You Have to Say No
February 21st, 2009
You have probably been wondering why I’ve not posted this last week. Nothing awful happened and I’m not sick, I was away on a weeks holiday visiting my parents who live in the country.
It was a wonderful time and we managed to pack quite a bit into our 1 week trip. We rarely stay at home (parents house) preferring instead to get outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
My Dad turned 60 on Wednesday and I met some interesting people at his party. One in particular, Rob really made an impression on me.
He is in his mid 40′s, recently divorced with two teenage daughters and is in training for a Marathon mid year.
Rob was telling me that he had always struggled with his weight, made worse when he decided to open a gourmet cookie business which he ran from home.
After his wife left, he decided that he needed to take control of his life again. Getting fit and healthy was on top of his list of things to change and I must say that he is doing a fantastic job of it.
My parents live next door to Rob so I’ve seen him around the neighborhood for 6 or so years. The man I used to wave at is vastly different to the one I see now. He was overweight and looked pretty unhealthy for such a young guy.
Today he is trim and fit with a permanent smile on his face.
During dinner my parents offered all sorts of foods from chips and dips through to cheeses, alcohol and later cakes and sweets. Through it all he smiled and politely declined. Preferring instead to drink water and choosing foods that were low in fat.
I asked him how his training was going and a big beaming smile pretty much confirmed that he was not only in full swing, but really enjoying it. He rides his bike every day after work and shared with me that this time was really important for him personally. Like everyone, Rob has a pretty stressful life at times and riding his bike keeps him calm and reduces his stress levels considerably.
He also told me that the only way he has been able to keep his weight down and continue training is to simply say no to himself and others when food and other enticing options are put in front of him.
For Rob, he knows that if he gives in just once to some of the food, he probably won’t be able to stop.
He really inspired me to continue doing what I do. Thanks Rob!
I’m back now so posts will be back to normal.
I thought I’d share some pics from my trip, hope you don’t mind :)
Stingray at Hamlin Bay
Me doing a spot of photography @ Canal Rocks
Canal Rocks
Gracetown
Forest
February 21st, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Clearly the no’s have it! This one strikes home because, despite my fitness level, I’m a true binge eater so it’s important for me to always say “no”. So long as I do, I feel great. When I do give and lose control (which happens every so often)I get very depressed. Better to just stick with “no”.
Love the pics too!
February 21st, 2009 at 11:55 pm
I totally agree with you Roy. It really is just best to say no if you can’t guarantee it will be a once off.
My biggest vice has got to be cheese. I just can’t stop and will cut slices off one bit at a time. Before I know it the whole block of cheese has vanished!
My solution has been to not buy it in the first place. It calls my name as I walk past it in the deli but I say no, actually, it’s more of a whimper ;)
Thanks for stopping by!