So the other night I was sitting here with my husband and then it happened. My favorite pants that I have had since forever (well over 5 years)...they, RIPPED. I sat down and they split outside the zipper seam. I was devastated. Yes they were old, but if I was thinner it wouldn't have happened. It was then that I realized that I needed to do something.
In February this year I decided to try a diet blend. Sadly I could not make it through the 14 day no carb period to be successful because I'm not a planner. That being said I have started planning again, but I'm not going back to no carbs. I felt terrible on it, so it's not for me. If you have a wheat allergy or Celiacs it may be perfect for you and your body.
OK...there is no perfect day to start, I've read in magazines that you statistically have a higher success rate if you start on a Monday. I learned in my Psychology courses that you are more likely to succeed if you make your commitment public. Let's be honest, no one EVER wants to hear the questions "So how's the diet?" or "Are you still exercising?" when the answers are "What diet?" and "Is running my mouth considered working out?"
Here are some tips, none of which I've followed until now:
1. Decide when it's right for you. Not because there is a dress you need to fit in or someone asked you "Do you really need that?" It is your decision, you control your life.
My friend Tracy taught me that. We went out one night and talked about the fact that no one that is fat is truly happy. She made an amazing point: no one is 300 lbs because everything has come up roses in their life. When you work through issues, by yourself or with help from others, you start to understand why you grab ice cream instead of grapes. Sometimes it's biological, but there is a line between a thyroid problem and emotional eating. Ask yourself honestly what side your on.
2. Act on your decision. Maybe the thought of changing everything at once overwhelms you. GOOD! That means your scared and we are only scared because those are roads not yet traveled. Change one thing at a time. Start with a walk around the block. Add a salad to lunch. Check out some work out ideas on Pinterest and try a few to get an idea of what your fitness level is. Then be consistent. No excuses, consistent. Journal...do it.
3. Give yourself an audience. Somewhere between 1 and the middle of two you should make it public. Maybe you need it public because that gives you a sense of commitment. Maybe you wait because you want to set in a routine that is safe so people won't point out if you fail after a short time. Maybe public enough is posting your RunKeeper times to Facebook. You might feel comfortable enough with just family friends or co-workers, or you can start a blog :)
4. Look for the ability to mentor. Maybe a friend or spouse wants to be healthier. Maybe they were looking for you to start so they could follow suit in which case refer them to Tip #1. Your journal will help you discuss issues with the people you mentor. What did you do in the face of food temptation? Did you lose your mojo? What about an injury? The journal will let you accurately answer those questions with cold hard facts.
5. Make yourself accountable. Schedule diet meetings: a get together where you bare all for the group to see, every last potato chip. Plan diets together take turns prepping foods together. Whatever you can think of for support. Read your journal to yourself in the mirror, it's not as easy as you think.
6. Reward yourself. Figure out something you REALLY want, not related to food and work for it. I found a pin that said you should tip yourself a dollar for every workout. That is a great idea unless you need to run a tight budget. We'll talk budgets later. FOOD IS NOT A REWARD Mani & pedi = YES Ben & Jerry's = NO (That is not to say I will never eat their deliciousness again. I mean seriously let's not get crazy. I am saying it will be on my terms not my emotions.)
7. Rid your world of negative people. I'm about to use the 'F' word. Family. So let's be honest, unless you are fortunate to have all dysfunctional family more than 2,000 miles away, you are going to have to deal with them and their "tough love". This goes back to Tip #3, your audience should be your biggest fan club. If your family and/or friends are Negative Nancy's then see about getting a personal trainer or find a group on Facebook. And seriously, get new friends!
8. It's for life. Anyone that was/is an emotional eater needs to realize this is a life long project. You must be constantly making sure your emotions are in check. If you notice yourself putting weight back on, STOP...think about what you are doing, if you've stopped journaling then start it back up. Nip it in the bud before it becomes a problem. Surround yourself with honest supportive people. It's the only way to have an external check because denial is one bitch that will eat you alive. It's not easy to be that friend but they are essential because all it should take is your amazingly supportive spouse saying, "There is a little more of you to love" for you to realize that something might be wrong.
Please don't think I've made it to Tip #8!!! Right now I'm still trying to make it consistent. I have an incentive for me to walk with my daughters. My husband wants to walk too, and I really REALLY want to break out my Turbo Jam and weed out some awesome fitness stuff on Pinterest so I have something to keep me busy!
Now that I said it, I'm committed. There is a huge internet audience out there ready to ask me about it tomorrow. Anyone that knows me knows I've loved attention since I was a child. Now I want to use that attention for good, to motivate and support. Please, no heckling or otherwise nastiness. Comments that are deemed inappropriate will be deleted. Play nice chitlins!
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