If you know me, or have followed any of my previous blogs, you know that I’ve struggled with a few extra pounds for the past few years. Like many people, I am on and off the fitness wagon.
My biggest fail is food. I love to eat and tend to view food as comfort, reward and entertainment. And, in part, food is all of those things. But moderation is the key and that’s where I fail. I also tend to be an “all or nothing” sort of person. If I give in to a tempting food, I just indulge all day because I’ve already “messed up.” Must. Stop. Doing this.
For the coming week, I’m going to work on taking my focus off food and on exercising and drinking 60 oz of water daily. I know that when I exercise, I not only drink more water, but I am less likely to make poor food choices.
My two favorite online tools for fitness-tracking are Livestrong and HabitForge. Livestrong makes it easy to track your daily calories consumed and burned, while HabitForge works on the premise that it takes 21 days to forge a habit and sends you an email each day to track your success. So far, my success rate for drinking enough water is 40%. I will increase that by next Friday.
What are you best tips for sticking with a fitness regimen?
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Oh wait! I’m back with one more tip. Another thing that has dragged my booty to the gym several times is fun and unusual classes. I haven’t taken an exotic dance fit class yet, but I will. Oh, I will.
But I have done NIA. And it is so outrageous that you don’t realize you are working up a sweat because you are too busy wondering if you’ve woken up on the set of an SNL skit or candid camera. Maybe my teacher was just wonderfully bizarre or maybe all NIA classes are like that. But, really, look into it in your area. I dare you! Would be great bloggy fodder :)
MOMSICLE VIBE´s last blog ..Mama Loves You
Happy Birthday!
Twitter: sweetsadiemarie
March 13, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Happy Birthday!
I’m relatively new to SITS and I’m loving it!!
Twitter: coffeejitters
March 13, 2010 at 1:56 pm
gosh, I don’t have any tricks that work for me just yet, but I really need to get some quick. I’ll definitely check out livestrong and habitforge
Judy Haley (CoffeeJitters.Net)´s last blog ..Dear Gem – Month 11
Twitter: ganeshdesigns
March 13, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Happy B day !!!!
Yep, I totally understand how you feel all about losing weight.. I love food too specially the deserts. I work out (try) alteast for 3 days a week, go on a good diet and everything and on the weekend end up having lots of ice creams.. haha
Still working on trying to get better at this.. :))
Ramya´s last blog ..My new Vintage Collection…..
I was just thinking of all this today as I stepped on the scale. I also use food as reward and comfort-a long day with the kids = big bowl of ice cream. I’m going to work on drinking more water this week-I don’t drink nearly as much as I should and doing something else at night-good luck to you and Happy Birthday!!!
Dawn ´s last blog ..Keep Holding On……
Hi, and Happy Birthday! I’m new to SITS, but am really excited to be checking out the different blogs! Drink lot’s of water….best tip ever! Janine
Janine Pickett´s last blog ..SLEEPING WITH THE DOGS
ohhhhh i love these tips! I am the exact same way….I just cant help it I LOVE food so much!! I agree amount is everything because if you dont over indulge you can eat more exciting foods. My one tip would be this….I always seem to stick to my diet of eating well and less if I work out in the morning…now sometimes this is hard for me…okay its really hard for me….but if I do at least something small like squats or at least go for a 10 min jog…I eat a lot less throughout the day and since I started the day being healthy I am more prone to stick to that throughout the rest of the day.
Twitter: littlepurpl
March 13, 2010 at 3:06 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! YAY ! Hope you have a great time.
New to SITS and really enjoying being a member.
littlepurpleroom´s last blog ..Giveaway Addition. Somerset Studio Mag +
Twitter: MuralMaker1
March 13, 2010 at 3:10 pm
First – Happy Birthday!!!! This year was my best bday as an adult, just because of my blogger buddies! So have a wonderful day!
Second, in the ’90′s I was into the Zone diet – the 40/30/30 thing. I’m not a freak about it anymore. But I do know I don’t usually eat enough protein. Most women don’t.
