I need to be honest with you about something, I hate when people have weight loss success and I don't. Really, it drives me crazy. I don't think it's entirely a jealousy issue. I think it's a combination of my highly competitive nature and my aggravation at getting to this point (number) on the scale. I just can't seem to get ahead.
I know from past experience and from the advice of my more successful weight loss friends that it's all about a lifestyle change. I'm thinking perhaps this is where I am going astray. I mentioned this before, so I'll spare you the details - I'm an all or nothing kinda gal. So instead of trying to be the poster girl for Fitness Magazine, I think the I should just try to work in a run every day. It's not drastic, but it fits into my lifestyle as busy working mom.
Maybe once I master the run, I can incorporate weights, abs and other total body training. Of course giving up one dish meals isn't an option since it's part of my lifestyle. However, I am learning to use ground turkey instead of beef. I am substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt, using low fat cheese rather than alternative, eating crackers instead of chips, and a whole slew of other small things.
Also, being more realistic about my goals would be beneficial. Instead of the 40lbs I would like to lose, I'll work on being happy with the 20 that should be more doable to lose. I know this is about the gazillionth time I've started a journey, but this time I'm arm with some pre-purchased rewards..
5 lbs: Pedicure
10 lbs: Massage
15 lbs: New Clothes
20 lbs: Weekend With Hubby
I think the biggest lifestyle chaning is accepting that my life has changed....does that make since? I can no longer spend 2 hours at the gym every day. I work full-time, I run a household, I mother a toddler, I serve a husband. I should (and need) to do things for myself, but moderation is the spice of life.
One day I'll be at a point in my life where I can spend to hours at the gym again. Until that happens, I have to do the best I can, changes what I'm able, and accept everything else.
Well...I've been on the same journey. My goal is 40 lbs by the end of the year. That will get me to my high school weight. Dreaming? Perhaps. But with 11 lbs down since the beginning of the year, I'm pretty optimistic. Some things I have learned during my journey: 1)working out is good, but eating right is the key. I have gone from eating way to much red meat, to eating it once a week. With a husband that LOVES meat and has no need to diet, I thought it would be hard to do this. Surprisingly it wasn't. When I throw pork on for the guys, I put on a piece of fish or chicken for me. 2)Depriving myself sets me up for failure. If I tell myself I can NEVER have chocolate, cake, or even mashed potatoes I will get very discouraged. So every once in a while I treat myself. It keeps me on track and makes me not want to eat everything in sight. I also got off of ALL caffiene. Cold Turkey. Wow...that was rough. But I did it....and now...if I DO treat myself to a Dr. Pepper, I know it has to be before lunch, otherwise I will be awake half the night. 3)Working out doesn't have to be traditional. I get very little alone time, and being on a budget we don't go to a gym. So that leaves me with what? Well, sometimes it is just a walk around the block with Hunter. Sometimes it is a jog around the block while he rides his bike....here lately it has been a SPRINT around the block because we just took the training wheels off the bike and I have to keep up in case he "forgets" how to use the brakes. Sometimes we lift weights in the garage. He "lifts" a broomhandle in between my lifting. Sometimes we just go to the ball field and play baseball or football or whatever. It is easier to get some kind of activity in knowing that I am also wearing the kid out and knowing he will sleep better that night. And we are doing something he loves and spending quality time together. Everyone wins :)
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