The Chubby Files

It's been awhile since I've written about my Adventures in Jogging, so I thought I'd give the topic another spin. I've kinda fallen off of my workout routine, which tends to happen under stress. For me, exercise is not relaxing, it's not a big stress-reliever. Or, at least, I haven't been able to trick my brain into thinking it is yet. When I'm just under a little stress, jogging is great. I get some fresh air, listen to good music, look at trees - nice. But when I'm under alot of stress (or at least more than a little), jogging doesn't sound relaxing - it just sounds like more work. So I end up leaving my ass print on my couch. And suddenly, there's nothing in the house for dessert ('cause I don't keep it in the house when I'm jogging regularly), and I buy things like cake mix and cream cheese, and ooh! cherries are on sale, how good would homemade cherry cheesecake be?! And the fat girl inside me rejoices, while the healthy girl sighs disappointment at another failure.
I've found the vicious circle, though. I get frustrated with my weight and bad habits, and start exercising regularly. And I do really well for a few weeks. Then something comes up that I fall out of the habit - either something really shitty at work, or any myriad of things that make my couch a comforting emotional oasis. I think "it's a treat to sit and watch TV - I've been so good lately!" Sometimes, the fall is short, and then I'm extra proud that I've gotten back up on the horse so quickly. Sometimes, the fall is longer, and I feel bad, but not motivated to get back on the jogging path. So what do I do to feel better? Treat myself. With food. Oh, it's a butter-based sauce here, a loaf of cinnamon bread there, a cake on the side, what have you. That goes on for a few weeks, and then...
I get frustrated with my weight and bad habits...
The trick is, finding a way to get my brain into the habit of seeing exercise, even during stressful times, as a way to "relax". And, fixing some of my eating habits.
So, enter Weight Watchers (tm). My friend Heather is going to do it with me. That way, I have more people to keep me honest and be supportive and excited that I'm trying. Anyway, my first meeting is tonight, so I'll let you all know what I think and how it goes.