All day long I have to resist the urge to eat something that I know will turn me into a fatty-fat-fat before you can say cupcake. I’m in my last semester of college, and I live on campus. On a daily basis, I watch my roommates eat fast food, junk food, drink gallons of soda, and stay up drinking cheap alcoholic beverages.
My fiancée’ loves to eat fast food, especially Burger King. Lucky for him he’s 6’1 and 135 pounds. He never gains weight, ever. So we can go out for a cheeseburger one day, and he’ll look like his body won’t change. I on the other hand, will be wearing that cheeseburger on my hips the next day.
However, I have gained a considerable amount of weight after two years of completely letting myself go. That’s just not cool. I’m tired of yo-yoing with my weight, and I want to feel comfortable in my skin all the time. So I’ve been making healthy eating choices, and exercising a part of my everyday life.
Self-discipline is hard for me, but I know I’m not alone in my struggle to make the right choices. Especially when the people around me eat whatever they please. But the more I commit to a healthier lifestyle the easier it becomes to make those good choices.
I’m a regular girl, and I face temptation just like everyone else. However, I’ve adopted some strategies that have helped me develop some good habits.
For instance
I heart water.
I drink water with everything. Soda is bad, and will make you bloated. Even diet soda is loaded with sodium. Seltzer water is a great substitute for soda because you get the bubbles without the calories.
I workout by myself.
My friend comes to the gym with me sometimes, but I find that working out in a pair can be distracting, or totally useless if one of the people involved does not have the same fitness goals that you do. Just walking on the treadmill is not going to do it for me, and my abs will not gain any definition after one sit-up. Bring your headphones, and use the gym as a chance for some “me” time.
Pick a fruit, Chiquita banana!
Everyone has a favorite fruit. Pick a fruit that you like, and use that particular fruit as a replacement for desserts. Also, fruit makes a great snack.
People know I’m real serious about my exercise routine.
Why? Because I tell the people around I show them I am serious with my actions. Every morning, when my roommates see me in my holey sweatpants, and an oversized t-shirt they automatically say, “Going to the gym?” because they know my routine. When you make a commitment to losing weight it helps to let others know that you’re making smarter choices through your actions. That way you feel a social responsibility to keep making those smart choices.
I use technology to help me maintain positive changes to my eating, and exercise habits.
The IPhone has apps such as IFitness, and Lose it! These apps have exercise routines, and let you track your eating habits, and progress. This making the whole process more fun, and more importantly, convenient.
These are changes, and habits that anyone can do. Losing weight is tough, but you have to be tougher. You’re going to eat a bag of chips now and then, and miss a workout or two. But don’t lose sight of your goal, and keep trying.
Related posts:
Thanks for reminding me I am not alone!!!! It just helps to know I am not the only person on this journey!
[Reply]
These are some really great tips, thanks! You are definately not alone on the self-discipline thing, I have a daily battle with Chocolate for instance, but it is possible to resist and you seem to have the right idea!
[Reply]
[...] Guest Post: Emily of EmmyLovesWine.com [...]