Philadelphia Magazine’s Fitness Challenge 2010: Devon Montgomery-Bender

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4

 Ouch! Everything hurts from last night and I went and did more water aerobics this morning. It’s so much harder to do the night after getting worked over by Holly. Now my back is so tight I’m hunched over like an old woman. Very attractive. I met with my nutritionist today. She tried to find some insight into why I eat what I eat. I know why I eat…it’s because I like eating. I like the sensation of having food in my mouth. The different flavors and textures… it’s such a nice sensation that it’s difficult to stop. And you eat so fast because you like it that you don’t realize how much you’ve eaten until it’s too late and you’re really really full. I’ve started drinking more water and eating more fruits and vegetables. I’ve also started eating small meals throughout the day. More fiber seems to be the key but I think we all know the side affects to extra fiber….and I’m sorry but it’s just not lady like. Then again…the fiber keeps you really full so you don’t seem to need to eat more. The key to this seems to be to keep your stomach full or liquids and broths and salads so when you sit down to eat regular food, you don’t eat as much. Also, giving you body time to digest in between bites allows you stomach time to send the signals to your brain that you’re done eating. Seems simple enough…now I just have to see if it works.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5

 Got ready for the snow today. Went to the market with just about everyone else in the city and stocked up on fruit and supplies. Went walking in the afternoon and tried to work up a sweat to ward off the cold. The dog definitely enjoyed it. Looking forward to being snowed in tomorrow.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6

 Snow Day! For some reason I felt it was ok to impose a break from this whole thing today. I feel totally guilty about it but even though the gym was open I felt like it was ok not going. With over a foot of snow outside the front door it felt nice to cozy up on the couch with Fred and watch TV and snuggle. I tried to do an exercise tape but it felt weird doing it in the living room. I think the snow may have sapped my enthusiasm. Ate like a bird all day to enjoy a nice big dinner. That felt nice too. I miss big dinners. I think I just need to get my head on straight and remember why I’m doing this.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7

 Made it to the gym today and did a total of 30 minutes on the rower! It was 10 minutes and then 5 laps around the track, then 5 minutes rowing and 4 laps, etc etc and I felt really amazing about that workout. Holly checked in from Vegas and said she was really proud. I felt so good that Fred and I walked over to the Reading Terminal to go food shopping. We bought lots of yummy fruits and veggies and some fresh fish but it wasn’t all healthy. We went and got a cookie from 4th Street and it was so warm and fresh out of the oven. Fred split I with me so I didn’t feel so bad. And yes I did watch the Super Bowl but without snacking! A victory for me and New Orleans I would say.