231:. Time to Get Real
· Life · Posted by cdenning · 4 Comments
06.06.09
Can we be honest for a minute?
I think we can agree on something. We all, for the most part, lie about our weight. We all like to pretend we are more in shape than we really are. That we’re healthier than we really are. We praise ourselves on twitter when we eat a salad for lunch, but shut up about downing most of that pizza the other night by ourselves. The bottom line is this: We want all the pretty bonuses that come with a healthy lifestyle, but don’t want to deal with the self-discipline it takes to actually be healthy.
For me, I’ve always wanted to feel good about how I look. I’ve been pacifying myself by telling little white lies that build into huge, blinding lies about myself. The most ridiculous part is who I’m trying to lie to; myself! I want to feel good about taking my shirt off, but I don’t want to lay off the big, fat steaks I love so much. I want to feel comfortable playing sports, but I don’t want to get off my lazy tail to go walk instead of watching ANOTHER episode of that show. That is the truth, and it is ugly.
I think the only way to beat these ugly lies I’ve tried to pass off on myself is come at it with it’s opposite. Honesty, or as the kids say, keepin’ it real. I need to be honest about where I am, where I want to be, and what I need to do to get there. I need to know I’ll fail, but I can get back in the saddle. If the truth is out there, I’m free of having to lie about where I’m not. I’m free of pretending to be something I’m not . . . yet.
So, what is the truth?
Do you want to know?
Do I want you to know?
Here goes.
For my height/age/body (6’0/22/thick homey) type, I should be (drumroll?) . . .
180-190 lbs.
Right now, as I start this journey towards being healthy, I am . . .
230 lbs.
Ouch. That hurts to just say. According to my BMI (Body Mass Index), I’m technically obese. Double ouch.
Every person I’ve talked to about this doesn’t believe I weigh that much. But like I said earlier, I am, indeed, a thick homey. However, this is where I’m taking my stand. This is where I decide to be healthier. This is where I leave my excuses. I want to physically feel better. Heck, I want to straight up look better.
Now, how do I expect to do this?
My buddy and I are in the middle of a work-out program consisting of the websites 100 pushups, 200 sit-ups, & 200 squats three days a week and cardio at least twice a week. Check them out, they are very free and very easy to follow. I’m also following a free, healthy meal plan provided (again, fo free!) by 50 Million Pounds, which is a great resource for learning a healthy lifestyle.
***Warning: Gut Check Ahead***
If we wanna bring Jesus into this, like we’re called to, then we can safely say that being obese is not being a good steward of your body. Plain and simple. And I’m not ok with meeting Jesus and shrugging my shoulders in regard to how I treated my body, His holy temple. I don’t think “well done, my good and faithful servant” is reserved for just our ministry service. Chew on that.
I’m gonna update you guys on how I’m doing every Saturday. How my week went, If I’m still eating well, etc. I’d like for you guys to feel free to ask me how I’m doing and if I’m staying on top of things. Challenge me. Heck, challenge each other. Check out 50 Million Pounds and see what they are all about. Obesity is a definite problem in our country, and its something we don’t like to talk about. These guys are making an effort to educate Americans and improve our health.
So, what about you? Do you feel as healthy as you should?
Think about it. Keep it real.
One.Love
cd
Justin Myers
Very Nice sir
Ashlee R.
This has been something on my mind ALOT recently… Esp in regards to the fact that i have to fit into a wedding dress in three months… so the fiance and i are trying to take steps to being more active and healthier…Thanks so much for posting this… I’ll be checking out those websites! And let the fun begin!!!!
Kir
Good luck, Chris! Thank you for sharing and for allowing us to be in on the process! Can’t wait for the future posts, which either way, I’m sure, will keep it real.
In answer to your question, I sort of feel healthy. I do exercise, and in that I feel I’m doing what I should be without being obsessed, which is nice. I’m not worried about body weight, which is another good thing. The bad thing is, I don’t have to worry about body weight right now, and so I choose to eat the junkiest food. Without considering the health problems my family have which are often triggered by the junky food I crave (namely, salty stuff.) So I’m currently trying to balance that out. Again, good luck my friend, and I hope all goes well with you.
Nikki
I really enjoyed this post Chris! Your honesty has always been one of your best traits. I wish you the best of luck on this endeavor. As you know, I love to cook, and cook healthy, so if you want some good recipes that are low in fat and calories, let me know. This is something I’m REALLY passionate about. A word of encouragement, please remember that our society has been a real hindrance to our health. Just 50 years ago, people still gardened, chopped wood, and walked to work daily. People ate things they or their neighbors grew and fast food and processed mess wasn’t available. Even something like washing clothes was a strenuous job (hand washing, going through the ringer, and hanging clothes on the line.) We live in a life of convenience and therefore, we have to actually make time to be active when our grandparents’ generation did it in normal, daily activities. I know you’ll do great. I also encourage you to take a look at the book “In Defense of Food”. Very interesting read.
Good luck!