Weighing In Wednesday

Weighing in Wednesday has been on the back of my mind for a while. I haven't posted much this past month because I wanted to rework the direction it was headed. This past month I have tried to push the focus off the number on the scale and toward being comfortable with my body. I have been fighting with the scale for years now with little success. If it's not working then why continue it! Something had to change. I still am focusing on eating healthy and working out but with a different end goal in mind. Wednesday's will be focused on tips and tricks I have learned along the way about weight-loss. I also am looking forward to sharing more recipes and workouts. Today I want to share a few tips that help with getting the weight off and keeping it off.

1.    Baby steps: If you look at the big picture of trying to change everything at once it can be overwhelming and lead to frustration.  In order to be successful in making a lifestyle change and not a quick fix diet is to start small. Make one positive shift every week, instead of overwhelming yourself with a bunch of changes at once. Example: This week I’m focused on nutrition next week I will add in more intense workouts.
2.    Find what fuels you: Tap into your motivation and use it. I try to focus on goals that go beyond that number on the scale, and set specific and personal mini-goals like training for a race (or slipping into that pair of jeans that are a bit too snug) helps tremendously with motivation. Seriously thinking and reminding yourself about long-term goals will keep you committed to a lifestyle change.
3.    Visualize your goal: When you have struggled with weight loss for a long time it is sometimes hard to visualize a reasonable expectation for a healthier life. What has helped is to create a healthy vision board on Pinterest to be a tangible reminder. My Pinterest page is focused on inspirational quotes and images not necessarily pictures but motivational workouts and things that will help me you start to recognize when I am starting to reach my goal.
4.    Consistency is key: Plan out your workouts like they are an appointment. This will help get in the habit of going to the gym every morning or after work. Remember, this isn't a quick fix — this is a lifestyle change. After a few weeks, these things will feel like second nature.
5.    Find healthy foods you enjoy: Many don’t believe it but healthy food can also be delicious! It may take a little getting used to but enjoying clean foods will help cut cravings and you will eventually want to fuel yourself with clean, natural foods.
6.    Don't focus on deprivation: I love this quote from celebrity trainer Heidi Powell, about when you deprive yourself of food, "all you want is what you can't have!"  When I focus on not being able to have cake at a birthday party- all I want is a huge corner slice. If I instead focus on how energized I feel with a healthier diet I tend to not focus on the cake and enjoy the party.
7.    Have compassion: Sometimes, we indulge a bit much and slipups happen. Instead of punishing yourself with countless hours of cardio or restriction after eating a food that's "off-limits” it is better to forgive yourself and make it a learning experience. Then just move on. When you allow yourself kindness, it is easier to bounce back and stay on track. Just skip the downward spiral of a whole day (or week) filled with junk food, shall we?
8.    Do exercise you enjoy: Heading to the gym shouldn't feel like torture. Try a new group fitness class or a different cardio machine. Or skip the gym all together and get outside join a rec league or go for a run. An activity that flies by and feels like fun will ensure you get those workouts in.
9.    Plan ahead: Enjoying a sweet treat or special meal out are key parts of sustainable weight-loss. When you know about an upcoming girls night out there is no need to freak out just keep your diet extra clean leading up to the special indulgence. Knowing you have planned ahead will make the whole experience more rewarding.

I'd love to hear your tips on maintaining your goal weight or weight-loss!

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