When you decided to make a change in your lifestyle, what was the reason? Are you doing it because your friend is doing it and you like the difference you see in them? Are you going to do this for a while until you lose the weight you want and then you’ll be done “dieting”. Tired of the way you look and you want something that works fast because you hate the thought of restricting yourself?
I am here to tell you that these are all normal reasons, but you need to change your mindset.
TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF YOURSELF-It’s going to happen. You are going to lose the weight you want in time. Pressure comes in when you think it’s going to happen fast. If you stay consistent and honest with yourself about what you are putting in your mouth and trying hard on your workouts, it’s going to happen. It’s just science. Shows like Biggest Loser or dieting programs that make big and quick promises are unreliable resources of information. They may lose the weight fast, but they are likely to gain it back as fast as they lost it because it’s not a life change for them.
FOCUS ON BEING HEALTHY-NOT BEING SKINNY-Make a change to be healthy, not to be skinny. Yes we all want to look good in those skinny jeans, but if that’s where your only focus is, you are going to become impatient and frustrated with yourself. Be proud of the changes you are making in what you are fueling your body with. Be proud that you are making it through a workout.
WORKOUT BUDDIES-Having a friend to workout with is great, they may have even been your inspiration for getting started, but don’t forget it’s about you, not them. If they quit will you? Will you keep going? Accountability partners are great, if they are accountable. Make sure you are going to the gym for you, and not them.
DON’T GIVE IN TO PEER PRESSURE-So many times I have heard little snickers or even frustrations when I don’t eat certain food at gatherings. “Are you dieting?” Love that question. Don’t worry about it. Be an inspiration to others, don’t give in to that cake or pie at dessert time. Bring your own healthy choices or opt out. People usually have coffee with dessert, so it is my dessert of choice when there are no other options.
LIFESTYLE CHANGE-NOT DIETING!! Dieting by definition is to restrict oneself to small amounts or special kinds of food in order to lose weight. I’m sorry, but I eat more now than I ever have. I just eat foods that are good fuel for my body, consistently. It’s not something I have had to do for a certain amount of time, it is something I now do period. Woah, mind-blowing right? Change your mindset. This is not a diet. This is what I am choosing to do for me and my family.
FUEL YOUR BODY-You are now fueling and nourishing your body. What is a good choice that your body will thank you for? Foods that are high in sugar or carbs may make your feel satisfied or even content at first, but soon after will leave you feeling hungry and tired. What choice is going to thank you later by energizing you and leaving you feeling content later? This maybe a struggle at first but hang in there. Find and experiment with healthy choices that help fill that void for YOU.
YES, YOU HAVE TIME-It’s all about making time for YOU. This was my excuse for years. “I don’t have time.” Where can you find time? How many minutes do you spend on the computer or social media? Yes when I get home I do want to relax too, but I know how GOOD I feel when I get my workouts in. It gives me more energy to do the other things I have to do. Food Prep is another thing that takes time, yes, BUT it saves time in the evenings by having a plan (not standing in front of the fridge deciding what to make) and having things somewhat prepared.
Remember it’s not about how fast you run in the race, but how well you prepared for it. You may have ran the first quarter of the race really well, but if you haven’t prepared, or maybe drank an energy drink to give you a boost, you will soon run out of steam by the end. Now if you have prepared, fueled your body with healthy choices, you will make it to then end with just as much endurance as when you started. Start changing your mindset.