Month: February 2012

One way to measure your success is by your will power.  Have you been able to turn from some of those favorite foods when tempted by them?  Maybe it has became easier for you to turn down that soft drink or sweet tea and opt for water instead when eating out.  If so, good for you!  That means you are moving in the right direction.  Stay focused and keep doing what you are doing.  You are on track for success!

“Out of sight, out of mind”.  This is a motto I use often.  So, why is this is important?  First of all, the best tip is to not have that bad food in the house PERIOD.  But, if you have a spouse that enjoys that not so good food, then sometimes it’s not possible to not have it around.  My suggestion ~ have your spouse hide that item so that you are not tempted by it.  This may sound foolish, but I’ve used this strategy before.  I believe you have to do whatever it takes to succeed!  How do you feel about this tip?  Would this be something that would work for you?  Let’s discuss it in the forums.

Finding a fitness buddy can help make your weight loss journey easier. This person should hold you accountable for nutrition and exercise, be there to support you when you are weak and cheers for you when you succeed.  So what are some perks for finding a fitness buddy?  First of all it makes workouts more fun because you are socializing.  Also it cuts out boredom.  If you’re competitive, you might end up competing against each other (within reason).  Another perk is that you will push each other to workout on days when one of you doesn’t want to.  Workout buddies aren’t essential to fitness but improve the experience.

Spring time is just around the corner and there is no better time to get out and get active.  Walking is a great way to get started – plus it’s free 🙂  If you are very overweight, the thought of strenuous activity may overwhelm you.  It’s ok – start with walking.

So, what are the benefits of walking?  Even though a walk won’t burn many calories, there are many benefits of walking ~

• Higher percentage of body fat burned
• Increased health & fitness
• Boosted energy levels
• Decrease in health risks

Walking is probably the best exercise to start losing permanent weight.  So what’s stopping you?  Grab a friend and get out there!

Yes, I will admit it….I have a cheat day once a week.  BUT – I will say this…it’s not a binge day! Basically what my cheat day means is that I have my weekly weigh in at lunch and then for dinner, I prepare something that my family wants – they love it and so do I!  There is research that suggests that a cheat day can be a good thing.  I found a great article on Dr. Oz – click here to view it.  What do you think about a cheat day?  Does it sabotage you or does it help you in your weight loss journey by giving you a day to look forward to?  Discuss it in our forums.

Happy Valentines Day!

A few years back I made the decision to love myself.  It was one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made.  It benefited me because I began to believe that I was important and that I deserved to lose weight and get healthy.  I always used to say, “I’m a fat person living in a skinny person’s body”.  I would get down on myself because of my weight.  I always compared myself to others.  In this society it’s hard not to focus on our outward appearance.  Once I began to love ME, I found the confidence to finally start my journey.  I begin to realize that it was okay to leave the kids with my husband while I went and worked out.  I’m a giver.  I always have been and probably always will be.  It was tough to “let go of the reigns” so to speak and ask my husband and my mom for help with the kids.  As I began to work out and started to lose weight, I noticed that I became a better wife and mother.  I had more energy for playing with my children.   My husband was so proud of me and it “sparked” our relationship.

So, let me encourage you today – LOVE YOURSELF!!   You absolutely deserve it.

 

 

I would like to challenge you this week to only drink water with your meals.  No sodas (not even diet sodas), or other sugary drinks.  Go ahead and have your morning coffee – but keep it light! 🙂  A daily glass of low fat milk is good too.  Do this and let me know how you feel next week.  Your body will say “THANK YOU”.

If the whole weeks seems to be too much, try for one day.

A tip for you….

As you begin to “meltaway” – be sure to keep one pair of blue jeans.  It’s gonna be awesome for you to see how far you’ve come when you slip those back on in several months if not sooner!

 

Journaling your food intake and exercise can be such a great tool in your weight loss journey.  If you have a smart phone, then you can go into the market and find many food log applications.  When you journal your food you can make sure that you are consuming the correct of amount of calories your body needs.  You can also track how much protein you are consuming, and your water intake.  You can also enter your exercise and the amount.  If you don’t have a smart phone, then hand write it.  Count every bite you put into your mouth.  You will be surprised at how quickly those calories add up.  If you need to know how many calories you should consume, click here to read a prior post on calorie consumption.

Here are two great link about journaling:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/233839-what-are-the-benefits-of-food-journaling/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/262244-daily-food-journal-for-weight-loss/

It is so very important that you keep positive influences around you.  Unfortunately, there are people out there that thrive off of seeing the failures of others.  You may have full support from your family and friends.  If so, that’s great! But for some people, they may have negative influences around them.  This can come from many sides.   Maybe you have a spouse that’s not supportive.  Or, maybe you have that one friend that is so unhappy with how they look and feel, that they don’t want you to shed your excess poundage.  You may receive more temptations when around these type of people.  They may offer you foods that are unhealthy.  They may make negative remarks.  If this brings division between you and this loved one or friend, then it may be time to have a conversation with them.  You must know that there will be those that will become jealous of you as you begin to lose weight.  It’s sad that this has to happen, but it does.

Surround yourself with positive people!  Make some new friends.  I can’t tell you how important it is to have the support of others.  I have found so much support from new friends that I have met at my local gym “The New You”.  Don’t forget about that “jealous” friend.  If you remain humble and stay true to who you are, you may become a positive influence in their life.  They may “jump on the weight loss wagon” with you.

Do you have full support from your friends and family?  Come on over to the forums and let’s discuss it.