I’ve been on this journey a little over four months. I wanted to point out the five “ugly truths” about diet and fitness that I think everyone needs to realize if they don’t already. They have been great things to remember when the going gets tough…
Listed in no particular order, as they are all of importance (but the last one really means the most to me…)
1. GET INSPIRED! Make a list of reasons why you are doing what you are doing and have it available whenever you need it. Post it on the wall…put it in your phone…keep it in the pocket of the pants you are wearing…whatever! If you can’t come up with any reasons, then you might want to sit down and think about it for awhile. You’ll be more apt to stick with a routine if you have specific motivation.
2. BE REALISTIC! If your aim is to lose 100 pounds, that’s fantastic! There is no goal that is out of reach with the right plan and dedication. But don’t expect to reach the biggest goal in a week, a month, or maybe even a year. Most of you didn’t put on the weight or get out of shape in that short amount of time, so don’t expect a miracle. Give yourself smaller, more attainable goals to reach in shorter amounts of time…like stepping stones. And remember, there are no quick fixes. Feel free to supplement your diet and exercise plan with other things, but don’t expect them to bring you to your goals without some changes from the norm. Always check the facts before you purchase anything, too!
3. DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU! This one goes along with being realistic. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else when it comes to diet and fitness, as there is no “one size fits all” in regards to it. It’s not a competition…unless you count is as competing with your former self! I love the quote, “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” Live it, learn it. In my experience, those that are more overweight will lose weight (especially water weight) quicker than those that don’t have as much to lose or are just trying to tone. It doesn’t mean you aren’t successful or not trying, or that the other person is trying harder or doing something different. WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT – height, body type, health problems (or lack thereof), familial issues and things we are prone to, allergies, lifestyles…the list goes on and on. DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU and be happy with the little successes and milestones you are able to achieve. You’ll get there…which leads me to #4…
4. BE PATIENT AND STICK WITH IT! Rome wasn’t built in a day…and again, you didn’t get to the point you are at in a day either. You’ll have good days and bad days…good weeks and bad weeks. Don’t give up every little thing you enjoy because then you will just regret the decision and binge. Make little changes and try to stick with them. A cheat meal is okay from time to time, but I wouldn’t take a full cheat day or expect to give yourself a cheat weekend. It’s ultimately your decision…but if you do, don’t be disappointed if you don’t see the changes you were expecting to see. I happily have had pizza, beer, wine, chocolate, fried foods, etc. while dieting, but I definitely saw my progress slow during those times. But that was okay, because I still love those things and don’t deprive my body of everything I love.
5. NO EXCUSES! This one is the most important one for me, because I was the QUEEN of excuses before this point. “I have my period, so I’m just going to wait three more days before I start eating right…” “Oh, man, I’m so tired…” “Today was a really rough day at work, I’m just going to lay on the couch…” “I can’t handle any more stress…I’m not working out today…” “I’ll just eat one piece of chocolate…” Now I just suck it up. There’s no time like the present. I could list out everything I have going on in my life in regards to my body, my relationships and friendships, job, school, obligations, etc. but it’s super lengthy and I know that even on my worst day there is someone who has it worse. But I don’t use any of it as an excuse. I work out EVERY DAY that is required of me in the plan I’m on. Sometimes I even double up and run that day as well. But when it tells me to rest, I do…and I look forward to it!
Dedicate yourself to your goals and you’ll see the results. I know I’m going to slip up and make mistakes along the way, but I’m only human. I could make all the excuses in the world due to all the things I have going on, but I know what I want and I’m going for it. How about you?