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You Can Take Anything, But Please Don’t Take My Bacon

January 14, 2012 20 Comments

bacon eggs toastI hate to be a dieter in January. I promise I’m not one of those New Year’s Resolution types who joins Jenny Craig and a gym every January only to stop participating by the time the Super Bowl rolls around. Sure, I have my struggles with weight and exercise like every normal girl over 30, but I like to think I’m less cliché about the whole thing.

For instance. My M.O. is to sign up for races and then kind of half-ass my training and finish disappointed with both myself and my finish time.

What?

Oh, don’t worry, I’m not going turn this into a diet/fitness blog. I read and remain fascinated by plenty of them, including The Run of It and Runs for Cookies, but I know that’s not why you come here. I’m not inclined to blog with any real consistency about my weight or my calorie tracking. (Mostly because I prefer to gloss over my failures with talk of writing and contests.) So just allow me this one indulgence today…

…Because something happened to me Thursday. I got a phone call from the office manager at my OB/GYN’s office. (Yes, that OB/GYN.) She used the words “high” and “cholesterol” and then told me that Dr. S wants me to exercise and  watch my diet and go back in four months for more bloodwork.

The good news is, I was already counting calories and gearing up for the Finish Line 500 Festival 5k in May. (Good God, did you notice what time that thing starts?!) The bad news is, I still love butter and bacon and macaroni and cheese as much as I ever did.

So anyway, I could probably use a little encouragement or something. Though this cholesterol thing is easily remedied either with lifestyle changes or medication (yuck!), it makes me feel old and fat to say my cholesterol is high. If you’re on MyFitnessPal, you can be my friend. That’ll be a good first step.

Also, I think it’s time I start looking for a really slow running buddy. Maybe I could place an ad on Craigslist:

Needed: one really slow running buddy who doesn’t look cute in exercise clothes. Those capable of running 5 miles per hour and simultaneously holding a conversation need not apply. West side preferred.

What do you think?

Photo Credit: jfelias


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About Emily Suess

Emily Suess is a freelance marketing copywriter in Indianapolis, Indiana and a regular contributor at Small Business Bonfire.
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  • http://www.diaryofamadfreelancer.com Princess Jones

    The fact that you run anywhere continues to make me insanely impressed with you. If a crazed serial killer were after me, I’d just stop and say “Ok, if you have to kill me, just go ahead and do it. I’m just not running anywhere.”

    • http://blog.emilysuess.com Emily Suess

      That same serial killer would probably just laugh and wait for me to trip over my own feet. :)

  • Mercy

    I’m aiming for some weight loss too, but there is no way I can follow any kind of diet, so instead I am eating less and have started exercising again. Hopefully I will get the results I’m after.

    • http://blog.emilysuess.com Emily Suess

      I totally understand. I’m really aiming to eat what I want and just stop after I reach a certain amount of calories a day. With that and exercise, I’m hoping it’ll be enough to bring my cholesterol down too. Here’s hoping anyway, because I know I can’t completely cut out my favorite foods.

  • Karen Taylor

    Since I put on 15 lbs. over the past few years, my goal is to eat less calories than I burn. It doesn’t always work, though because I love to eat, I love carbs, I abhor excercise, and being in my early 40s has brought less than positive body changes.

    And the running thing? I used to say I don’t run unless I’m being chased, and now I’m not even sure I would do that (@princessjones, I hear ya!).

    I wish you the best of luck with all of your health goals! Please keep us posted.

    • http://blog.emilysuess.com Emily Suess

      Thanks, Karen. At the very least, I’ll probably post an update when I go back for the checkup.

  • http://Www.welcometohollyslife.blogspot.com Holly

    I’m on the High-C watchlist, too. I’m convinced that 30 is the new 85- and I’m totally ready to kick that in the butt! Good luck with your goals! Keep us updated! :)

    • http://blog.emilysuess.com Emily Suess

      Mmm….Hi-C! Oh. Wait. ;)

  • Lisa

    I would sign up to be your slow running partner in a heartbeat!

    I was crazy and started boot-camp training here. I did a round back in October, maintained the back of the pack status along with crippling shin splints and decided for the New Years I would start the fun again!

    Of course, I am back to maintaining the back of the pack status, my shin splints are saying hello an I question my sanity every Tuesday and Thursday. I for one recommend you check out Kickboxing now that is a blast of a workout!

    • http://blog.emilysuess.com Emily Suess

      If only you lived closer, Lisa!

  • Mel
    • http://blog.emilysuess.com Emily Suess

      I signed up. We’ll see.

  • http://makingitawkward.blogspot.com Rachael

    I love that ad so, so much. I bet some fuddy-duddy would flag it if you actually posted it, though. Someone flagged my advert for a nurse to join us on a private island after the apocalypse.

    • http://blog.emilysuess.com Emily Suess

      Bwahahahahaha!

  • http://www.rhymemeasmile.blogspot.com Rachel

    LOL. Now that is an exercise buddy ad I’d respond to, if only I lived closer to where you do. I too recently learned my cholesterol is high and suppose I should give that thing called exercise a try. :)

  • LoriV.

    Emily, I am honored to have been mentioned on your blog!! Thank you! That right there gives me motivation to keep going despite my recent gain!!

    And keep going with your running! You’ll have lower cholesterol in no time!! You were the first one to respond about my running belt giveaway so please email me so we can discuss the exchange.

  • Colleen

    Emily, I honestly wouldn’t be that worried about your “high” cholesterol. Most tests are skewed and don’t really give you the whole picture. Here are a few tips that will help you get your cholesterol where it needs to be. Replace ALL of your cooking oils with EVOO and Coconut oil (be careful with processed foods and mayonnaise as they are notorious for using bad oils). All tradional oils (corn, canola, vegetable, etc.) are hydrogenated through processing (read trans fat) and most likely rancid when purchased at the store. Eat ONLY real butter from grass-fed cows. The brand Kerrygold is excellent. EAT BACON (and you can use the grease for seasoning, too), just make sure it is not processed from animals that are fed GMO corn, antibiotics, hormones, etc. And you want bacon that does not have nitrates or nitrites. Believe me, just a few small changes in what you eat and not only will you be able to drop those pounds, but your cholesterol will no longer be of concern.

  • Bobbi

    Good Luck. I also want to do a race but I want to do one around my birthday.

  • Puja

    Wonder how people get into this regime. Running, exercising…OMG! Probably this is why I have gained some extra in the last 7 months or, so.
    Think I will have to do something like you.