Exercise challenge on a bad diet.
On the 5th of July, I set out on a personal challenge of going for a walk every single day. What inspired me to go for a walk every day was the realisation that the Irish working class moved a lot more than I do. They were naturally fit for doing so. Catholics are also encouraged to abstain from greed and to keep our bodies strong; however, it is ignored by many, including myself.
While bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8
Therefore, I set out on the exercise challenge. While it’s not an overly ambitious goal, it’s one that I need right now. To keep myself accountable and monitor my progress, I’ve been using MyFitnessPal to track what I eat and Garmin to log each walk. The main aims of this challenge are: 1. To steadily build up my endurance so I can exercise daily without feeling exhausted by the end. 2. To demonstrate to myself that I can stay disciplined and committed to a routine. 3. Hopefully, I will shed some weight along the way, which would be a welcome bonus. Additionally, I hope this habit will improve my mental well-being and give me a sense of accomplishment. I also want to see if consistent daily activity can positively impact my energy levels and overall mood.
I created an exercise streak during the challenge
I’ve managed to maintain a nine-day streak so far. There were several days when I didn’t feel motivated or eager to go out, but I pushed through and continued anyway. After completing the activity, my mood improved, and I was glad I overcame the initial doubts. At one point, I even took the dogs along with me, which made the walks more enjoyable and gave me some extra companionship. The walks are gradually becoming easier, and I’ve noticed a little more energy during the day, which is a great boost. Overall, I’m feeling healthier and more motivated to keep up this routine.
8 DAY FITNESS STREAK
My aim was to hit 1.5 miles (2.4 km) per walking session, but I managed to average 2 miles (3.2 km) each time.
THE FITNESS CHALLENGE WAS A FAILURE ON A BAD DIET.
When I weighed myself on July 12th, I was hoping to see a little progress. Sadly, I didn’t notice any change. It’s a bit discouraging, but it’s also helped me realise that the small tweaks I’ve been making to my diet, even with tracking on MyFitnessPal, aren’t quite enough. Looking back at my logs, I see a common issue: snacking makes up a huge part of my daily calories, sometimes nearly sixty per cent. On July 12th, I stepped on the scale, hoping to see some positive change. Unfortunately, there was little noticeable difference. While that was a bit discouraging, it also made me realise that the small adjustments I’ve been making to my diet, even with tracking on MyFitnessPal, are not quite enough.
Looking back at my logs, I noticed a recurring issue: snacking accounts for a significant part of my daily calories, sometimes nearly sixty per cent on certain days. It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but it’s been a valuable lesson. I understand I need a complete reset of my eating habits to achieve real progress. I know weight loss isn’t going to happen overnight, especially not in just nine days. If it did, the weight-loss injection wouldn’t exist. To see real progress on the scale, I need to be more consistent and intentional with what I eat. My current challenge is to establish a steady, sustainable fitness routine that becomes a natural part of my everyday life. Certain days. It’s a bit embarrassing, but it’s been a valuable lesson. I know I need a complete reset of my eating habits to make real progress.
I know weight loss isn’t going to happen in nine days. If it worked like that, the weight-loss injection wouldn’t exist. If I want to see real progress on the scales, I need to be more consistent and intentional with what I’m eating. My current challenge is to establish a consistent fitness program that ingrains itself in my routine and becomes normal in my lifestyle.
MINIMAL WEIGHT LOSS OVER THE CHALLENGE
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,
for drunkards and gluttons become poor,
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.