Am I the only one who feels inspired by the Olympics to get my weight loss/healthy lifestyle reignited? As I’ve been sitting here watching these amazing athletes perform, it made me really think and come up with my:
Top 5 weight loss tips inspired by the Olympics:
- Drink MORE water and less soda. I do drink quite a bit of water each day, and try to limit myself to just one Coke. I do love Coke. It’s my one vice. I don’t drink coffee, tea, etc. and I buy my Coke’s in bottles so I can keep the cap on, and slowly sip on it throughout the day 🙂
- Put my food on a plate, preferably one of the small ones. I am really bad about making food for myself. I make the kids meals, etc as I am busy throughout the day, and tend to just grab something quick for myself. I’ve found that I eat healthier and better portion sizes if I take the time to prepare my own meal on a plate. If I use a smaller plate, it sort of tricks my mind into thinking I am eating more, and I feel full eating a smaller portion size.
- Exercise. This is THE hardest thing for me. I really don’t like to exercise. However, this cross country move has made it easier for me to incorporate into my day. For example, the washer and dryer are in the basement. The bedrooms are on the top floor. So, for each load of laundry, I have to up/down two flights of stairs. Our driveway is 1/4 mile long, so to get the mail, take the trash/recycling, and the kids to/from the bus stop, I have to make that trek a few times each day. Did I mention we live in a more mountainous area versus flat Oklahoma now? The walk isn’t flat, and there are so many trails around this area that the kids are excited to go hiking on, so exercise will be integrated more naturally into my life.
- Set reasonable goals. Lots of people look at the TOTAL number of pounds they need to lose, and get overwhelmed, and it makes it easier to give up. If you set smaller goals for yourself, you will feel a sense of achievement when you meet those goals. I like to set myself goals of either 10% or 10 pounds, etc.
- Start making better choices TODAY. If you keep waiting for tomorrow, Sunday, Monday, 1st of the month, 1st of the year, birthday, etc. You will keep getting sidetracked. Forgive yourself if you get off track, and just make the choice to make better choices the next time. If you give up over one mistake, you’ll never reach your goal.
Also, remember that you are CHOOSING to live a better and healthier lifestyle, not just complete a 14, 24, or 30 day challenge.
Jessi says
The olympics always remind me of the amazing things the human body is capable of, and how much more I should be doing!