Now that Christmas is over, your thoughts may be turning to New Years. Many of us choose weight loss, or a healthier lifestyle as New Year's resolutions. These are great things to aspire to, but the problem is that they are pretty vague. Most of want to lose a few pounds, but don't know how. Many of us would like to live a healthier lifestyle, but there is so much conflicting information that again, we don't know how.
I'm going to give you a few tips and some information that has helped me. I have lost 45 lbs this year... 65 lbs since having my son. So while I'm no expert, I do have some advice that works!
OK, food. Isn't yummy food hard to give up? I know for me it is. And it's unrealistic to give ALL the yummy yummy carbs, fats, chocolates and meats up. So don't. Jillian Michaels advises to use a 70/20/10 program. Eat as close to perfectly as you can, 70% of the time. Eat pretty well 20% of the time. And splurge 10% of the time.
But what does eating perfectly mean? There is a lot of information I could give you, but frankly it is confusing and complicated. The sanest way I have found is simple: use 9" plates for your meals. Fill half the plate with vegetables. Fill 1/4 of the plate with lean protein (eggs, chicken, turkey, fish or lean pork). And fill the last 1/4 of your plate with complex carbs, such as 1/2 piece of whole grain bread, brown rice, ect. And then have a whole piece of fruit with your meal as well. THAT'S IT! Don't get confused by Atkins, Raw Foods, or any other diet. Just keep it simple. No one gets fat from too many vegetables or fruits.
Don't waste your time on 100 calorie packs. They are expensive, over processed and your body doesn't recognize it as fuel. If you want to splurge, that 10% of the time, do it right. Get your favorite ice cream, pizza or chips and dip and do it. Then forget about it and get your biscuit outside for a run. Enjoy your treats, don't feel guilty about it. But only do it occasionally!
Working out is the other complicated thing. I see girls at the gym talking on the phone while on the treadmill. I see them on the machines lifting 10 lbs. While it's great that an effort is being made, that kind of effort will not get you fit. At all. You have to sweat! The amount of time you work out isn't as relevant as how sweaty you are after. Basically, if you still look good, you aren't doing it right! PUSH yourself constantly... it's the only way you will continue to lose pounds. Our bodies are AMAZING and can get used to anything pretty quickly. You have to up your intensity every 2 weeks or so to keep seeing results. Taking a break every 6 weeks will give your body time to recharge and reset your metabolism.
There are lots of "couch to 5K" sites on the internet that are a great way to get you started with a workout. There are also lots of great videos using your "on demand" feature on your tv. If you have a gym membership, check out the classes. Talk to the trainers who aren't with a client, they can show you how to use the machines if you don't know how. I hate to say it, but you can't get fit if you don't work out!
Drink 8 oz of water a day for every 10 lbs you weigh.
I truly believe that loving yourself means treating your body right. My hope for all of us women is that we can be the best we can! God has given us each individual, amazing gifts. By being healthy and fit, we can spend less time thinking about what we wish we were, and more time focused on what we know we can do!
Be kind to yourself!
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