Both regular exercise and eating right feel really good. What is it, then, that has me dragging my feet when it comes time for the daily walk or exercise class? What attracts me to junky food, like a moth to the flame? What, pray tell, is that lethargy, thick as maple syrup, that sticks me to my bed in the morning when I really need to get up and work my legs?
I wish I had the answers—if I did I’d be rich! Instead, all I can humanly do at this point in my life is to examine the role inertia has played in my health-related activities. I have noticed that both eating outside my “plan” and hanging out when I should be moving my body will trigger the response that I don’t want: more of those behaviors. Conversely, eating well and moving often encourage more of those behaviors. However, the energy that gathers around the “bad” health behaviors gains momentum and power much more quickly than the impulse to be healthy. Although I can’t explain it adequately, it is this asymmetry that should be cause for concern.
As you know, we are building a book that should be a good resource for people who, like us, want to stay fit all of our lives. One thing we have noticed is that people tend to “fall off the wagon” after losing pounds, returning to their original weight, often in record time. This eventuality is stated as a given in most of our resources. Could bone-deep inertia be the cause? If so, what can we do about it?
Understanding and guarding against the gradual (and not inevitable) slide back into bad habits is a great start. For me, just recognizing my impulse to nibble mindlessly or sit endlessly prompts me to check those behaviors. Good habits need to be constantly reinforced. Even five years into my journey, I find that inertia can stick me to almost any surface!
Stop Losing and Win 