Back into the swing of things
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the holidays / break.
Have you noticed how easy it can be to start a new program when you are not doing your "normal" day-to-day activities. But when "normal" kicks back in, how soon we forget we were supposed to be doing things differently!
That's why most New Year's Resolutions fail. We have great intentions to make a difference to ourselves and the lives we think we want to live, we manage very well with the changes, until we have to go back to work.
So a couple of tips on making those Resolutions work for you.
Take one goal at a time
Take one decision at a time relating to that goal and make the appropriate decision. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, your decision not to have christmas pudding is all well and good, but the people who make the biggest changes to their waistlines are the ones who make small decisions over a long period of time. They are also the ones who decide that in order to make the decision to eat less will also make the decision to exercise a bit more every day.
And get excited about the process. If you don't like the process of changing your lifetime habits, you are less likely to succeed than those who do enjoy the thought that each tiny decision - over time - can make a massive difference. And if you are still in doubt about that statement, how long do you think it took for the grand canyon to carve through the layers of rock?
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With time and patience the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown
Chinese saying
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December 28, 2007 at 15:45
Reader Comments (3)
1. Drink more water - the sugar in juice, soda and other drinks contributes more than people realize. If you can't switch cold turkey dilute your juice. I try to drink an entire glass of water in the morning when I'm getting ready. It also has an added benefit of making your skin look great.
2. Opt for wheat or whole grain bread. Has high nutritional value and the fiber helps you feel full longer.
3. Hold the mayo. When I need to I just have dijon or spicy mustard on my sandwich or go with just a little mayo.
4. Hold the cheese (or same thing - use half what you would normally have).
5. Share. Sometimes we eat because we feel guilty about leaving it. So either share (my mom and I almost always do when we go out to eat). Or ask the waiter to box up half before they even bring it out (yay - lunch for tomorrow :)
6. Eat some sort of dairy once a day - I try for yogurt or a glass of lowfat milk. It also has an added benefit of helping your digestive system.
7. Eat an apple or other high fiber food - will help you feel full longer.
8. Snack (healthy snacks, but snack). Don't go too long between meals. A piece of string cheese or a handful of nuts or apples and peanut butter will all tide you to lunch or dinner and will help you from over eating because you waited too long.
9. Lift weights. I don't care if it is 5 lb dumb bells for 15 minutes twice a week - I guarantee you will notice a difference. Lifting weights helps your body burn calories longer. So even after you stop your body is still burning.
10. Eat breakfast. I used to be the worst (isn't that what coffee is?) but since I've eaten breakfast every day I don't have to pay as much attention and I function better. Even if it is just an english muffin with peanut butter or a bowl of cereal it will make a big difference. If you know you have a busy day - eat a little bigger breakfast - eggs and toast or a breakfast burrito. Do the same for your kids - you'll be amazed.
11. Get in some cardio - don't tell me you don't have time. I work two jobs, have two boys, play soccer and sometimes coach my kids sports. If you want to - you can find the time. Do it while you are waiting to pick one up from practice. Or get up a half hour early and do it before work. Or join a team. Most people quit because it is boring - that is why I play soccer. Fun doesn't feel like exercise and 90 minutes of hard soccer burns something like 1000 calories. Plus I make new friends. Just 20 - 30 minutes twice a week will do what you need. You may find that you like it. Added benefits - amazing outlet for stress, boosts your immune system so you are less likely to be sick and get over it more quickly than someone who doesn't do cardio.
Anyway, there is my contribution. Have a happy and healthy New Year! Stay Motivated. Thanks Elle for your e-mails.
Thank you and God Bless.
personally I have upped the exercise component to tone the body. I've just learned how to do proper push ups and the difference it has made to the body in a short space of time is amazing. I've dropped an entire dress size, so am extremely happy.
OK time to write today's daily dose.
Keep well everyone, and thanks for taking the time to join in the discussion.
Elle