Sometimes it is easy to forget that this little personal journey of mine towards better health and fitness is NOT Just about me. Part of why I am doing this is to set a good example for my amazing 9 year-old daughter Meghan. Unfortunately for her, she inherited some reeeeaaaally bad genes on both sides where her weight is concerned. I am hoping that by getting more active and changing the way eat and the food that I choose I won’t just be setting a good example for her now, but I will also help show her the right path to get on at a young age. That way she isn’t struggling in her 30’s and 40’s the way her daddy is. That’s the plan. I think it’s a pretty good one. HOWEVER, convincing a hard-headed 9 year-old that this is a good plan does not always go over well. A few days back I mentioned Meg and I butting heads over a leisurely walk on Saturdays.
Okay, we walk two miles together, but it’s still pretty leisurely. Well today we butted heads about my absolute least favorite topic to fight over with her…food. The wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen (cuz daddy can cook folks!) drew her attention. “What’s for dinner dad?” she asked. When I answered, I got back “Chicken A-GAIN???” I thought her attitude towards my chicken was pretty fowl. Ha ha ha. Okay, that was bad…sorry. So for the next few minutes she stood in front of me, damanding everything from chicken nuggets to pizza rolls. She TOLD me we were going out to eat somewhere fun…and when I stopped laughing…she asked for ice cream. Well instead she got baked chicken thighs (boneless and skinless - marinated in onion and garlic), with white rice and steamed veggies.
Of course she ate it…and liked it. I am lucky in a way that Meghan actually does like fruits, vegetables and healthy foods. She will just always TRY for the bad stuff first. That’s where it is up to me to be the voice of reason…whether she likes hearing it or not. After dinner I surprised her with a small bowl of rainbow sherbet (or sorbet if you wanna be all fancy). Only 110 calories for a half cup. None for me though, thanks. She went to bed happy tonight…even though her sneaky plan for bad food had been thwarted. After she fell asleep I went down to the man cave for a little bout of exercise to wrap up the night. Proud of myself for sticking to my guns, both with her and with me. I guess when you think about it, we’re both going to sleep happy tonight.
Until tomorrow…..
Little steps lead to big changes...
Starting Weight – 271 lbs
Current Weight – 265 lbs
Total Weight Loss So Far – 6 pounds
Goal Weight - 199 lbs
A Life Worth Weighting For - Day Eighteen by Donald McDermott
March 7th, 2013
Before
