Six months ago I quit smoking and now my pants don’t fit. I thought it was just that thing that happens after you wash your jeans, but everything is tighter. I didn’t see it coming but I guess it’s true what they say about your metabolism slowing down after you quit tobacco.
Getting older, living my non-smoking lifestyle, and realizing the effect quarantine had on my body has encouraged me to be more conscious of how much processed food I eat and how much exercise I get.
I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted and as much as I wanted with no consequences. Anyone who has seen me eat knows that I have a great appetite, I can really pack it away. I still can, and do. I love to eat, I love food. But after I couldn’t zip up my vintage Levis, I decided to make some changes. What were once my everyday takeout orders have become an extremely occasional thing. Most meals I cook at home now, and I’m eating a lot more salads. In April I started doing aerobics at home, thanks to all the fitness influencers out there who upload workout routines on Youtube.
I supplemented my home aerobics with daily long walks, climbing the big hill in my neighborhood and then running through the bougie neighborhood at the top of the hill. My ankles and knees didn’t like running on pavement though, so I joined a gym a few weeks ago and have replaced my climb with elliptical and treadmill sessions five or six times a week. Using those machines at the gym has the added benefit of giving me time to read, so I’ve been reading a lot more novels. I genuinely look forward to working out.
It’s kind of amazing, just all the healthy changes I’ve made. I quit drinking nearly six years ago. Six months ago I quit smoking. Now I’m developing a fitness routine.
I don’t care about losing weight, like at all. I don’t want to be skinny or to be restrictive, I want to be happy and I want to be healthy. I want to feel strong. I want my muscles back! It would be nice to be able to fit into my jeans again, but like Paul Corman-Roberts said I can always buy new jeans. I have energy and I feel beautiful. My skin glows. My thoughts aren’t plagued by wondering when I’ll get my next chance to smoke, which is something I would spend a lot of time thinking about before I quit.
I’m so glad I quit smoking. I feel like I take myself way more seriously now. It’s a good feeling.
If you are thinking about starting a fitness routine and want to chat about it, please hit me up! I’m no expert by any means, but I’m happy to share the resources I’ve found helpful. There are a lot of great (and free!) workout videos out there. If you have any recommendations for me, I’d also love to hear them.
HIIT training is better for cardio than running or cycling
Congrats Alexandra. Here's hoping you conquer your vice as I conquer mine.