Last Updated on November 13, 2017 by Michael Brockbank
So, last week I wanted to do my net 600 calorie diet. Unfortunately, I gained a pound over the week. This was not because my diet failed, but that I failed it. In theory, my plan for 600 calories has merit. However, I seem to lack the proper motivation to see it through. Am I capable of practicing any kind of restraint or have the mindset to address my issues?
Facing a Net 600 Calorie Diet
My net 600 calorie diet is based on burning enough calories to “afford” eating throughout the day. Instead of restricting myself to only 600 calories, I can burn more through exercise allowing me to eat additional foods and snacks.
Late Night Snacking
When it comes to caloric intake, I do exceptionally well throughout the day. My breakfasts and lunches are straight forward and balanced. But then after dinner, it seems I fall apart rather quickly.
I get a voracious appetite and don’t think of the consequences of snacking on everything in the kitchen.
I think part of my problem is that I need to keep myself occupied more throughout the night. During the day, I don’t really put much thought into eating because I am working. My clients, blogs and other projects keep me focused.
Another aspect that fuels the munchies is staying up too late. Instead of going to bed at 10pm like I want, I stay up until 11 or 12 and wind up eating an additional 500 calories worth of carbs and sugars.
A lack of sleep also affects a lot of things when it comes to health and fitness. This includes stress, depression, anxiety and blood pressure.
My Goal This Week:
- Keep myself properly focused after work through games or something else interactive.
- Start going to bed at 10pm.
- Perhaps exercise for 20 minutes before bed to unwind?.
Lack of Physical Activity
Another core addition to gain a pound this last week is because I haven’t been as active as I’d like to be. I kind of let the exercise part of the net 600 calorie diet go. In fact, I haven’t reached my step goal in Fitbit consistently for more than a week.
For the most part, I keep getting the “Eh, I don’t want to do it today” attitude. Unfortunately, this also means that I won’t hit my goal of 180 pounds before the end of the year.
Without the physical activity, I simply do not burn enough to compensate for the foods I am eating. This includes the junk I consume late at night. I can’t really expect to lose weight or get into better shape if I don’t really do much to promote it.
My Goal This Week:
- Get back in the habit of 15 minutes of exercise four times per day.
- Start competing on Exercise.com again. Perhaps set a point goal.
- Do more yoga…I’d love to be able to touch my toes.
No Real Accountability
One of the most prevalent problems when trying to be healthier is the lack of accountability. In health and fitness, you are the only driving motivator. It’s not like having a boss over your shoulder making sure you get your work done.
That’s one of the reasons I started this blog and the YouTube channel to begin with. If I have others reading and watching me, perhaps I’ll feel more inclined to do better.
But alas, that hasn’t really done much for my motivation. It’s been a couple of years now and I’ve only lost 60 pounds.
What about getting a personal trainer? Negative. I am the type of person who will laugh at you if you try to tell me how to do something. I am all about self discovery. Unfortunately, I’ve discovered I have crap for will power.
Perhaps I should go back to my original mentality for the YouTube channel. Instead of putting too much stress on what I’ll vlog about, I should go back to my original plan of just being me and using the prospect of viewers to inspire my progress.
My Goal This Week:
- Use YouTube as a platform for my own progress. If no one watches, at least I have a record of my development.
- Start being more active on Instagram and Twitter. Use followers to inspire my own motivation.
Be More “High Energy”
It’s hard to be high energy when you haven’t slept for crap in more than a decade. Of course a lot of that is because I choose to stay up. However, I think it might be beneficial for several reasons.
Positive energy does seem to help many people stay focused on projects. It’ll also help in building a presence on the Internet such as YouTube videos and posts on Twitter.
I’ve dragged ass for so long, I just don’t know if I can maintain high energy.
For instance, I have been up for an hour and a half this morning and I still feel like I just woke up. Maybe that’s because I haven’t showered yet. Maybe that’s why I seem to be so sluggish in the morning? Perhaps I simply wait to long to jump in the shower?
My Goal This Week:
- Hop in the shower first thing in the morning to get the day started.
- Eat breakfast sooner – maybe I am lacking proper proteins in the beginning of the day.
- Blast songs on my computer that inspire me to move.
Putting it All Together
It’s easy finding my weaknesses when it comes to maintaining a 600 calorie diet. Unfortunately, making it happen is going to take a bit of effort. I’ve been lazy for so long that it’s often a chore to remind myself I don’t want to live this way.
As corny as it may sound, maybe I should write the above list down somewhere near my desk so I am reminded of what I want to change?
Let’s Get To It!
Now that I know what my failings were this past week, it’s time to put into practice ways to fix it. Learning how to fix something is only the first step to correcting the problem. Now, I just need to put it into practice. So, let’s get some positive energy and face a new week of 600 calories.
Take it one day at a time and do your best.
About Author
