Back on Track

It's the Monday after Thanksgiving, and if you're anything like me, you're kind of nervous about stepping on the scale today. I've decided I'm not going to. I'm going to get a few days of clean eating under my belt again, so I can de-bloat a little bit! Two turkey dinners and all the leftovers over the course of four days? I definitely indulged. I knew I was going to. But now it's time to get back on track, which my body is more than willing to do! Since my lifestyle change that I started over two years ago, my body actually craves clean eating habits- lots of water, fruits, veggies and portion control. That's when I feel my best!

Last year I almost went stir crazy because it was a very long, cold winter and I was not getting enough exercise. I decided that just wasn't an option this year. I tentatively started looking into treadmills, and was pleasantly surprised to find this one for a mere $287 at Walmart. With Steve's blessing, I bought it, and it was here in no time. It's not fancy; it doesn't have many bells and whistles. But it does tell me how fast I'm going, how many calories I've burned and how many miles I've gone.

It's hands down one of the best purchases we've made in years.

No longer do I lament about not being able to do my quarry walks with the dogs. Instead, nap/quiet time rolls around for the kids, and I get on my t shirt, shorts and sneakers, and hit the treadmill. I started off at 3 mph, and once I got used to that, I bumped it to 4mph. It's a decent pace! (Could I run on it? Yes. But if you ever see me running, you better run, too, because it means something is chasing me. I'll take brisk walking instead, thank you very much).

This treadmill is parked right in our living room. You can't miss it. I spent more time than I should have, hemming and hawing about where it could go, where it wouldn't be an eyesore. Ha! Thankfully the common sense part of me won out as I quickly realized it needed to be in a place that was constantly in my view- somewhere I was actually going to use it!

It's worked. I've been able to hop on it just about every other day, and I work up a good sweat as I put in my 3-4 miles. Steve gets home and does the same. We're both getting a lot of use out of it, and we feel better knowing we have a tool to help us combat all the holiday overindulgence!

Bottom line: If you're thinking about getting a treadmill, just do it! Put it somewhere where you'll see it and use it. Like anything, if you're committed enough, you'll make the time and, in return, feel so much better about the Christmas cookies coming your way this month. You won't regret it. Make an investment in your health! I wish we had done it sooner.