I have added 10 lbs over the last three years, my weight marching unstoppably
toward the mid 150s. I feel obliged to rationalize.
Early 2018, I achieved the Simple goal with the 70 lbs kettlebell. I now swing and squat with a 108 lbs bell. Nine miles used
to be a weekend long run but now part of a weekday morning routine. I have
shaved half an hour off my marathon time and recently have been able to run up
Mission Peak twice in a row. My waistline has stayed the same, leg muscles
have shown, and the jeans are tighter at the thighs.
On the other hand, I used to be able to do 18 pullups in one go but now only
eight. These days, running allays only briefly. For example, the four lbs
lost after last week's 25 miler found their way back in four days. Strength
training, three times a week, does not help losing one ounce.
It is the feeding.
Pre-Covid, the management at work seemed to believe a well-fed employee was a
happy and more productive employee. Their survey results seemed to agree, at
least with the happiness part. I, however, skipped lunch and rarely joined
colleagues in monthly banquets. I was either engaged in work or helpfully
reminded by the sights of less-fit colleagues to hold the line. Seeing someone
munching or drinking often signalled that I should stay put.
Working from home in the pandemic, however, I am surrounded by foods and often
left with time to kill, a deadly duo. If they are not enough, winter has joined
forces. Alone and in an unheated house, I feel toward noon a pang fixed only by
a shot of hard liqor and some nuts. In the afternoon, discipline can be further
relaxed. I would often snack on nuts even after the meal.
It has felt as if I had been contending with a god: I cannot win.
I will not stop trying, however. So here's the simple first step: just stop
snacking after supper. Every day presents an opportunity. Let's see.
