It Is a Lifestyle Change...

Having been through this struggle before of trying to lose weight, be healthy and fit; I have tried it all. I have taken Adipex, tried the Lemonade Diet, Advocare 21 Day Challenge, Military Diet, etc. What all  three of these have in common is they are a quick fix or jump start, in my opinion. If that is what you are looking for that's cool. If you are looking for a lifestyle change you need more than that.  Don't get me wrong I am not knocking any of these; however, they did not work for me when it came to long term results. A few years ago I lost 53 pounds in a decent amount of time. That weight came off by exercising and eating a proper "diet." I taught myself healthy eating habits and had an exercise plan that was achievable on a daily basis. Life happens, no matter who you are or what you do and no one's life is perfect. I had a major event take place in my life, which caused me to quit all together no working out or eating healthy. I just went cold turkey. It was one of the worst mistakes I have ever made. Now, I am back and able to share what I know. It worked for me and it may work for you as well. If something major happens and you really are not able to workout or eat properly try at least to do one or the other don't give up on both.

While on this journey you have to make changes that you can live with for the rest of your life. Crash diets will not benefit you in the long run. Of course you may lose the weight quickly, but it was not done properly; therefore, it will eventually come back. Learning healthy habits is the best way to go for long term.

In my journey, I have learned there are 5 healthy habits that if you apply correctly you can be successful in your journey. Keep in mind this worked for me and hopefully it can work for you and if it doesn't find what does.

1. Meal planning and preparation.- This is #1!!! If you do not plan your meals and prepare them on a weekly basis you many catch yourself making unhealthy choices because they were convenient . Make a grocery list, go shopping on Sunday, and prepare your food for the entire week. And I mean everything. Have all your snacks on hand. Think about any appointments you may have for that week and prepare accordingly. If you know you are going out after work pack you dinner accordingly. Do not set yourself up for failure.

2. Pay attention to your body.- You know your body better than anyone else. Pay attention to your workout and how your body is responding. Make sure what you are doing is making positive results. However, you have to make sure you are doing what you  are suppose to be doing. You can't expect to lose 3 pounds in one week if you are not eating properly and exercising. You get what you put out. Keep that in mind as well.

3. No excuses.- We all have 24 hours in a day what you do with your time is your choice. It may not be best for you to work out after you get off work. You may be tired or have to cook dinner for your family. We have to make sacrifices. I am not a morning person; however, I feel it's best to work out in the morning. It wakes me up, sets the tone for my day, and I get it out the way early. There is always time to work out. If you have to be at work at 7 you may have to wake up a hour earlier than usual to workout. A gym is not always necessary. That was one of my #1 excuses; I can't make it to the gym. Working out does not always have to be formal or in a formal setting. You can dance to several of your favorite songs, buy a few $5 work out videos from Walmart, or the steps in your house. You can also go for a walk in your neighborhood. There are never any excuses when it comes to getting your workout in.

4. There is no such thing as cheating.- Please keep this in mind while making your lifestyle change "THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS CHEATING." This is a journey that you will embark on for the remainder of your life. I hear it all the time... I cheated on my diet, Sunday is my cheat day, I'm just going to eat whatever for dinner because I cheated at lunch. "Cheated" is such a bad word and should not be used when you are making a lifestyle change. Again, no one is perfect but we all can strive to be. If you have a hiccup just keep going and continue to make better choices. The fact will remain you are eating better than what you were before so keep striving to be better.

5. Be consistent.- Everything begins and ends with consistency. In order to see results and results that last you have to be consistent. You can't workout once a week for 2-3 weeks and only eat right some of time and expect to have lasting results. We all just want results that will last. Don't fall off just because you make one mistake keep pushing. Getting started is the hardest part, but once you do and become consistent the journey will become easier.

Here are a few tips to help in your journey. I am sure you already know most of the "tips" I will provide; however, it is always nice to have a little reminder. We are in this journey together. I will help by providing you with tips, I have learned along the way. It is time for a new body and new attitude. Now, is the time to get that new body for "2014." It is now or never.

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. When going to work or school park farther away from the door. The farther the walk the more calories you will burn.
3. Instead of taking the elevator take the steps. This will help you lift that saggy butt as well. 
4. When watching your favorite television show or movie do "jumping jacks" in between commericals. This will burn a few extra calories for sure. 
5. Take a Yoga class once a week to help with stress and anxiety, which can have negative impact during your journey. 

WE GOT THIS!! If you are not seeing the results you want instead of quitting take the time to reflect. Find out where you could possibly be slacking and step it up. We get what we put out. As the saying goes "GO HARD OR GO HOME."

#GSODT

Happy Health!!