Return to the (Frozen) North
It’s been just over 2 weeks since I arrived back in Wisconsin from my month long trip to Argentina. I’m lucky enough to have a brother who is currently living in Buenos Aires. It was his idea (hi Joe!) for me to start this Substack so you can blame him for giving a platform to my mad ravings. I’m planning on writing up a post or two on the trip but so much has already happened since I’ve gotten back I’ll just touch on it briefly here and do a more comprehensive report in the near future.
My time south of the equator gave me a much needed break from the usual scenery and my collection of vices. I’m certainly a creature of habit. My ADHD-riddled brain is always digging for dopamine and I’ll often find myself stuck all day in front of YouTube or whatever my latest gaming obsession is (it’s usually Fire Emblem). Argentina was such a breath of fresh air. Not only was I more focused when I was working, but I got to enjoy my days exploring the bustling city, eating great food and learning about the Argentinian way of life.
It was quite a culture shock arriving back in the US. People feel more stressed here, always in a hurry and more closed off. While leaving Argentina, I was blown away by how friendly the worker at the immigration checkpoint was whereas the one in the US was gruff and didn’t even wait for me to respond to his questions before pushing me along. Despite the change in perspective I’d acquired while overseas I felt it extremely difficult not to just fall into my repetitive, depressive patterns of behavior being back at home. And in fact, that’s basically what I did. I may have brought back my boinas and matés, but within a week I felt like I was back to my old habits.
This really didn’t set well with me though. I’d be damned if I was just going to fall back into all the negative patterns I’d broken free of if only just briefly.
Anyway, since being back I’ve been getting caught up on my doctor’s visits. I had my physical and met with an allergist. I developed asthma in 2020 so that’s been the main thing I’ve needed help with. When I took a breathing test at the allergist she informed me my asthma was ‘uncontrolled’ and I wouldn’t be eligible for allergy shots until it was under control since they’d be too risky for someone in my condition. I got prescribed a bunch of new meds which have been helping a lot with it. I’ve noticed I need my inhaler a lot less, which is good, but I still have a long way to go to getting this under control.
I think that experience was probably the straw that broke the camel’s back in my decision that I’ve got to get in shape. It certainly wasn’t the first issue I’ve had lately. In Patagonia we did some beautiful hikes, but dang were they hard for me. I was huffing and puffing, struggling to make it up the mountains. My companions were no doubt sick of my complaining by the time we reached the top. I found myself lamenting my lack of endurance and my overall sluggishness.
So a week after returning home, I came to the decision without too much fanfare that I’d be going keto. I’ve got some pounds to shed and I’m determined to get it done. Say what you want about keto, but it’s worked for a lot of people and I expect it will for me as well. My first day was 3/21 and I’ve been going strong since then. Day 1 I weighed in at 208lbs, as of Monday and I’m down to 204. Doesn’t mean much yet (probably just water weight) but it’s a start. I set my goal weight on MyFitnessPal as 175 but I probably want to go down to 160. I’ve started intermittent fasting too, only eating between 12-6pm. I plan on routinely posting updates here on my ‘weight loss journey’.
It may sound contradictory, but it’s been liberating having the restrictions. In a way, I’m much more in control of what I’m eating than I was before, because (rather than in spite of) having to keep to <20g net carbs a day. It certainly keeps me eating whole foods and aware of everything I’m putting in my body. So far I’m feeling great and this feels sustainable. I’ve started doing a minute of burpees 3x a day just to keep active, which has helped me structure my day and my routine. I’ve started up my Liber Resh practice again and lined it up with the exercises, it really helps bookend the different parts of the day. One thing I’ve noticed is I’m a bit more productive before I start eating ( or ‘feeding’ as I’ve been calling it) for the day, so I’ve started experimenting with waking up earlier. I rose with the sun today and I guarantee that’s the only reason this post is actually getting written now. We’ll see how well I can keep to that but so far it’s been great.
Next in the pipeline is starting a strength routine. I’ve selected Starting Strength which seems to be an excellent novice program. Since the program uses exclusively barbells, I’ll likely need to switch gyms (Planet Fitness hates them for some reason), and find a lifting group since I’ll need spotters. Seems like I’m finally going to be taking Joe’s advice about getting involved with local interest groups!
In other news, I’m moving soon! At the end of May to be specific. My partner and I found a place we really like on the Isthmus and we’ll be signing the lease today. It’ll be a more-than-welcome change as the current situation of working at my apartment but relaxing and sleeping at my partner’s has been discombobulating to say the least. However tempting it may be however to put off making the changes I need to until that time comes I’m doing my best to do what I can now. Progress isn’t a straight line, but I’m making positive changes and it feels like I’m on the right track.
Spring’s greetings! We’re hoping for some warmer weather soon. Hope all is well wherever you are. More soon!
I like the idea of separating our consumption of food into "feeding" and "eating". Usually when you feed something else, you feed it in a manner that's ideally good, healthy, and/or nutritious (You feed plants and pets food that is nutritious for them). The action of "eating" is more mouth-focused (from the perspective of the mouth versus the "feeding" hand), more about the pleasure of it. Differentiating the two and routinely feeding yourself, then eating when you relax or in celebration, seems like a clever perspective. Glad you got to see some of Patagonia!
Boom! You have lost your Substack virginity. Glad you are feeling good and keeping the spirit of the boina alive!