I thought I could avoid this when we moved to Mexico. I thought being here would effect a permanent change. I didn't think I would have to struggle with this anymore. I was wrong!
The doctor just told me that I am too fat.
What happened? I was doing so well. I even wrote about my progress in the book my wife and I wrote.
When we first moved to Guanajuato, I dropped about 40 pounds. This was exciting beyond my wildest expectations. We moved here without a car and vowed never to get another one. And we haven't. We ended up having to walk everywhere and everyday.
I was in Spanish classes, so I had to walk five days a week to and from classes. In addition, wherever my wife needed to go, I usually would escort her. We both became walking freaks.
I think another reason we walked so much is that we had a tiny apartment that wasn't all that comfortable. So, to keep from being bored and going stir-crazy we got out-a lot. There was also the issue of noise in that neighborhood. The people across from us had two yip-yip, demonically possessed poodles that barked day and night without end. This drove us from the apartment often.
We eventually found a lovely little house in a quiet neighborhood and snatched it. The only thing is that it is far away from anywhere. There is a downside and an upside to this.
Upside: To get to town, on goods days, we walk about thirty minutes to get to the park. We rest there, have a coke, and then proceed to the stores for shopping. Lots and lots of walking is required.
Downside: It is so far from anywhere that we are often tempted to take the bus or just not get out at all. Whereas we were walking 6-7 days a week at the other place, now we barely get our fat butts out of the house 2 or 3 times a week.
Result: Doug gained most of his old weight back and is now "fat, fat the water rat." In addition, my blood sugar is doing things it should not be doing.
Tsk! Tsk!
I admit it. I confess that I have fallen back into my old slovenly Americanized lifestyle of eating too much of the wrong kinds of foods and then not exercising enough.
When I told a gringo friend that my doctor told me I was too fat, he told me to get another doctor. Do you think that would work? Sigh!
So, here is the plan: I have to lose at least 2 kilos, according to my doctor, per month. He said to avoid all the foods and treats I adore and to walk my butt off. (I am convinced that's where most of the weight is located-in my butt.)
He told me to show back up in a month for a weigh-in. That was three weeks ago and I haven't lost one ounce. What am I going to do?
My options:
? Fast for a week.
? Find another doctor.
? Fast and jog for a week.
? Hide out from the doctor and then show up later claiming I lost track of time.
? Throw myself at the doctor's feet and cry for mercy.
? Tell him Weight Watchers only accept women in Mexico (Oh, wait! There is no Weight Watchers here.).
? Go for the office visit and introduce myself as Se?or Fat, fat the water rat."
? Send someone disguised as me who is really skinny.
Seriously, obesity is a serious problem and though I am struggling with this, I am determined to overcome it.
Write me at mexico03expat-guanajuato@yahoo.com and tell me about your struggles with weight. Give me suggestions and maybe I will use them in this column.
Doug Bower is a freelance writer and book author. His most recent writing credits include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Houston Chronicle, and The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Transitions Abroad. He lives with his wife in Guanajuato, Mexico. His new book, Mexican Living: Blogging it from a Third World Country, can be seen at http://www.lulu.com/content/126241
no-contract cleaning service Des Plaines ..It happens every morning when you mosey out of bed,... Read More
Some of you will not like what I'm going to... Read More
If you want to find a way to lose weight... Read More
1. Include in your diet things that contain more water... Read More
I remember back in my senior year of high school... Read More
There are certain eating habits that can make you gain... Read More
You have probably heard the old myth, that you should... Read More
Curb Hunger and Avoid The Costly BingeEveryone's been there -... Read More
Yes, there is more to the Mediterranean than sun, beach... Read More
Cut the Calories, Bring Out the BikiniSummer's almost here and... Read More
Rejuvenation and the Protein Revolution in Your Kitchen?2003 Marilyn DiamondIf... Read More
We have such good weight loss intentions. We emotionally beat... Read More
Stop Weight From Creeping Up By Staying AwareEveryone has small... Read More
If you are committed to the low carb way of... Read More
Stop Being Influenced by Food Ads on TVThere is much... Read More
When most people begin a Weight Loss program or diet... Read More
Even if you're not overweight, you still could have a... Read More
When I decided to lose weight I of course decided... Read More
Are you committed to losing weight and keeping it off?... Read More
Obesity is a disease that affects approximately 60 million people... Read More
Obesity, once seen as akin to laziness and overeating, is... Read More
The following are weight loss tips that you can start... Read More
I'm sure you have pondered this question, for it is... Read More
Have a conversation about gastric bypass surgery with just about... Read More
Have you ever thought, "I just can not seem to... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Lake Forest ..In 1994, I had a RNY surgery. At 350 lbs... Read More
1. Drink plenty of water. Our body needs a lot... Read More
Changing habits is one of the most difficult challanges we... Read More
Weight loss surgery is fast becoming a very popular way... Read More
Lose Weight - Grab A GlassIn childhood, we heard it:... Read More
At the beginning of December, WeightWatchers.com announced the release of... Read More
A question from one of our readers:Dr. Mericle,With respect to... Read More
Obesity, once seen as akin to laziness and overeating, is... Read More
WOW!! Here we are on lesson #10. Hasn't it been... Read More
THE 200 POINT SYSTEMWith so many different diets available, how... Read More
If you are traveling on the path towards wellness you... Read More
When Instant Results Take TimeYesterday I decided to "get back... Read More
The holidays are definitely a special time of year. These... Read More
The term 'thermogenic' refers to a group of drugs or... Read More
There is no need to worry too much if your... Read More
Visualizing and Declarations are today's topics.Visualize what you want as... Read More
Is a weight loss workout routine right for you? Answer... Read More
The weight loss protein debate centers around the effectiveness of... Read More
Are you wondering why you're not losing weight? If you're... Read More
You've heard the popular advice on weight loss diets. Cut... Read More
If you're serious about losing weight and getting fit, you... Read More
We all know that losing weight and improving your overall... Read More
As the holidays approach, a frequent question from my clients... Read More
A fill is nothing to be worried about. The actual... Read More
1. Become aware of what you are eating.Before I started... Read More
Weight Loss |