But this year seems to be more challenging for me.
I know what worked before so the easy answer would seem to be to just do what I did last year that worked. Right?
That’s easier said than done. Why? Because this year I have encountered several personal challenges — ranging from ailing and aging parents to trees falling on houses to a persistent leg injury.
Those are not excuses. But these issues have certainly been weighing me down on many levels.
However, they have also been eye opening.
I have often declared that I am not a “stress eater.”
Wrong! With more stresses in 2011 there has definitely been more eating and more poor choices.
When life seems to be controlling you instead of the other way around, it would seem we would find comfort in the things we can control, like our eating and exercise.
But, honestly, I have been doing way too much reactive and late-night eating at the end of long days — looking for comfort rather than making choices that help me on my weight-loss journey.
I’ve turned a corner of late (I hope), and feel like I am making better choices. And I need to get back to some daily practices that worked for me before and that I was able to fit into my busy (and yes, still stressful) life.
Here are some basic things I have done that have helped:
Eat Breakfast — It gets my body fueled and my metabolism fired up. It’s never been my nature to eat breakfast, but it does make a difference. Experts and my body agree.
No Dark Sodas — Even though one of my vices is diet colas and they are no-calorie drinks, they really don’t help my body. I haven’t given up all sodas since my Sprite Zero helps me give up the others. I still want/need my caffeine, but I get that from my morning cup of green tea or coffee.
Largest Meal Is Lunch — It just makes sense for lunch to be the biggest rather than dinner. Our bodies need the midday fuel and there’s time to burn off the calories.
After 8 Is Too Late — I tend to eat late, because I often don’t get home until late. But when I make sure I eat by 8 p.m., I tend to have better weight-loss results. Experts say you need to be sure to eat 2-3 hours before bedtime.
Less Wining and Dining — A glass of wine at night has proven health benefits, but that glass of wine also sets me up for not making wise food choices. So a rule that has worked for me in the past is to save the wine for the weekend and keep it out of my weekday routine.
Water, Water and More Water — Water flushes out our system and keeps the body hydrated. Some days I drink a gallon. Sometimes none at all. This is a no-brainer and I’ve got to be more consistent.
Now (obviously) I am not a weight-loss or fitness expert, but these are some things that have helped me and that are manageable.
Weight-loss is a personal journey. There is no one plan fits all.
I think the key for all of us though is to find eating and exercise practices that are manageable and can become part of our lifestyle long-term rather than simply looking for the quick fix.
Post a Comment