Don't give up before you even begin!

What are you waiting for? Don't read this with a puzzling look you know exactly what I'm talking about! Don't shoot down your goals before you even list them! I've heard excuse after excuse as to why people don't make a healthy lifestyle change. First stop and think about your excuse! Is it kids? Nope that a REASON not an excuse if you don't take care of you who is going to take care of them? Is is time? Nope the are 24 hours in a day that's a long time! If you have to get up an hour earlier or go to bed an hour later so be it, dedicate time to exercise and stick to it no matter what! Is it work, work hours, social activities, finances? Nope, nope, nope and nope! I'm not buying it. Work for most is generally set hours if you make your own schedule then I really don't wanna hear it, if you feel you need to socialize, enlist some friends to exercise with you, you can yap all through it and it will get your heart rate up even higher! Gym memberships costs too much or organic produce is expensive? If your finances are tight you are like most people but there are tons of exercises and work outs you can do that don't require anything but a good pair of athletic shoes all free free free! Oh yeah did I say free? And if you are like 99.99% of Americans you have the internet at your finger tips and can google just about anything for tips on exercising without equipment or fancy gyms. Also in the long run you will find that buying healthier food is cheaper than prepackaged processed food. Make a commitment to yourself with no excuses no finger pointing. Get some Nike's and JUST DO IT!

Mind Over Body

Im determined to add posts more often, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day but here I am writing my random thoughts. So I was thinking about the mind-body coralation and how we often make deals with ourselves when it comes to weight loss or try to convince ourselves we are on track when we aren't. If you aren't ready to make a lifestyle change you will not be successful in your weight loss journey. Sure you may lose weight for an event or vacation but it will pile back on the minute you go back to your old habits. Prepare yourself mentally and everything else will fall into place. Be realistic with what you want to achieve and take it a day at a time. Encourage yourself at every turn and dont let minor setbacks derail you. The weight loss journey can be filled with a range of emotions especially if food is an emotional outlet for you. Seek alternatives to fill the space that you were filling with food at happy or sad times. As I've said before celebrations are often filled with food and not the light and healthy kind. Also prepare yourself mentally to be one step ahead of the game whenever you know you will be in a social setting where you may be tempted! Especially in a buffet setting! Scan what your food choices are and don't feel rushed to fill your plate just because others are waiting! Screw them! They can wait trust me no one is going to pass out from hunger. Grab the appetizer size plate not the dinner plate and look for fresh fruit and fresh veggies, lean protein and bypass the doorstop dinner rolls, avoid anything that looks like it came out of a can. If you can have a glass of water before you even go to get some food and pop a piece of gum in your mouth it works wonders for keeping away cravings. Also scan the room look for the people who are spilling out of their chairs and whose buttons look like they could popped at any moment creating a severe eye injury for someone then look to see what they have on their plate and don't get any of it. Yeah may sound a little harsh to some but again it's a mind game and you are your biggest obstacle in the battle to keep your body lean and healthy! Bon appettit!