A Letter to a Friend:
April 30, 2008Here’s a sample of a letter I sent to my close friend:
This is personal - yet very serious to me.
I need your help.
As of today - I’m on a renewed fitness mission. I’m not going to address all my specific goals here - but here’s what I’d like you to know, and how you can help.
Since January 1, I’ve been mostly "on vacation" in the health and fitness department. Since Jan 1, I’ve gained 18-20 pounds. I want that gone, and more. I know you’re around through "thick & thin". Heck, you might even think "you’re fine the way you are". I appreciate that. However, "Health & Fitness" is a core value for me, and to be honest, I haven’t been acting like it’ matters to me. I’ve gotten sloppy with my eating & drinking (& even smoking- I haven’t smoked in like 10 years!) and slothful in my workouts and lack of workouts. The buttons on my pants are straining, and I refuse to buy new & bigger pants. You know the feeling….
I’ve reached the point where I’ve got to take action.
One thing you might know about me is that I have two speeds: "Full throttle" or "off" - In the health area, that means following my nutrition plan 100% and workout plan 100%.
In the past - not having TOTAL support has been an issue. Understand that the philosophy I adopt here is: "Whatever it takes!"
For me there’s nothing worse than being told: "C’mon, just find balance" or "all things in moderation". The support I’m looking for is for you to say: "O.K. Do what you gotta do, and do it great." -
This means that If I get up at 5:30 to be at the gym at 6:00, there’s no "5 more minutes" or "why do you have to leave so early…" A simple "Ok" or "Have a good workout." is much better.
My plan has worked in the past, and will work again.
Some specifics: especially in the Nutrition area:
No Alcohol : Please understand that. I don’t care if you drink (well I do care for your health) but it won’t bug me if you do. Just don’t ask me to drink. That will help. You know I like my beer, and I plan to enjoy it again - AFTER I reach my goal.
My nutrition plan works best when I pre-plan and pre-cook meals. I don’t need to have a lot of variety, and although it’s a bit mundane - it allows me to watch the nutrition carefully. I eat every 2.5 - 3 hours. If I’m over for dinner, don’t be surprised or offended if I bring a pre-cooked, re-heatable meal in my tupperware. I might not have to eat it, but it’s like my insurance policy to make sure I stay on track.
No white carbs: (pasta, bread, tortillas, etc.) - this includes fried stuff as the breading is white flour (not to mention fried)
No carbs after 3:00 pm. Mainly just lean protein, & veggies, perhaps some sauce.
Ok - Just so you know I’m not too hard-core; I understand that this is a change from how you’ve gotten to know me.
I may have set an expectation in the above areas, and such a black & white change is radical. You might still say "take it easy" or "5 more minutes (in bed)" - or "I wish you could eat with the rest of us" ; I won’t hold that against you. When I say : "It’s ok, that’s not in my plan" - just say - "oh yeah… keep at it, whatever it takes."
Im sharing this with you because I really want your help, and I trust that you’ll understand what I’m trying to do, and be supportive.
Thanks,,
David
Leave Comment