Week in Review

Hey bloggers! I wanted to give you some updates in my step by step approach that I wrote about in last week’s blog post. Wow, what a week. I want to first say how much I have missed eating healthy and getting back on the treadmill. As I mentioned before I have done Weight Watchers several times in the past, and with good results. I had lost about 73LBS before on the program, and really loved it. After finding my husband, and gaining some of what I would like to call "Happy Weight" back, I’m ready for more. I first want to give you some motivational tips that I have come to realize over the years, and also recently.

1. You will never feel better than if you just start. And by start I mean start slow. Martha from Simply Nourished Living, really hit the nail on the head when she wrote the "Step by Step" Program. You can tell that Martha has been a seasonal vet when it comes to eating right through the Weight Watchers Diet. Like Weight Watchers these steps mirror a lot of where WW would want you to start. You can even start with something as simple as tracking or water intake, or even just writing down what you eat so that you can see what you consume in a day, and let me tell you, it can be shocking. The first time I tracked what I ate there weren’t a lot of veggies, maybe some fruit, and very little water. So, if you’re looking for something smaller in steps I would recommend tracking what you’re really eating and drinking now without making any changes at first. Pick something you want to change, for instance eating a serving of fruit, and a serving of veggies a day. Or Swapping out your soda, for 2 more glasses of water a day.

2. Be real with yourself, don’t bully yourself. When I begin to see the weight on my scale go up, I kind of freak, feel bad about myself, and start to pity myself. I then go through the long process of naming just about everything that has prevented me from doing better for my body, and then blame myself some more. Yes, it’s a wonderful loathing dance, of self-pity, and then in final acceptance. DONT GO DOWN THIS ROAD! I REPEAT DONT GO DOWN THIS ROAD..... lol it’s not good and it won’t get you anywhere. What I really think you should do is write down all the things you would love to accomplish with your weight, yourself, and in general some healthy habits. Remember baby steps.. Try to be realistic in some of the ones you are getting rid of. For instance, getting rid of chocolate forever is not going to make you thin, that’s not realistic. I always snag an 80% organic chocolate bar, and when I’m feeling a craving, I break off a square and enjoy it. I wouldn’t recommend keeping this stuff around when you first start, because you might eat the whole bar, but in time allow yourself to have something sweet. aka be realistic with yourself. If you feel like you’re eating too much, try literally putting half of what you would normally eat on your plate, and grab a big glass of water with dinner. You might surprise yourself at how full you actually get. Wait 20 minutes, yes the whole 20, and if you’re not satisfied, then get a scoop more.

3. Portion control really is your friend. Smaller, not small, portions are key. Your portions should be the size of the palm of your hand. Meaning the inside palm of your hand is the proper portion for you. I keep a sign up in my kitchen that reminds me to grab a healthy portion, not and eye portion. If all else fails, read the protion size on the back of the package. Fruits and Veggies are only half cup per serving, meat usually 4-6oz. Smaller portions will not only help how much you consume, but will make it easier for you to digest. You should never make yourself feel full to the point where you feel bloated, or lazy in the evening. I have done this many times and it really put a hinder on my evening.

4. Balance your Plate. You can find awesome tips on balancing your plate on Choose My Plate. This website is great for those who have diabetes, hypoglycemia, or really just don’t know how to balance your plate. This is like a WW approach, to knowing what portions to eat every day to stay healthy. In my personal opinion, this is the most effective way to control what you eat and how much. Its helped me through so many situations on WW, and will even help you write your own recipes.

5. Get Moving. Getting moving has always been a challenge for me. Back in the days when I worked at subway, ate veggies all day, and walked for 12 hr. shifts, weight was flying off. But when that job was over it was a challenge for me to get moving as much. I want you to know that you don’t need a ton of special equipment, or become awesome at yoga. Personally I hate laying on the floor and working out, but I found effective and awesome ways to rid this and have fun. Walking really is your best friend. It burns the calories your body is saving up for later and really gets you into good physical condition. Over the years I have tried sooo many things. Yoga, Boxing, Walking, Running, Pilates, and sooo many more. But I really fell in love with Walking, and Pilates. I love Pilates because I looove my Exercise Ball, sitting on it even at my desk as a chair is so relaxing. I recommend BOOK. I looooovvee this book, and it’s probably one of the best things I have bought at Barnes and Noble. Exercise balls at super cheap, and really effective in strength training.

Walking is another favorite of mine. Evening walks in the summer, when its cool out is some of the best times to not only be alone, with someone you love, or even with some supportive friends. It’s the best exercise you could really get. If you’re lucky to have a tread mill, like me, you can start each morning with your beautiful treadmill, coffee, and a hot shower.

More than anything, just start now.

Last week’s steps for me were a bit faster. I scheduled this past week with portion control and lighter healthier portions. Starting small is really the key to long term success. So, remembering all the keys that stick with me during WW, I switched up all my food on my grocery list. Picking lighter versions of all your favorite foods is a great way to start, and one I have always gone for first. This also prepares me for portion control.

This week followed with starting the treadmill, and a little Pilates. Man, I missed the feeling of my body loving me, from giving it a good workout.

The bottom line is, just start. There really is no day like today.

Come back and watch my progress!

Thanks!

Kristine

#weightloss #getintoshape #juststart