I am looking to begin swimming again. I would also like to compete. There is a group near me with times I can go, I just need to get in there. I swam competively for 3 years in HS, and haven't since. I also taught swimming lessons, and lifeguarded for 4 years. My HS swimming was cut short by a pregnancy in the beginning of my senior year, or I probably would have swam at college as well... I used to be pretty good, and really enjoyed all aspects of swimming. Any tips for a "newbie"? TIA!
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Former Member
My attitude towards pizza, beer, fast food, and other allegedly "unhealthy" foods is this: you should enjoy all of the things you like, as long as you control the quantity. Complete deprivation requires will power, and it can backfire (by leading to a binge); it is hard to sustain for a lifetime. However, it is possible to get into the habit of treating yourself to small portions: that way, you don't feel deprived and you can stay within healthful boundaries. The greatest enjoyment of a decadent treat comes from the first few bites.
All this can be accomplished more effectively if you get in the habit of reading food labels and counting calories as you go through the day. (After a while, it becomes almost effortless.) In return for the investment of arithmetical effort, you get a feeling of control and confidence.
My attitude towards pizza, beer, fast food, and other allegedly "unhealthy" foods is this: you should enjoy all of the things you like, as long as you control the quantity. Complete deprivation requires will power, and it can backfire (by leading to a binge); it is hard to sustain for a lifetime. However, it is possible to get into the habit of treating yourself to small portions: that way, you don't feel deprived and you can stay within healthful boundaries. The greatest enjoyment of a decadent treat comes from the first few bites.
All this can be accomplished more effectively if you get in the habit of reading food labels and counting calories as you go through the day. (After a while, it becomes almost effortless.) In return for the investment of arithmetical effort, you get a feeling of control and confidence.
