I recently shared in a previous post how I'd put on some "poundage" over the past twenty years since being with my husband.
I finally decided to set a goal and do something about it.
I've lost 14 pounds so far...and I'm pretty happy about it!
Hello 125 lbs!
Hello size 6!
Hello two inches off the waist and hips!
Yet when I've share my success with friends and family, I get the same response many times...
"So, how did you do it?"
Well...
When I share with them that I've decided to make a "lifestyle change" and that it happened through discipline...they blow me off and tend to ignore me or walk away.
So many people want a magic diet pill, a special shake, some special "plan".
For long-term weight-control and a healthy lifestyle, there is NO MAGIC.
It's called DISCIPLINE.
I have been keeping a food journal, counting calories and watching my portions, and exercising daily.
And that's NOT what people want to hear.
They want the magic.
Well, you can go "the magical route"...but it won't last long term.
And it's not healthy.
Comitting to a healthy lifestyle is a way of life.
Your body craves certain foods, it needs to be active.
Sure, you can lose weight sitting on your butt, being sedentary and taking a pill or drinking a shake...but that isn't healthy long term.
God tells us in the Bible that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
We only get one, so we need to take care of it.
I am by no means saying I've turned into a Dr. Oz or Jillian Michaels...I am no "vision of perfection" when it comes to diet/exercise.
What has helped me the most was joining My Fitness Pal.
It is a free app where you can journal your food, record your exercise, make friends, and have a large support network of friends working toward the same goal.
Even once I hit my goal, I will probably always use this app to remain faithful to my goal.
You can check it out at :
www.myfitnesspal.com
www.myfitnesspal.com
I am not "hard core" either. If our family goes out to eat on the weekend, my husband and I will split a meal. When we order pizza, we'll get thin crust (WAY less calories). And I limit my portions.
The biggest thing I've learned too, is that when you step back and take a break from what you're eating, you realize that you're full. For years, I always kept eating just because it tasted good.
Anymore, I just can't do that. Even when I have a "splurge meal", I can only eat so much, or I start feeling overly full and "icky".
The comittment to exercise was really hard for me.
Exercise and I have NEVER meshed well.
I've always despised it.
But I MADE myself stick with it.
I hop on my treadmill every night with my iPod and get some good exercise tunes goin' and have a certain goal I like to meet.
I found the best quote on Pinterest the other day.
It says:
"Your legs are not giving out...Your head is giving up...Keep going!"
That gets pinned right above my treadmill while I'm puttin' in my 30 minutes!
I have also comitted to my Fitness Ball.
I've never been able to do crunches on the floor due to the back/shoulder issues I have.
But with my ball, I have been able to crank out at least 200 a day if not more.
So...
With all that being said...
I guess my biggest thing here is...
If "I" can do this...ANYONE can do it.
Diets used to make me ORNERY.
Exercise ticked me off.
But you CAN do it.
Your body will thank-you.
I have so much more energy, stamina, and strength.
And if you want those potato chips...HAVE SOME!
But put some in a bowl...don't eat from the bag!
If you want that piece of cake...EAT IT!
But cut it in half!
Nothing should ever be forbidden.
Everything in moderation and you WILL DEFINITELY succeed!
Because remember, there are NO MAGIC POTIONS for a long-term healthy lifestyle!