If you eat protein when you eat carbs, your metabolism is better. Don’t ask me the science, but I know it’s true. If you want a potato chip (or chocolate) have some turkey first. It works.
Plus, more protein means more lean muscle mass, which burns the fat. So it’s a win/win. It seems strange – to eat more rather than less – but eating in combination really works.
It also curbs the cravings a bit.
But today, eat what you want and have fun!
ColleenwithMurals&More´s last blog ..Feng Shui Saturday – Kitchens & Bathrooms
Happy Birthday!
I have no success in keeping a healthylifestyle. I do look forward to learning more, and taking baby steps!!
Anita´s last blog ..Friday Five
Twitter: TouristMom
March 13, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Learning a lot from your SITS posts. Thanks!
Like your new digs here too. I’ll be back often!
Kathy over Everyday Bliss
Kathy´s last blog ..Time to consult an expert. Jesus’ brand of Humility.
Twitter: MrsMeganC
March 13, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Happy Birthday!!
I need to work on the exercising / eating better thang, too. I’ve just gotten into a lazy slump and am having a hard time pulling myself out of it.
Megan´s last blog ..Weekend Wordle / Six Word Saturday
Twitter: KCAVONLADY
March 13, 2010 at 4:33 pm
I here you with the food. I am participating in the Kansas Walk challenge. I do live in MO but my cousin asked me to join her team.
So the goal for this is to walk or do a physical activity that is equal 5 times a week for 30 minutes. I was already running 10 minutes a day 5 times a week so I jumped on board.
BUT — you also have to eat 2 1/2 cups of veggies and 2 cups of fruit per day. When you weigh that out you eat 1lb and 8 ounces of veggies and 1lb of fruits.
That is a lot. I have found that INSTEAD of asking folks to cut things out they are helping us eat better. You see when I eat that much veggies and fruits I am too full to eat too much of anything else.
Best of luck and when you get super hungry from all that working out make sure you have raw carrots, broccoli, asparagus, celery, radishes, and other bulky veggies on hand. Do not pay attention to how much you eat just eat those when you get a craving.
Once you eat a good amount of those REWARD yourself with a banana, orange, and apple chopped into chunks.
HAPPY B-DAY
Heidi Walker´s last blog ..Burnout or should I say ….
Twitter: Bucksome
March 13, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Happy Birthday! I have no tips on how to motivate yourself to exercise. It’s a problem I have also. Basically, I just don’t like it if its work. It has to be play!
Bucksome Boomer´s last blog ..Making Impressions at the Grocery Store
Twitter: emmasota
March 13, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Happy Birthday!
I try to make exercising social. I LOVE running with my girlfriends–it’s totally something I look forward to!
Happy Birthday!!! I have no tips… I’m horrid with exercising – I guess the only thing I’d suggest is make sure it is an activity that you enjoy – there are TONS of ways to burn calories just pick the most enjoyable. Stopping by from SITS!
Jo´s last blog ..A Fort
Twitter: beyondmeasuring
March 13, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Support, support, support! Life is meant to be lived with one another & in community!
Mix it up! Your healthy food choices, your exercise, your music, and so on!
Happy birthday & keep on! Stopping by from SITS
Twitter: SavvySoybean
March 13, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Try using a calorie counter website- -worked for members of my family! I love baking easier/healthier versions of recipes on my site (jewish apple cake, banana bread…) so stop by for some healthier alternatives. Happy birthday, btw! I’m new to SITS and loving it so far.
stopping by from SITS to wish you a happy birthday! My tip is to get the kids involved in your fitness… they make excellent motivators and it sets them up for healthy habits too!
Heather ~ Acting Balanced Mom´s last blog ..Yay for Blog friends!
Twitter: dawneing
March 13, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Happy Birthday !
And Happy Saturday Sharefest!
I just wrote a blog about how I have been getting back into the swing of getting active and getting healthy… great minds must think alike!
Hope your day is the absolute best!
http://dawneing.blogspot.com/2010/03/put-one-foot-in-front-of-other.html
~dawn´s last blog ..Lie To Me… Or Not, and I would SO prefer the not!
