As much of a Christian I’m not, Lent has given me the following opportunity: Until Easter, I will not drink a drop of alcohol.
Self-discipline is something I’ve always struggled with, but also realize that my trouble is with starting. Once I’m past the threshold of inertia, I stay the course, finish the marathon, etc. In fact, New Orleans is the only city where I have been at my healthiest, but that was before Katrina. Between late 2003 and August 29, 2005, with the help of exercise and cutting out beer and way way way back on fried anything, I lost 25 pounds. (Yes, some have considered me the Antichrist for chucking that much weight in this city where even the water is buttered, smothered, sugary and deep-fried.) For the last 2.5 years, I’ve done alright, but not well enough by my doctor and me.
Lisa and I have discussed that the post-Katrina weight gain, but more importantly the post-Katrina inability to lose weight despite continuing to stay away from beer and certain foods, is due directly to stress and the lack of restful sleep. I mean, how much more food can someone not eat? It’s not just in the diet. Given the demands of living in this city, going to the gym, a run or for a leisurely stroll around the park and getting a full night’s rest is a luxury for most. We’re always running around doing something, something seemingly a lot more important than taking care of our bodies and minds. Unfortunately, this is a negative feedback loop. Not getting cardiovascular exercise on a regular basis and eating sporadically leads to fitful sleep, which in turn leads to a sluggish day and another night of useless sleep, gargle, spit, repeat. For many, add to the mix adult beverages, SSRIs and/or herbal supplements. This only helps stress hormones and body weight skyrocket, and eventually you end up on the wrong end of a nervous breakdown or in the hospital. What good are you now?
The cycle has to break somewhere. We’ve got to take care of ourselves.
So, out with the red wine for 40 days and back to the bicycle, gym and yoga for at least an hour, at least four days a week. The goal is to get back to my pre-K weight by Jazzfest. Go, go, Gadget cleanse!
I have done this a couple times, and my boss is doing it this year. I will be psychically cheering you on during your weakest moments!
Exercising a lot does tend to cut down on my drinking.
Good for you Darlin’.
I plan to do something similar once we are back in the house. I don’t sleep well in this hovel, have no room to move around, always running out to pay for building poop. Can’t really walk around the block because of the violence.
But I am going for the opposite goal: I need to gain 20 pounds. And I need to get my Spiritual life back in order.
These last 29 months have completely screwed my existence up.
We’re sort of on this train as well. I will never promise to quit drinking (excepting… God forbid… medical emergencies) but I do have to cut back a bit and get ready for CCC.
Menckles is giving up smoking… which will be easier to do if we stay out of Fahy’s, Melius, and 45 Tchoup.
But then… whither darts and trivia nights?
So I guess my point is, it’s difficult.
I just figured is Easter (and the end of Lent) is almost always before Jazzfest. (Easter can be as late as April 25 and could be during the first weekend)
I wonder if someone figured that out before establishing the dates for Jazzfest.
I imagine everyone knew that but me.
I think I could do the exercising part. Problem is, I still have a case and a half of beer in my fridge…Exercise! Every day!!!!!