Getting started on this journey took a long time. I never felt I was prepared enough or had the right tools, or it wasn't Monday. I had a billion excuses why it wasn't the right time. I even tried convincing myself that I liked myself the size I was. Which couldn't of been more untrue!
This journey was like jumping into the deep end of the pool for the first time. You know how to swim but your still unsure, nervous you're going to sink.
I'm not sure what it was inside me but I had enough. I was physically uncomfortable. I was emotionally uncomfortable. I gathered as many tools as I could and just did it.
The first thing I did was to get rid of all the junk so I wouldn't be tempted. The next thing I did was replace the junk with healthier options: fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, etc.
Then I made meal plans for the whole week so I knew exactly what I was going to be eating. At the start I wasn't eating nearly enough calories because I didn't know any better. After being educated by our personal trainer I now eat enough to fuel my body and burn through the fat. During the first week I quit drinking soda and coffee and replaced it with water. I drink a gallon of water a day. I also put a limit on processed foods. They're no good for you!
After about 2 weeks we invested in two things that have really helped us to stay on track. The first thing was a personal trainer and the second thing was a BodyBugg. Both can be pricey but I'm not sure we would have been as successful as we are if we didn't have these things.
I only have two more sessions with our personal trainer but he has taught me so much that I know I can do it on my own now. I workout six times a week for an hour at a time.
We saw the BodyBugg (http://www.bodybugg.com/) on the Biggest Loser. You wear it on your arm and it keeps track of how many calories you burn each day. You log in the food you eat and it gives you a breakdown of how many calories you consume, how many calories you burn, how many steps you take each day, how much protein, carbs, fats, fiber, cholesterol, and sodium you are taking in, and so much more. It's fantastic! It takes the guess work out of losing weight and really has helped me stay on track.
I also recommend writing down everything you eat and drink so you know where you're at as far as calorie consumption.
One other very important thing our personal trainer taught us is to eat 5-6 times a day every three hours and eating the same amount of calories each time. It's also important to have protein, carbs, and "good" fats at each meal. This helps to increase your metabolism, prevents you from having that "starving" feeling and making bad choices, and it increases your energy.
The bottom line for losing weight is about calories in versus calories out and making those calories in "good" ones. It's also about getting your heart rate in that "fat burning zone" so the fat will melt away. And it's about believing in yourself and knowing that you are worth it and deserving of feeling good and being healthy.
I have good days and bad days like everyone else. Bad days are to be expected. I also allow myself the occasional "cheat" day. I do not go over board but I get enough to satisfy the craving. This isn't a diet for me, it's the rest of my life. I have had to change the way I think about food in drastic ways. I have to tell myself that it's okay to have one piece of pizza because I know that I am going to get right back on track and not sabotage myself and give the whole thing up.
So far, I have lost 35 pounds, lowered my percentage of bodyfat by 3.58%, and went down 4 sizes in my jeans. I am proud of my accomplishments so far and can't wait till summer!
Enjoy your own journey my friend.
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