It isn't easy, being beautiful! It's simple hard work and I mean work, work, work! But, take it slow, one step at a time. Weight did not come overnight, so, it's not going to leave as quickly! Take it slow, bit, by, bit, inch by inch is progress. You've made the first effort, and that is to change. Congratulations! We can do this together.
Two-thirds of Americans are overweight, including myself. Believe me, it took years to put on this weight. Tipping the scale one or two pounds each year adds up, from 125 pounds to a whopping 286 pounds. Let's do our homework. When you do the math, it's easy to see how one got into this kind of predicament. "How did I gain so much weight?" How did I get like this? And who's fault it is? Everybody and everything but yours. Who's kidding who? It is time to take some responsibility and take back the control of your life.
Sure, Burger King, McDonald is going to be there. That's not the point. You can blame it on TV, the Soap Operas, temptations to snacks, chips, candy, sodas to take away problems or ease the pain or struggles in one's life, stress, pressure, you name it. But the number one killer is sitting down, relaxing day after day being immobile. Doing the potato coach thing we love doing along with the remote control, telephone, computer, or other modern-day gadgets which are very convenient in living a sedentary life-style, the big killer!
Yes! I said it! This is the big cause for Americans health issues and weight problems. The key and secret here is moderation. Everything is to be done in moderation or temperant. Over-indulgence is the factor that creates the problem. So that means changes has to be made in ones' lifestyle for growth which is the biggest hurdler.
The first thing to do is to get off the comfy potato spot coach and onto your feet. The motivation here is from thinking - I need to exercise! (Turn the remote off!) 'To feeling - I've got to exercise! (Start Walking) 'To doing - I am exercising! (Action) Wonderful! You've made the first step. (Check with your physician first to see if you're physical able to exercise) Like me, that first step was the hardest thing to do. I knew I had to get back on the program and begin again. The first step is the hardest! 'Taking it one step at a time and living in the moment and enjoying it, not the future. But to live in the present means to stay focus on what you're doing now and that is exercising. That is the secret to survive and continue the progress to move!
I found myself early Monday morning at the Gymn working out at 7:00 am at the hospital facility along with an entire group of people working out vigorously on all types of exercising machines. They were elderly, young, middleage, youth, senior citizens, the motto is "to keeping moving, don't stop, be the best you" at each phase of your life. You are as young as you feel! How exciting! I joined the club. This was my support group and they were working it out! We all had one goal, to keep physical fit and be healthy! Being the healthiest at each phase of one's life is the goal.
What a motivating support group to be a part of. I looked around at the group around me. The music on the PT System had people moving while some diverted their attention to the two giant TV screens with the news or media happenings. We all shared a common denominator and that is to be healthy and keep fit. There were Physical Therapists and Instructors available if you needed help with instructions on using the machinery.
I started out slow on the bike for 10 minutes about 45 mph, then I switched to the treadmill for about 10 minutes building my pace to about 45 mph increasing the speed at a comfortable pace. I broked out into a cold sweat. Next I toned it down by doing leg presses, arm workouts, and body crunches. I worked out for one solid hour. I felt brand new. My skin tingled and glowed inside out. I felt exhilarated, energized, and rejuvenated. My body felt really good. I felt like I could do anything. I wanted to keep this good feeling and exercising was the motivation for being energized!
I left the Gym, drove home, showered, ate breakfast at 9:00 am, granola cereal with milk and strawberries. It was time for me to begin work, being a Writer and Artist meant I had to motivate myself to work and to follow a schedule. To effective loose weight and keeping healthy is to adopt a lifestyle that will encourage that. Eating healthy with a balance diet of fruits, vegetables, (protein) meats, nuts and beans with other healthy choices is essential in maintaining good weight loss and a healthy body.
Work out every day and get plenty of rest between 8 - 9 hours of sleep. Do everything in moderation and keep a journal to be accountable. Plan your meals each day and grocery shop to prepare meals. Eat the largest meals at breakfast and midday or at 3:00 pm before 5:00 pm. This will help the digestive system to rest so that you can get a good night's sleep. Make it a rule to eat an apple, celery or carrot stick as a snack if you get hungry. Eating less before bed time will keep the weight off! Enjoy the choices of your new life and have fun!
