Relative Something

It is Saturday and I don’t have any commitments. After a full week of activity that began with cycling last Saturday and Sunday, included three days of soccer, one of floorball, and two days commuting to work on bike, I am worn out. I believe I will allow this to become a day of rest. It being rainy helps make that an easier decision.

All this activity is a concerted effort to return to my former level of sports participation from the hamstring injured and sports-limited person I have been for the previous 8 weeks. I saw an article just the other day that reiterated a point I have already witnessed over and over with regard to the limitations of exercise for losing weight. Being active burns more calories, for sure, and a person is always better off for having exercised, but people are generally inclined to eat what they burn and weight loss doesn’t happen.

When my activity level dropped during the period of weeks after my injury, I gained weight. It was effortless and surprisingly swift. I am a victim of my diet. Decades ago, I adjusted my diet to reduce my intake of butter, salt and condiments. I learned to love potatoes dry. The flavor inherent in them, and the differences between varieties, actually surprised me. I discovered that popcorn has a distinct flavor of corn when not masked with salt and butter. I prefer my vegetables not be buttered. I don’t drink carbonated beverages and choose water for most every occasion. It is not enough.

I have yet to master portion control. I love salty snacks. I am probably addicted to carbohydrates. I love bread in all its shapes and forms. My craving for sweet is probably the strongest urge I experience every day. When I give in to it, there is a cascading desire for further indulgence.

I can exercise everyday, but I won’t lose weight unless I take more steps to improve my diet. Most importantly, to reduce my calorie intake to a level below that which I burn. What actually happens, is that I eat in compensation for the work I’ve done. When I’ve just ridden 40 miles on my bike, I feel that I deserve an ice cream treat.

Any bets on how many calories I will take in today while I’m on break from burning any extra with exercise?