Happy Birthday! Don’t indulge in too much cake :)
I am with ya’ on losing a few pounds! My main problem is this ever flabby stomach that won’t go away .. ARRGHH! But I like the idea of a previous commenter, about taking an exotic dance/workout class .. hmm . gonna have to look into that one! Thanks!
Tanya
Twitter: dutchbeingme
March 13, 2010 at 6:54 pm
You have no idea how much I can relate!! I just (last night) recommitted myself to getting back on track and exercising more. Good luck with it all!
Happy Birthday – hope your day has been fabulous!
…and Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest
Julie´s last blog ..Weight Watchers Wednesday: I remember…
Twitter: CashierTalk
March 13, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Happy Birthday! Mine is Sunday. :-)
Cashier´s last blog ..I Ran Out of Gas, Can I Have Yours?
If only I had a tip to give you–well actually, I do have tips. Loads of them. It’s just that I can’t really back them up with how wonderfully well they helped me lose weight. If I had a dollar for every time I tried a new program or regimen . . . I’d be able to afford liposuction.
But good luck to you! Keep us informed of your progress. And Happy Birthday!
Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest
Twitter: angeliasims
March 13, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Happy Birthday!!!
I think a schedule is key. It’s so hard unless it’s part of routine. I am the same way – all or nothing. It’s such a battle. I’m with ya! Back on the fitness wagon.
Angelia Sims´s last blog ..Farm in the City
Twitter: kiyul
March 13, 2010 at 9:17 pm
I’ve always followed your tips at SITS but this is my forst time coming to your blog ( hmm wonder why ? )
Happy Birthday ~
I’m off to see the tools and hope to keep my exercise routine this month :P
yulz´s last blog ..CountDown
Enjoyed your blog tip over at SITS! I agree that it’s more important to focus on moving than on eating.
Happy Birthday!
Tricia McWhorter´s last blog ..Truett-Hurst Winery—Wordless Thursday
HAppY BiRthDay!!!!
For today-no diet necessary-it’s your birthday-ENJOY IT!!
Fitness tips? Ooh-I could go -on for hours-I’m a trainer and have tons! But I would say find something you like, or love, and do it! Walking, running, aerobics-whatever makes you happy. If you try running and hate it-don’t bother with it-because you won’t do it. So find what suits you, and give it ALL you got! E-mail me if you want more advice-I love to share!
happy happy birthday! best tip for staying fit? don’t have one – i exercise just enough to counter balance the amount of chocolate i eat!
Twitter: VibrantMommy
March 13, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Happy Birthday! I am going to have to check out this HabitForge :) Good luck to you!
Heather´s last blog .."Mom, I think I broke my toe…"
Twitter: DeepSouthDish
March 14, 2010 at 12:29 am
Popping over from SITS. Wish I could offer advice, but my struggles are many with trying to exercise. I hate it. Just wanted to say Happy Birthday!
Mary at My New 30/Deep South Dish´s last blog ..Weekend Cocktails – Vodka Collins
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Great Tips. I am really into working out. I take alot of circuit training classes, as well as a strict diet during the week. Usually very low carbs, or none at all. If I have any carbs its good ones. I really find that having lots of protein and being low carb as well as working out, really works
MRS.T´s last blog ..Hello Lovers Part 2….
Motivation is key and I’ve found that I’m at my best in keeping fit when I have a clear fitness goal. For instance, my goal is a 1/2 marathon this summer. I went online and found a running calendar that basically mapped out what I needed to do each day for the next few months to be able to run the 13 miles on race day. Easy and clear! Good luck with your goals!
Kerry
Twitter: Christianmommy
March 14, 2010 at 4:35 pm
My tip is to have an exercise buddy. That always helps to keep you motivated. :-)
I’m visiting from SITS. Have a great day!
Tonya´s last blog ..A DVD Giveaway: The Princess and the Frog
Twitter: HeadlessMom
March 15, 2010 at 11:00 am
Hi! Just wanted to let you know that I keep following you…no matter where you end up. Oh wait….are you trying to lose me? ;-)
Twitter: renewyourspace
March 16, 2010 at 12:13 pm
I am right ther with you girlfriend! It’s a constant struggle, although there are so many great online resources to help us. Happy Belated Birthday ~ Renee :)
Rene W.´s last blog ..Becoming, Blogging and Balance
I agree. Drinking water is a real key in weight loss. When it comes to exercise, I just think of it as something I do – like brushing my teeth and combing my hair.
