Football Fan's Diet: Election Day—A Great Day to Start Over

Maybe election day in America isn’t the ideal time to kick off a new exercise plan, with all the excitement and distractions surrounding the polls. However, what the heck—exercise and getting fit have been on my mind lately, and I believe it’s important to prioritize my health regardless of the circumstances. I can always carve out some time in between voting and catching up on the news to squeeze in a workout. After all, staying active can help relieve the stress that comes with such a significant day!

So here I am on Season 52 of the Football Fan's Diet, which essentially means I am celebrating my 52nd year of life. So, what does that really mean? Well, it means I have 52 years of health-related experiences and challenges to navigate. Most importantly, I’m focused on rewriting my personal program to achieve optimal health and well-being.

This journey often involves evaluating my dietary habits, exercise routines, and mental health practices to ensure I'm making choices that support my longevity and vitality. However, this year has been particularly challenging. I've encountered unexpected hurdles that have tested my resolve, including changes in my routine and the need to adapt my strategies. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to my goal, understanding that each season brings new opportunities for growth and improvement.

First, my father passed away, and it was a profound loss that shook my world. I won't delve into all the emotions that came with it, but experiencing the death of a loved one can truly heighten your awareness of your own mortality. It serves as a stark reminder of how fragile life is and underscores the importance of prioritizing our health and well-being. This realization has prompted me to reflect on my own lifestyle choices and the need to live life to the fullest. So, there is that. Now, as my focus shifts...

As my football franchise currently stands—keep in mind that the Football Fan's Diet uses the metaphor of football to promote optimal health—I find myself in a situation akin to Steelers Coach Tomlin, where I'm not losing, but I'm also not winning playoff games. Essentially, I’m playing .500 football. While I haven't gained any weight, I haven't lost any either, and it's clear that I need to shed more pounds. There’s no denying that.

And that's where the beauty of this program comes in. The Football Fan's Diet is not about quick fixes or crash diets. It's about creating sustainable habits and making small, consistent changes over time. This approach allows for flexibility and adaptability, which is crucial when facing unexpected challenges.

So, how am I going to get back on track? First, I'm going to reevaluate my current exercise routine and make adjustments as needed. Maybe it's time to mix things up with a new workout class or incorporate more outdoor activities into my schedule. Second, I'm going to take a closer look at my diet and make sure I'm fueling my body with nutritious foods that support my goals. 

Then, I need to get some more talent on board in my personal health franchise. I need to develop better habits. I need to up my nutrition game. So this is where I am ushering in The Black N' Gold playbook. This is my plan to achieve health. 

Here is what the Black N' Gold playbook looks like. Essentially, I will have a primary Daily Gameday Objective - DGO - of completing a day on the Warrior Diet. Do you know what the Warrior Diet is? Well it was a book written by Ori Hofmekler. Essentially, the Warrior Diet is a type of intermittent fasting where one fasts during the day and feasts at night. This approach aligns with my personal preferences and allows me to still enjoy large meals with my family in the evenings.

In addition to my DGO, I will also have secondary objectives or "plays" that support my overall goal of achieving optimal health. These plays include incorporating strength training 3-4 times per week, implementing mindful eating practices, increasing water intake, and prioritizing self-care activities such as meditation and journaling.

When I met the Black N' Gold DGO, I will award myself a touchdown. When I fail to do that, I will award my alter ego a touchdown. It's that simple. 

But it's not just about following a set playbook. It's also about being aware of audibles or changes that may need to be made based on my current circumstances. This could mean adjusting my DGO or plays to accommodate a busy work schedule or a sudden illness. It's about being adaptable and finding ways to incorporate healthy habits into my daily routine, no matter what challenges may arise.

Overall, the Football Fan's Diet is more than just a diet - it's a lifestyle that promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And while election day may not be the most ideal time to kick off a new exercise plan, it serves as a reminder that our health should always remain a top priority, even during uncertain times. So let's lace up our sneakers and get ready to tackle our health goals head on with a new resolve to not only do what's best for our country by voting—I am not getting into that—but what's best for our health. 

Now let's go. Ready. Set. Break.