To feel good mentally and physically I work out and eat healthy food. This clean eating also makes me look good.
But this was not my habit in the past; it has been a journey.
My weight loss journey
When growing up I was skinny, however like all good things to an end, my quick metabolism eventually caught up with me. Next thing I know; I am 55 pounds heavier. How did that happen? Probably because I had graduated from high school, and had no value for balance.
We can all enjoy our life, but we need an equilibrium. I began working out, for both physical and emotional wellness.
Continue reading to know how I did it.
There are four key things:
- Inspiration- We all need that “Ah ha” moment, that epiphany kind of thing
- Momentum- This helps to keep you going: music, television show
- Habit- Requires you make time, set realistic goals and set 21 days to make a habit
- Diet- Eat a balanced food, treat yourself and stay committed
I went through a horrible heartbreak, and sitting around to cry was a No! No! for me. I, therefore, used that energy and put it towards something. Without any planning, I just got myself busy doing something. Since I was newly single, and I remember going clubbing.
Looking at my photos the following morning, I realized I was unhappy with the way I looked. The next day I went to the gym, and I started exercising. That was simple, is it?
At least you need something, a momentum, to keep you motivated. Maybe it’s your favorite Tv show, make it a habit of watching that show on a treadmill. For me music was the best, I listened to every UMF and EDC set. The music kept me going.
To distract yourself from the negative energy you need to start practicing on something you like. This positive energy will keep you busy and time will seem to pass quickly.
To make a habit, it takes 21 days. I did not plan, I never thought about the future. So I took things day by day. The only thing I wanted to do was build a routine and make time for working out.
Do you remember getting those colorful sticker stars for good behavior in elementary school? The best tip for this is to get a calendar. Mark the days you go to the gym and make an X for the days you miss.
Of course, you will not make it every day. Looking at the marking on the calendar, you will eventually be inspired even to get all markings without an X. You will start debating on ignoring the snooze again and if you want another X to the calendar.
I firmly believe in counting calories in your diet. Depending on calories in and calories out your body burns enough calories to consume. The average human body burns 2000 calories a day. With a day desk job and absolutely no physical activity in your life, do not eat the same amount as a person who has an active living. Watching weight is all in the power of your hands. You can be eating 1000 pounds’ carrots and still go over the daily calories intake and even gain weight.
To balance, eat what you want, don’t overeat. You can find the correct calorie consumption, according to your body type. I don’t believe in cutting cold turkey, treat yourself in moderation! As I said, it all comes down to calories, don’t go over your daily amount! I would eat healthily but still have my cheat meals (sometime even cheat days) every weekend, and 1-weekday.
Eat like a king for breakfast, a queen for lunch and a peasant for dinner. We need the carbs, earlier in the day for energy, to function throughout the day. By dinner time, I usually have a low carb dinner for all we are doing is going to bed. If I am eating out, I do so but well before bedtime!
Set realistic goals. I do not believe in any crash diet like those tea diets, or no carbs diets. Pretty much, those marketed diets everywhere! It may work for you, but I don’t believe it’s healthy to lose an unrealistic amount of weight in a short time. Friends that I have known had tried those diets, only to lose weight for a short duration and gain double when they began normal behavior.
I lost on average 3-5 pounds a month. It may not sound like a lot, but in time it will be rewarding.
Am always saying, think of the journey and not the destination. And if you can take things day after day, you will see results, mentally and physically.
Patience is a virtue!