Twitter: ourcrazeelife
March 18, 2010 at 10:39 am
stopping by from SITS. Great blog….I am going to go look around!!! :)
Twitter: browneyes_24b
March 20, 2010 at 9:31 am
Hello from SITS! Happy Saturday.
My tip for sticking with an exercise regimen is PATIENCE. I always want to see a difference after every workout. Why did I just work my ass off only to not see the results of my labor??? Well, if I remind myself that real results won’t start to show for a week, maybe two weeks after starting something new it’s a lot easier to make through each day!
browneyes_24b´s last blog ..Wordy Wednesday
Twitter: CelluliteFiles
March 22, 2010 at 8:10 am
oooh, you know I had to check out the health and fitness section of your blog! We are digging up some INSANE info about fat and diet over at the Cellulite Investigation. Have you ever heard the “other side” of the lipid hypothesis (the idea that eating fat makes you fat and leads to heart disease, etc)? It’s a little mind-boggling to contemplate, but the implications are staggering. Could saturated fat actually be good for us? Believe it or not, I think it is! (AND, I don’t think it’s what’s making us fat.)
Melissa @Cellulite Investigation´s last blog ..Cellulite Suspect #1: Trans Fat
What is an event without food? What is a vacation with food? Or a celebration? If you try to hug a teenager or college student with food, they spurn you. I thought the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach? Well. somebody lied – and they LIED BIG! I’m so distraught, I think I need to go fix me some comfort food! LOL – however, I have started exercising. Now, if everybody would stay out of my 8 to 9 a.m. jazzercise hour I could really get things done!
Congrats on your day to shine in the SITSahood
bluecottonmemory´s last blog ..Waiting on a Nation: Socialism or Freedom
Twitter: StaceyGrant
March 22, 2010 at 1:02 pm
Great jobs, ladies! I’m always impressed when people take the initiative with their health. Good luck!
Stacey´s last blog ..The joys of stretch
Twitter: hipchiccynde
March 22, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Hang in there and stick with it! As the fitness becomes more routine it does become a little easier. I am currently on day 22 of my 90 day extreme fitness with P90X it is amazing! Hard, but amazing and I am so glad I did it. I feel so much better and working out so hard has made me naturally want more water…and well water has never been my favorite.
Have a great day!
cynde´s last blog ..Meet Conduit Press
Twitter: lovemedaily
March 22, 2010 at 7:21 pm
I’ll gab about food and weight loss with you all day! I’m at an impasse myself.
I don’t have exercise tips because that is where I falter. I have tips that should work in theory. Like, doing squats or push ups during commercial breaks. I am in love with Jillian Micheals work out video. I started doing them on my fitness on demand channel. She works a ton of muscles at once and really gets your heart pumping.
My overall food advice is to keep it simple and natural- eat mainly fruits and veggies, whole wheat/ grains, nothing processed, and never drink your calories.
My favorite weight loss food trick is to eat cucumbers. They are something like 15-25 calories and are so water laden that they fill you up. They are crunchy and cool which is great during the summer months.
I sympathize with your food flight. I also tend to live under the “all or nothing” mentality. However, working out has always been an extremely import balance to my happiness. My advice: find something you love. I love running, tennis, and almost anything that allows me to compete with others or even myself. When I run, I set time goals and work to achieve them each week, which in turn increases my fitness.
Don’t just go to the gym just because you feel you have too, experiment with different physical activities and find a few you truly enjoy.
Congratulations on your SITS day! I am fairly new to the community, but so far I am loving it!
Allison´s last blog .."F***"
Yes, this is a good tip now I can start how to lower my weight and how to control myself for eating too much foods.
cross promotion´s last blog ..Listbuilding on Steroids! Let us help you grow your list now at Zero cost!
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