To be a no more excuses kind of girl
I knew I wanted 2014 to be the year I got healthy but I have to admit I have had a 7 week head start. I considered waiting until after Christmas so I could indulge in all of the festive goodies but back in November I decided I wanted 7-8 weeks of fitness under my belt rather than wait.
Every year millions of us start a new fitness regime only to give up a few months down the line. Having been a member of just about every local gym, I thought about the things that have been obstacles to being healthy/exercising and what I can do to eliminate them.
Yes I'm aware these are also called 'excuses'.
Every year millions of us start a new fitness regime only to give up a few months down the line. Having been a member of just about every local gym, I thought about the things that have been obstacles to being healthy/exercising and what I can do to eliminate them.
Yes I'm aware these are also called 'excuses'.
1) I hibernate in winter. I do not want to go out in the dark,cold, rain, snow or any other wintry forecast.
2) Being organised. I detest food shopping let alone thinking about what I or my family want to eat for the next week.
3) Other people. Everything from the friend who wants you to go to Weight watchers/Slimming world because they do not want to go alone. The friend who talks you into going to an exercise class you've never heard only to go the once and leave you there like billy no mates. The friend who says should you be eating that? or asks how much weight you've lost constantly. Even the meat heads who hog the weights in the gym. Arrrgh!
4) Technology and hibernation go hand in hand. Whether you are a gamer (is that what you call yourselves?) or waste hours on Pinterest (*raises hand) being online is not doing my butt any good.
Source: www.weheartit.com/fitfoorme
So what can I do to overcome these?
1) I decided to work out at home. I'll admit I got totally sucked in by an informercial and bought a workout DVD. The only other expense was a set of hand weights but the cost of this was equal to wasting three months on a gym membership when I wasn't going. I have to say this has surprised me and will do a review shortly.
2) Ive ordered healthy cookbooks and been scouring online websites for meal ideas. I thought about the meals my family loves and have looked for healthier versions. I swapped potato for sweet potato. I use natural yoghurt instead of cream and use spray oils. I also reduce portions. I leave some in the pan or dish and let people decide if they want more. If you make too much, freeze some for another time. Im sure some of you are thinking this is nothing new - you're right, but little changes can make a big difference.
3) Do what suits you, pick exercise you enjoy and choose a method or support that you will find useful. I was coerced into joining a local weightloss group. Now I know thousands of people have amazing success at these. Im not knocking them I just know I am not suited to them. I hate group sharing and resent taking an hour of my time for people to sell me diet products. My particular group leader admitted she had not reached her weightloss target even after years of trying. Not exactly the motivation I was looking for. I've gone to those expensive slimming 'clinics' that use your blood test results to create your diet plan. The lady who gave me my blood test results said mine were the best set they had seen at that clinic. Ive done food diaries and had similar feedback. I know what you're thinking - no I didn't cheat and no Im not a size six! Im only 5 ft and to be normal weight I need to lose 4 stone. I don't eat a 12 pack of crisps a day, nor do I live off fast food or drink alcohol. I do not fit into the stereotype that the diet industry seems to be geared at. Looking back at these has made me realise, I have all the tools I need, I do not need to spend a fortune on membership to slimming clubs to do it.
2) Being organised. I detest food shopping let alone thinking about what I or my family want to eat for the next week.
3) Other people. Everything from the friend who wants you to go to Weight watchers/Slimming world because they do not want to go alone. The friend who talks you into going to an exercise class you've never heard only to go the once and leave you there like billy no mates. The friend who says should you be eating that? or asks how much weight you've lost constantly. Even the meat heads who hog the weights in the gym. Arrrgh!
4) Technology and hibernation go hand in hand. Whether you are a gamer (is that what you call yourselves?) or waste hours on Pinterest (*raises hand) being online is not doing my butt any good.
So what can I do to overcome these?
1) I decided to work out at home. I'll admit I got totally sucked in by an informercial and bought a workout DVD. The only other expense was a set of hand weights but the cost of this was equal to wasting three months on a gym membership when I wasn't going. I have to say this has surprised me and will do a review shortly.
2) Ive ordered healthy cookbooks and been scouring online websites for meal ideas. I thought about the meals my family loves and have looked for healthier versions. I swapped potato for sweet potato. I use natural yoghurt instead of cream and use spray oils. I also reduce portions. I leave some in the pan or dish and let people decide if they want more. If you make too much, freeze some for another time. Im sure some of you are thinking this is nothing new - you're right, but little changes can make a big difference.
3) Do what suits you, pick exercise you enjoy and choose a method or support that you will find useful. I was coerced into joining a local weightloss group. Now I know thousands of people have amazing success at these. Im not knocking them I just know I am not suited to them. I hate group sharing and resent taking an hour of my time for people to sell me diet products. My particular group leader admitted she had not reached her weightloss target even after years of trying. Not exactly the motivation I was looking for. I've gone to those expensive slimming 'clinics' that use your blood test results to create your diet plan. The lady who gave me my blood test results said mine were the best set they had seen at that clinic. Ive done food diaries and had similar feedback. I know what you're thinking - no I didn't cheat and no Im not a size six! Im only 5 ft and to be normal weight I need to lose 4 stone. I don't eat a 12 pack of crisps a day, nor do I live off fast food or drink alcohol. I do not fit into the stereotype that the diet industry seems to be geared at. Looking back at these has made me realise, I have all the tools I need, I do not need to spend a fortune on membership to slimming clubs to do it.
4) Technology can be an unhealthy enabler but it can also be your best resource for health and fitness. There is a wealth of information on healthy recipes, fitness, workouts. Use it wisely for information and motivation and limit the time for recreational use or maybe surf whilst sitting on a swiss ball :)
One thing I have told myself this time is this is a long term thing. Im not looking to lose 4 stone in three months!
Hopefully this blog can be the record of my progress and fingers crossed......my success.
One thing I have told myself this time is this is a long term thing. Im not looking to lose 4 stone in three months!
Hopefully this blog can be the record of my progress and fingers crossed......my success.
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