In the beginning...

As the year 2009 comes to a close, I realize there are a number of changes I wish to make in my life. Despite popular opinion, living a healthy life is about much more than losing weight or obtaining a six-pack. Admittedly, that is a great bonus!

Reflecting on my past behaviour, I see how it has negatively affected my present health. Planning on a career that can be highly satisfying, yet has a potential for high levels of stress, I find it necessary to make these changes now! Being challenged in class and by friends about my lifestyle, I have noted a few bad habits I have had in my life.

• Not getting enough sleep. More than most people I should know about the horrible repercussions of such activity. As a tenth grader, I was rushed to the emergency room due to my immune system breaking down. I got an infection (which the ER doctor kept saying was the result of an STD -- idiot doctor) in my knee. After a week of hobbling around like an old man, I should have learned. Thank God for his grace that has kept me.

• Eating junk food when I'm running low on time or just plain old tired. Looking back at the past number of months, I think I wouldn't have put on the bad weight I have if I had not eaten so much junk food. I've been through this before and I know better by now. Taking some extra time to prep my food each week may be worth it.

• Always running in high gear. I must admit I live life in high speed and have a hard time stopping to simply relax. When I came home for Christmas, I did the least amount I have done in a LONG time. There were a number of days at which I did nothing school or work related. It was nice. There was some time where I didn't really know what to do with my time and I still struggle with that, but I hope to work my way through this process and learn to relax a bit.

Given this desire to change some long-term practices, I hope to begin the process of preparing myself for this endeavour and officially beginning on January 1, 2010. I will follow the plan presented in The Abs Diet by David Zinczenko. Over the six-week period prescribed in the book, I will record my experience through this journey, including any changes my body undergoes. If anyone out there wants to help hold me accountable during this period, please feel free to do do so.