As I sat and watched Biggest Loser last night it took me back to the thoughts of starting my journey from the FAT and unhealthy me I was to the much thinner, more muscular, and healthier me I am today. As much as the starting weights make me want to cry for them, it’s not about the starting weight…it is what it is! But at some point you have to just DECIDE to TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE!! There are too many resources out there to use to help you get to the point you want to be at.
It is encouraging and inspiring to watch these people go through such a real event. Morbidly obese, bearing their all. It is sad to see their size and hear their stories. It is scary to think that it could happen to you…so DON’T LET IT!!
I know…it is so scary to start out. You are thinking, “Where do I start?” “How will I do it?” “Where do I go for information?” Here are the steps I took to start out:
1) Firmly decided that I WAS going to lose 30 pounds! You need to pick a number…it needs to be realistic. I just set a number, but not an amount of time. You need to tell people and you need to keep it in your mind at all times!
2) Found a friend that was already working out and had her help me at the gym. I didn’t pay her, but I went when she was going to go. I made her schedule my schedule…after all, it was me who needed the help. Although she was trim and fit, I was help to her to. Of course, I lost more weight…I had more to lose. But it encouraged her to work hard. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a partner. It keeps you accountable and encourages you. It also makes you have to explain to someone else why you are backing out on a particular day…so you really go more often.
3) I took a look at my diet. However, I just cut calories at first. NOT THE RIGHT WAY!! I wish I knew then what I know now about nutrition. This is the area I suggest you seek help. Because if you do it right, you can maximize your workouts and weight loss CAN and WILL be achieved with diet. After all, it’s 80% of the equation!
4) I made an effort to do active things with my kids and husband when we had time to do things together. Instead of going to the movies, we took our bikes to the beach, walked the shore at the tide pools, etc. We moved and shared our time together. We even took evening walks together now and then to “get the dog active” was always what I told the kids.
5) Re-evaluate your goal and make sure you are doing what is necessary to stay on track. AND don’t be discouraged by a bad day…just wake up the next day and start fresh and new! Always believe you ARE GOING TO REACH YOUR GOAL!
I didn’t do this, but I do it now and I wish I knew about it then…find an online community of people like you to use as support. It is truly inspiring and uplifting to discuss goals, obstacles, and everything else you can think of! My suggestion is to learn to Twitter…it’s a great place to share with like minded people. There are lots of websites for women exclusively or both sexes to join and gain support. Just beware on all of these places people can post whatever they want…it doesn’t have to be true. So build relationships and learn and research for yourself. It is only YOU that can make it happen for YOU!!
6) Journaling your food and your workouts can help a lot. Food wise, it’ll help you see what you are putting into your mouth each day and help you decide what can get cut out. Workout journaling will help you become motivated by your progress.
Over the next few months, I will help you achieve your goals. Drop me a note and let me know what I can do. I will do my best, but the work is up to you!!
