So this year marks my _____ th High School reunion. The wonderful world of FB has created an opportunity for our group of 280 graduates to catch up, talk about each other, marvel over changes in our lives- jobs, transformations, kids, living in other states and countries. However at Best it opens a HUGE window of opportunity for comparisons and the dreaded "Oh No I need to drop ____- lbs in _____ weeks!"
As the fitness enthusiast of the group and for those that don't know I was not the Athletic chick in high school. Some how the universe lined the stars and planets so, what was a part time job in College became a full time job after I tried the corporate world. So let me say THANK YOU corporate America for freeing me from your holds and giving me an opportunity to do things I LOVE!
Being Fit, Fabulous, Fun and Motivating!
Of course half of us are chatting on our FB page are looking at old pics and referring to ourselves in the past tense when it comes to what we have matured into these days. My favorite comment so far has been from a friend I've known since elementary school and how she can't sit next to me at the reunion because I am too fit. Too Fit!!! Never and here is a little unknown history fact about us Fit People....we recognize we aren't 18 anymore too. We have kids, health concerns, stress, etc!
But that isn't why I wanted you to read this blog.... I seriously want to address you and the Diet you are probably planning especially with Summer around the corner and you're feeling like you have to give it "One More Try."
Weight and Appearance are America's hottest obsession. We are faced with daily reminders in Magazine Ads, Talk Shows, Reality TV and my favorite Late night infomercials, all based on size and body image. We can instantly get online and find the latest celeb diet, a book by some Dr telling you to do it his/her way or we create our own extremes.
Here is the problem with Diets.... They don't work! Smile and admit it... Diets don't work! Say it out loud Diets Don't Work!
WHY????
Because each person/body is DIFFERENT! Each of us have different needs based on, age, sex, medical history and very important: LifeStyle.
Unfortunately with all that said despite what is going on in our lives and how much we are looking to loose, most folks are looking for the "quick fix!" But it just doesn't work like that. Think about it... if you are 50 lbs heavier then you were X years ago... you didn't get there over night. So thinking you can drop 50 lbs in a few weeks time is impractical. If you do a Crash Diet and drop alot of weight at once, guess what happens at the end... you burn! And most people end up back where they started just as fast as they lost it or worse they go beyond.
We can discuss the epidemic of overweight people including children in America on another blog for now we will address what YOU can do to make Healthy Life/Eating Choices.
Step 1. Take a Full 7 Days to keep a food / activity journal.
- Write down what time you wake up
- What time are you eating your first meal?
- What you are eating?
- How much? If you have measurements
- What time is your next meal?
- How much? If you have measurements
- What is your daily activity - i.e. I sit at a Desk from 9-5 or I deliver boxes for UPS from 9-5
- Are you doing something outside of work.
- If you snack WRITE IT DOWN - What and How Much.
- Include any info on Moods you may have been in
- What do you drink during the day? 3 Vente Startbucks Frappuccino's, 2 Shots of Tequila ETC.
Step 2. Don't look at the journal until you have completed 7 consecutive days of honest journaling.
- Notice patterns - Do you seem to go to the vending machine everyday at 3pm? How many veggies are you taking in?
- How many hours are between your meals? Including from dinner the night before to breakfast.
- Are you skipping meals?
- Are you the King or Queen of Take Out?
- Where are you eating? At your desk, in front of a computer or TV.
Step 3. Write down the patterns you notice and see if you can start making small changes.
- Eat breakfast sooner in the day
- Start eating Fruit instead of Chips
- Cut back on Sugar
- Go for a walk _ Its Summer, get outside take advantage of the extended day light hours
- STOP making excuses!
Change starts with you! You are the captain of your ship as well as the leader of your brigade... if you want to see change in yourself then you have to be the change. If you need more help analyzing or figuring out ways to make adjustments reach out to a nutritionist or a local trainer. You can also email me for more info.
Getting over the hump is the hardest part but identifying habits is what can put you on the road to a healthy lifestyle. Give your body a chance, it did go from where you were to where you are now....which means it can GO BACK there just the same. (in time)
Conscious eating and healthy lifestyle changes create positive results in body and mind. You are worth the investment. Now its up to you to Carpe Diem. So remember:
- Slow down
- Recognize and Regroup
- Nourish your Mind and Body
Until Next Time,
Thanks for Reading and remember,
Live, Love, Laugh and Have FUN!
Taj
Photo: Courtesy of my High School Yearbook
