Better Slow Down or Something Will Slow You Down

Has anyone ever told you that?

I'm born and raised in the South, so I think it's a Southern saying that, "You better slow down or something's gonna slow you down."

I'm always busy. I like being busy with worthwhile projects, but I often get overwhelmed. I often neglect my own health. I think, people are counting on me or after I finish this piece, I'll go work out. I'll go take a walk. After this, after that, let me just finish...

After a long talk with Austell physical trainer and nutritionist Amia Freeman Wednesday, I realized that there are a lot of reasons why women eat the way we do. She is an expert in this area and will be posting pieces to help other South Cobb women get fit and understand why they sabotage their diets or find it hard to stay committed to healthy living as busy, working mothers or wives or ahem, editors.

For me, the accountability is going to be key to getting the weight off and keeping it off.

So, I did it! I signed up for Weight Watchers, and I have my first meeting on Saturday at Orange Hill Baptist Church. I pass this church nearly once a day and have seen the “Weight Watchers meets here” sign for months. I believe Weight Watchers will provide the accountability I need to make sure I’m eating right, right foods and right portions.

One thing I’ve learned is that I cannot do this on my own. I’ve done about 12 miles this week, eight on the Silver Comet Trail and four on the treadmill at my apartment complex. The eight miles on the Silver Comet were with friends on two separate days, and I noticed that it was easier and I walked faster with friends than with just my dog, Noah.

I realized that I need a workout accountability partner.

Well, I signed up for a seven-day pass with Gold’s Gym, which begins tomorrow. I tried to begin it earlier, but I walked the Silver Comet Trail on both Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, I worked and covered an Austell City Council meeting in the evening. Tuesday, I tried to work out with a friend, but by the time I finished interviewing Legacy residents about the trash transfer station, it was too late to use the pass and the gym at my apartment complex was locked. Wednesday, I was simply exhausted. That brings us to today. I had a scheduled meeting at Gold’s and then a Zumba class. However, tonight I will likely be covering Garrett Middle School’s Night with the Arts, not Zumba-ing.

Somehow, I need to make my health a priority. I should never be too busy to take care of my health. I've gotta slow down before something–diabetes, heart disease or high cholesterol–slows me down.

So, I will officially begin at Gold’s Gym on Friday. Promise.

Are you too busy to make your health a priority?