You hear it every. single. day.
"I want to lose weight, but I want to be able to eat whatever I want"
"I don't have time for the gym"
"I'll start tomorrow..."
These are excuses. The first step to becoming fit, happy and healthy is to get rid of every excuse you have made or are about to make, because it is possible for everyone to succeed but not when we have the wrong mindset.
Before we get into the discussion of nutrition and exercising, it is so important to understand what you are about to take on. It is a lifestyle change that you won't simply get used to in a day; these things take time. You can't expect to be everything you want to be without hard work, dedication and sacrifice. I'll be the first to tell you that it isn't easy, and you will hate it sometimes, but every step you take in the healthy direction makes you that much stronger. Our bodies appreciate us more and you will feel the differences in every aspect of your life. I completely understand that everyone's life is different and some people are loads more busy than others, but the busiest of people still make time for exercising and choosing healthy options, so why don't they complain? Because they've created this mindset of "this is what I am doing no matter what it takes"; it's a strength to be able to do this. Like I said, it is not easy but it gets better.
Isn't going to a fast food place so much more convenient than stopping at home to cook a meal? Or why not just have a really big breakfast and then not eat all day long? Oh, my friends are all going to a movie tonight so I'll have to eat candy and popcorn too. Right?.... Wrong. We have chosen convenience over the health of our bodies, how sad is that? Did you know that you can cook a weeks worth of meals and have them ready to be re-heated or prepared within seconds AND the nutritional value is worlds better than that fast food place that just put junk into your body? People believe that being able to eat once or twice a day will keep them from gaining weight... umm I'm no expert but, don't they realize they are slowing their metabolism way down by not re feeding their bodies? Isn't that just something we know as humans, that we need to have several meals throughout the day? As for the third and hardest challenge, to hang out with your friends doesn't mean you need to eat what they eat. It's no fun and to be totally honest, it sucks sometimes, but you have to suck it up, eat before or after you spend time with them and put a smile on your face while they enjoy their meals...and if you really think about it, it's just food. Does that really make or break the time you spend with your friends?
I forgot to mention that I am by no means an expert on this subject, but I do understand all of the basics and I have been in the nutritional and exercising world for awhile now. I know that doesn't mean anything, but these are just my opinions and views on the topics. Also, I always say that I have a little fat girl inside me, because I really do. When I was younger I was a chubby little thing (I have the pictures to prove it!) but as I got older I wanted to take care of my body and treat it a little better. I learn more and more as I go through this healthy lifestyle process and I will never know everything but that is what makes it exciting. My fat girl REALLY loves food...so I'm not saying starve yourself, or don't EVER eat a cookie...no way!!! There are ways to do this in a healthy manner with the appropriate amount of everything here and there. It's all about moderation and I promise you, you CAN do it. I never thought I would, but here I am making progress every single week. We are all different, but I believe that every single person is capable of making the healthy choice, to create a better life for themselves to live longer and feel happy.
I will definitely be back soon to start talking a little bit about nutrition...but we are going to take it slow. I don't want to scare everyone away with all of the "diet" aspects of this choice you are about to make. I hope that I can motivate anyone who reads this and enlighten you with helpful tips and ideas along the way. Feel free to ask questions, offer suggested topics, or correct me even! Like I said I am NO expert, but I LOVE everything about healthy, fitness and nutrition.
Until next time... Oh, and here are some helpful, motivating pictures I'll leave you with :) And remember, you have to believe that you can do it because nothing stops you more than yourself. It is all about having the right mindset and doing what you want for YOU.
