Many experts and wannabes think they know all the answers. They say cut fat, count calories, count your steps, time your aerobics, clear your mind... Who are they? Do they know my body, or my lifestyle? I am here to tell you that it doesn't matter how good the advice sounds, it matters what you do with it.
Three years ago, I weighed over 220 pounds, wore a tight size 20/XL, and thought I was stuck there for life. I also suffered severe chronic back pain, and recently gave birth to my fourth child. Regular exercise was not a plausible option for me. In addition, convenience took precedence over healthy eating.
I now weigh around 170, wear a comfortable 16/L, and feel good about myself. Isn't that what you want when you talk about being fit, feeling good? I know this does not sound like a get slim quick answer; yes, it has taken me a while, and I still have more to lose. Nevertheless, I've lost 50 pounds so I must be doing something right. So here it is, 10 simple things you can add, adjust, or implement in your life.
- Stop beating yourself up. The more you talk negative to yourself, or aloud to others, the more your mind believes it. Negative self-talk is your worst enemy. Replace these thoughts and words with self affirmations. Start talking good about and to yourself.
- Stay away from scales. Each time you step on the scale and see that you've lost a pound or two, you tend to feel comfortable. This can lead to "cheating" on your routines. Another downfall of the scale is stepping up there, and seeing that you've gained a pound or two. You feel like you are getting nowhere. We all know that muscle weighs more than fat, so as you trim down and begin to "get fit" you will gain weight, as well as lose size. Bottom line, scales lie so don't depend on them to make you feel like you're on the right track.
- Get rid of your "fat" clothes. Holding on to your baggy jeans only sends the message to yourself that you'll always need them. Get creative and find an alternative for those bloated days. I personally love my yoga pants. They look good on me, and feel comfortable when I need them. I also bought a couple outfits to work my way into. I found some cute things that I knew would look good, and looked at them often. This gave me a goal to work towards.
- Live in moderation. I'm not saying weigh your meat or count your calories, but learn when enough is enough. This goes for your diet as well as your lifestyle. Take everything in moderation: TV time, sugar, exercise, fat, stress, carbohydrates, and responsibilities. Don't take on more than you can handle. And don't eat more than you need. I used my kids' plates as an example for my own. And I learned how to say "no".
- Put your vaccum in the closet. I know this sounds funny, but I'm serious. Over the last 6-8 months I have been sweeping my floors instead of vacuuming them. In the winter, pick up a shovel instead of the snow-blower.
- Get down. Play with your kids at their level. Squatting is one of the best moves you can make for your legs and backside. Getting down on their level makes this exercise fun. If you don't have kids of your own, babysit for a couple hours for a friend or volunteer at your church.
- Get out for yourself. Do something you love for a couple hours a month. This will help you stay connected to the "you" inside, as well as let go of the stress that builds up over time.
- Clean with a purpose. Turn on your favorite tunes, and get busy. Don't mope around the house picking things up and wiping things down. Move, dance, bounce to the music. You'll not only raise your heart rate (burning those unwanted calories) you'll also get your chores completed in less time than normal.
- Put down the energy drink. They are loaded with sugars, carbs, and other things which really aren't good for your body. Pick up a multivitamin instead. These take longer to get into your system and start working, but over all they are better for you, and will help you maintain your fitness.
- Don't be afraid of fat free. The low fat, reduced fat, or diet foods and drinks usually don't taste good, which leads you to indulge on things with flavor. However, the fat free versions are usually made with substitutes and have more flavor. I replaced my milk, cheeses, creamers, whipped cream, and soups with fat free versions, and haven't looked back since.
Just remember, this article isn't going to make you look or feel any different. It's what you chose to do with it. Good luck.
