Re-re-re-re-focusing

My last few posts have been about getting my mojo back, refocusing, and jump-starting myself.

Oops.

I haven't done it.  While I haven't completely fall off the wagon, but I'm barley hanging on with a pinkie finger.  I've exercised about once a week and I've let myself indulge on an almost daily basis.  I haven't stayed low-cal, clean, or even low-carb.

My eating habits are down the drain and so are my exercise habits!

After mentally beating myself up on daily basis and comparing myself to every successful fitness/weight-loss blogger and pinned out there, I have come to a realization.

There's no secret formula.  There isn't one perfect path that everyone should (or can) follow.  There are lots of paths that work for lots of people, but we are all different.

YOU MUST KNOW YOURSELF!

• What activities get your heart beating?  Do you LOATHE running but enjoy tennis?  Then don't run!!!  Go play some tennis!
• What makes you feel strong?  Free weights work for some, but if yoga makes your muscles burn, do some yoga!

What about food?  Does the thought of a Paleo diet make you want to eat an entire chocolate cake?  Then maybe Paleo isn't for you.  But, please don't eat a cake - unless you know what's really in there.

EDUCATE YOURSELF!

I've been reading a book called The End of Overeating.  I'm learning so much about how foods are engineered to become addictive.  You've probably heard the buzz words "obesogens" and "clean eating."  Obesogens are chemicals and processed ingredients in our foods that are making us fat.  Clean eating means you don't eat anything that is processed or unnatural.  I'm aware that this could be a fad, but I'm also making myself more aware of the research that backs these things up.

USE YOUR BRAIN

There are too many diets out there.  Most of them are fads and gimmicks.  If it is too good to be true, it is.  If it promises a rapid weight loss without changing your diet and exercise, it isn't going to work long-term and it isn't healthy.

Don't focus on the scale.  Focus on health and fitness.

If it isn't working for you, then try something else.  

Don't give up.

Ask for help.

That's my two cents - or whatever it's worth. I'm going to keep on keeping on and hope for the best!  This isn't about how I look compared to anyone else.  It isn't about how fast I reach my goal.  This is about treating my body like I would an expensive vehicle - take care of the engine, give it the best fuel, and shine up the exterior!

November Thankful Challenge, the 8th

After taking a run in Orlando this morning, I am thankful for my ability to get myself in shape.  I'm thankful for my success this far and for what I know is coming as I continue my hard work.
I've lost 23.5 pounds so far!  My body has completely changed and so have my energy level and self-confidence.  I have gained muscle tone and flexibility that I haven't had since I was a teenager!
I am thankful that I have the health and ability to run, lift weights, and do yoga.  I am thankful for all of the resources I have to learn from and to encourage me to keep going.
I am thankful for the supportive family and friends who compliment the changes in my body and my dedication to being healthier.

 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Week 6 Challenge: Not About Me

Week 6: Practice at least 1 random act of kindness each day.  

Becoming focused on your own health and fitness can become very self-centered.  While you do have to focus on yourself, let's not forget that our weight loss and health benefits are not just for us.  It is a great example to set for our families and friends, but it also gives us energy to serve!

Shouldn't that be the whole point?  

If we are at our best, we can give our best.  Can a sick tree bear fruit?  Not likely.

Now that we are becoming better versions of ourselves, let's share the fruit with others!  

Week 2: Be Still

Week 2 Challenge: Be Still
That sounds weird for a fitness challenge, doesn't it?  I had this idea last week at church when the worship leader put those two words up on the screen.

I'm horrible at being still.  Being still implies doing nothing.  Not thinking.  Not moving forward.  Not getting anything done.

Ooh.  Scary!

I wish I had thought of this challenge before.  I should have started here.  But, I was too busy thinking, moving, and doing to come up with it.

This week, we will take 7 minutes a day - all at once, or a few minutes at a time - to be still. Just sit.  

Breathe in.  

Breathe out.

Pray or meditate.

Take this time to think about why you need to worry about your health and your fitness. Why are you doing this work?  Who are you doing it for?  Do you really see your body as a temple?  

Ask God to help you when you feel weak or tired or hungry.  Ask Him to help you understand your body and how He created it to do His work.  Tell Him what you need.

Just be still.  No TV.  No email.  Nobody else.

Every day.

Be Still.
7 minutes.

It is amazing how simple the act of being still is and what a profound impact it can have on your day - even your life. 

I truly believe that anything you do in life starts with your thinking.  Losing weight and being fit is a mindset.  You've got to make up your mind about your choices before you make them.  Asking your Creator to change your mind will change your actions.
This is a lesson in self control.
This is a lesson in discipline.
This is a lesson in using your deepest desires to control your actions.

PLEASE share with us when you do this.  I can't wait to hear how He speaks to you during this time!

***For past challenges, click the CHALLENGES tab at the top of my blog.

Week 1: Drink Up!

I've mentioned before that I have a group of ladies who I share my victories and struggles with in my quest to be fit.  We have decided to start weekly challenges.  We will check in daily to share how it's going.
Week 1 Challenge: WATER!
Every day we will drink half our weight in ounces of water.  For example, if you weigh 100 pounds (like me - HA!) then you would drink 50 ounces of water per day.

I've found some pins on Pinterest that may help us with this challenge.

Mark mini-goals on water bottles to get it all in.

Make it pretty and flavorful - plain water can get boring.

Don't want to write on your water bottles?  Keep track this way instead!

How do you make sure you get your water in?  Share your ideas with us!

Hebrews 12:11-13

This verse was pointed out by the youth minister at church Wednesday night.  This can be applied to all areas of life that require discipline (pretty much everything), but it really meant a lot to me on my fitness journey.  I made this to hang on the fridge!

STRONG

I have an entire board on Pinterest called Strong.  It is dedicated not to getting skinny or looking hot but to becoming the best physical me I can be.  And with that, I want to become mentally healthy about my body and health.
I was a skinny little kid until I hit puberty and suddenly curves appeared everywhere.  I had a few somewhat thin moments between middle school and my early twenties, but I've spent the last 10 years wishing I was thinner.  I have tried all kinds of fads for a few weeks at a time and now I'm done!  Did you hear me?  DONE!!!
I've decided that skinny cannot be my goal. Looking hot won't change my life (because my hubby already thinks I am).  But, being healthy can change my life. And so can feeling comfortable.  And if I can get strong and accomplish things I couldn't even do at my thinnest might just encourage somebody else to get healthy too.
Between healthier chooses in my food and exercising 6 days a week, I'm starting to see a difference.  I took picture of myself (that I'm nowhere near ready to share) on February 6 and again today.  In 18 days I can already see a slight difference.  But, the biggest difference I see so far is the look on my face.  I looked so SAD in the first set and hopeful in the second.  I can't wait to see how I'm doing 18 days from now!
Here are some of the inspirational pins I've found so far: