There’s a scene in a Harry Potter film where
the heroes are trying to retrieve a piece of treasure from a vault. Being in the magical realm, every time they touch something it replicates.
They soon become overwhelmed as the room they are in starts to fill and they scramble to try and retrieve the item before their exit is blocked.
No spoilers about the film here, just in case you are one of the few people that haven’t seen it.
I was reminded of the scene
yesterday when talking to somebody about weight loss. It can seem like every time you look at a biscuit or cake you halt your progress.
I’ve been classed as lucky in the past as my shape hasn’t changed much, I actually lost 13kg during lockdown, that wasn’t part of being lucky though.
I’m not lucky, I work really hard to control my tendencies towards sugary treats and eating my emotions; especially when sleep deprived which is
pretty much 5 out of 7 nights.
I also do a reasonable amount of exercise every week. I really enjoy the exercise I do because I’ve found a way to make it a social occasion. A friend comes over a couple of times per week to circuit / strength train, I do BJJ twice most weeks, swim, do a long hike and join in the kids activities where possible too.
It’s not necessary to formally exercise every day but you should be using your body;
even something as simple as a walk around the block can do wonders.
Don’t stress about being perfect or following the routine of the latest influencer who is promising magical results.
Some of us will have to battle against our body types and cravings, it can be harder than for others. The benefits of feeling and being fitter and stronger are worth it long term, especially as we get a little older.
Darren
“Horcrux” Checkley