever I was feeling stressed or down. My goal is to go 30 days without a cookie. At first it was tough but I was focused on my fitness goal. Now I don’t even crave cookies like I used to, praise be to God.

And it’s not just cookies. I haven’t had any cakes, muffins, or pies either. No baked goods. No candy. No sweets. None. I’ve greatly reduced my sugar intake, just several months after I made repeated trips to the store for king-sized Kit Kat bars and chocolate chip cookies. Now I find myself snacking on rice cakes, multigrain tortilla chips with salsa and/or guacamole, fruit, and carrots. I can’t remember the last time I had a slice of pizza (and I loooove pizza). I’ve played more basketball in the past month than in the previous 12 months. I’ve started taking Zumba and yoga, two activities that were brand new to me. I’ve learned how to read ingredients better, and how to make healthier choices. I’ve even started helping one of my very best friends to achieve his fitness goals too.

So I might not have eight-pack abs by August. That’s okay. I’m not giving up. I’m determined. I’m focused on my goal. I’m looking ahead to where I want to go. But what’s helping keep me on track – by the grace of God – is looking to where I’ve come from.