A couple of weeks ago, my friend Dale Cruse (who is undergoing a weight loss journey of his own and kicking ass) posted a list of behaviors and guidelines that are working for him. Im down 15 pounds myself, as of this morning. Celebrating, just a little! But theres still a long way to go and I definitely still struggle with food. I dont consider myself an expert by any means, but Dales list, an earlier conversation with Seth VanderLaan, and todays talk with Phil Gerbyshak inspired me to share one of my own. Emphasis on your mileage may vary. If Ive learned anything in this process, its not to judge others for doing what works for them. You do you, Im working on me. Lets support each other and share whats working. Lets also bolster each other when we need it. 1. Track. A few months ago, my dietician suggested I put everything I eat into a tracking app. I use MyFitnessPal (sugarvilet is my username--friend me! Accountability!). Good, bad, carb-ridden, junk food-y--I try to enter it all without judgment. 2. Cook at home. This goes hand in hand with the above rule. Its a lot easier to monitor what youve eaten if you make it yourself. Its also much easier to make good choices, at least for me (too much variety is my downfall). I try to keep healthy food in the house so that I have no choice but to eat it. I think Ive cooked more at home this year than in the several preceding it. I also measure quantities and pay attention to serving sizes. 3. Eat more protein and fat* Contrary to standard dietary wisdom, I dont load up on fruits, low-fat stuff, or carbohydrates--if I do, I feel like Im starving after an hour. It spikes my blood sugar and then I crash hard. Eating fat and protein keeps me full. Combined with veggies (yes, even the starchy kind sometimes), I generally stay within my allotted calories for the day and feel nourished. That said, low carb and basically no sugar works for me. It may not work for you and sometimes, its freaking hard to manage. Ymmv. 4. Move often. I have sucked this week on account of the weather. But I try to walk as often as possible and lift weights a few times a week. I go to the gym and watch tv, when I would normally be just sitting on my butt. 5. Movement as entertainment. Find something you like to do. For me, its adventurecising and otherwise spending time outdoors. Hiking. Trail running. Its yoga. Its being social with people without the presence of food. 6. Hydrate. Goes without saying. Flush that body out. It makes your skin look better, too. 7. Play the long game. If you eat something bad or miss a workout, dont throw the baby out with the bathwater. I am a terrible perfectionist, but realized recently that I was making perfection the enemy of the good. Do what you can, every day. If today you slip up, immediately correctly yourself and move forward. A small mistake doesnt have to mean the end of progress. Dont punish yourself for being human--just accept it and move on. Currently still struggling with social gatherings emphasizing food and going out to eat, but in general, have my ultimate goal (in terms of number and in terms of the lifestyle I want to live) on lock. Ill get there. Whats working for you?
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 16:48:55 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015