Low-carb, high protein, low salt, low sugar, low taste, high boredom.

Do any of this diets actually work?

I've been trying to get on some sort of fitness routine for a little over a month now. I've been working out somewhat consistently, but I can't seem to give up the food I enjoy -- and I don't know if I want to.

Joining the gym was a feat in itself. I prefer to run outside, not on a stationary belt where I can see the minutes painstakingly tick by. If the weather's nice, I take advantage of Austin's beautiful trails.

But Minnesota weather is not always conducive to outdoor activities. It was either join the gym or sit on my couch in front of the TV.

The gym can be a little intimidating. Everyone else seems to be so much more physically fit than I am. I tried the elliptical machine a few weeks ago. I looked like I was going in slow motion next to the guy pumping along next to me. As I gave up after 20 minutes -- breathless and sore -- he was nearing 40 minutes on the thing.

How did I get to this point? In high school I was somewhat fit. Say what you will about marching band, but marching 5-mile parades in polyester uniforms in 90 degree heat isn't exactly a cake walk.

I was never good at sports, but marching band managed to keep me from joining the couch potato crew too often.

Even if my college schedule didn't allow me too much time for exercise, at least I had to walk everywhere. I didn't have a car until senior year so I walked to classes, work, friends houses. I didn't realize how much good that did until I started a full-time job.

For most of the day, I'm at my computer. When I go out on assignments, I sit in my car and drive to sit in someone's office.

And somehow in this last year, that routine caught up with me. I'm not overweight -- just not where I used to be and I'm having a hard time accepting it.

So working out is going pretty well, but the whole food thing is a challenge.

Apparently, we're not supposed to eat as many carbohydrates anymore. Bread and pasta are huge favorites of mine. I really don't think I could give them up cold turkey.

And speaking of turkey, with the low carb diet, you're supposed to eat more meat. I can go days without eating beef of any kind. It's just not very appealing to me. Sure steak is good, but I get more excited about the dinner rolls when I eat out.

I'm trying to eat more fruits and vegetables, but I much prefer veggies in things like pastas, cheese or salad dressing. So that doesn't really help the cause.

And I won't even go into how much I love chocolate.

Before you think I'm a total pig huffing and puffing on the treadmill, I don't chow down on this stuff all at once or anything. But "experts" say you can't go on a diet. That if you decide to cut back or cut out some foods, you shouldn't go back. Otherwise, the weight will come back.

Last week I freaked out about eating pizza because I didn't have time for a run that day. One of my best friends lives her life like this. She eats a little bit of something enjoyable and decides she needs to pop in a workout video. Balancing her diet and exercise is all she seems to think about.

When I realized I was thinking like that, I took a few steps back.

Sure, I'll go running today, but if I want pasta for dinner, I'll have pasta.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at :mailto:cari.quam@austindailyherald.com