My Eating Habits

there are many people who can beat motivational challenges by creating a social aspect to working out.

currently, i am working out with my co-workers daughter during the week. she is getting prepared to go to the coast guard and she doesn't like working out alone and she says she pushes herself more when i go.

we have been working out for about a month and a half and just yesterday she weighed in and found she has lost 20 pounds! she usually goes once a day during the weekdays and then rests on the weekends.

this one hour workout five days a week has helped her immensely, but more so has been meeting up because she says she eats better in anticipation of our workout. in addition, she finds she is not dreading working out because she knows she does not have to go-it alone.

so if your biggest health challenge is feeling you are in it alone. find a friend or partner to join you in your challenge. if your downfall is the 3 o'clock slump find a co-worker that will take turns bringing in a healthy snack to revive you both. or find a friend to help you prep healthy foods and trade of recipes. or find a friend that will meet you at the gym. whatever your challenge see if you can recruit someone to fight the battle with you-there is alot to be said for those that reach their goals when they do not feel they are alone.

i got back from a vacation about a month ago. normally i dread the last day of vacation-knowing i am going to come back and see the number(s) on the scale and make a plan to get "back on track". this is coming from someone that is still dedicated to working out at least once a day while vacationing. but of course indulging in extraordinary foods-the numbers tend to creep up ;)

so this time, on the way back from vacation...i asked myself why i was locking my mind in this number sensitive safe when i knew (from past experience) with time i would be back to normal. therefore, i decided that i would not weight myself for a month after my return from vacation. its amazing the affect a number can have on you-but only if you let it.

its now been about a month and i cannot begin to explain how liberating its been to free myself of this numeric mind game. i have been eating a balanced diet and working out when i want and more importantly even resting when i want. i feel just as good-if not better than when i used to push myself for 2 weeks punishing my body and with a restrictive diet and strenuous workouts. now, i havent actually weighed myself-but judging by the fit of my clothes (smallest clothes) and judging by my energy levels i have to say...i believe i have dropped all the weight and then some even...

free your mind. even if you are a routine daily or even weekly weigher. that is fine...i will probably go back to weighing in a couple times a week. but once in awhile free yourself from this and just listen to the heightened senses of how your body feels and i think you will be pleasantly surprised. our bodies tell us when we are hungry, when we need more nutrients, when we need rest, etc etc.

i feel so liberated mentally without the pressure that can cause your goals to backfire. i feel so in tune with what my body needs (not wants) but actually listening to your body it tells you what i needs. and when i listen to my body i am learning that my body and my mind come to an agreement which benefits my whole being's wellness-mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, you name it and it all meshes together.

so free your mind-just try it. i know that i plan to continue on this way for another week or so just because i have enjoyed this experience so much and reaped the benefits as well.

this is what i want to say to all the big businesses that say they want to promote health and wellness. lately many companies are wanting to improve the health of their employees so that they can have lower insurance rates, or better yet implement their own medical insurance plan which benefits those that are rarely, if ever ill. of course, this isn't to save a buck (comment drenched in sarcasm)...but they will have you believe it is due to their sincere concern for your well-being.

there is some truth to getting some beauty sleep. not only will it reduce the puffy and/or dark circles under your eyes...but it can also increase your will-power to stay on track with your health goals.

i haven't blogged in awhile...i have been on a mission to correct some old emotional eating habits that came back to haunt me. the past couple months had been more stressful than the norm and i was comforting myself with food-which led to guilt-which only fed the vicious cycle of emotionally eating.

Mmmmm mmmm mmmm easter food and treats. There was so much temptation and I gave in...I ate (as if it was my job) ALL easter weekend. Monday morning approached and I felt like absolute crap, probably due to the massive sugar crash. Plus, I lacked the energy to workout...(could have something to do with the lack of nutrition chocolate covered bunnies provide).

It is a bit ironic the things that will motivate people to watch what they eat or start exercising. So many friends I know have gotten fit either post-break up, when they knew they wanted to draw attention. Or some just in time for the infamous spring break trip. Others for a dance, wedding, or other special occassion. It is surprisingly easy to forget to love thyself.

Outdoor Activities to Help You Break the Monotony of the Gym