Move it Monday: Get motivated
Davina
25 Comments
move it.
I've been scouring the internet trying to find ways to get my self motivated to get exercising and eat less. Just a year ago I was so motivated and completely on a roll. I ate less. I ate healthy. I walked every day. I did free weights every other day. I found reasons to be active.
Now...I'm really focused on getting my business up and running. I want to do it all of the time.
In my mind I tell myself, "you should really get outside and get some fresh air..." but I just keep on working. I'm on a mission.
I want to be on a mission to be healthy. I loved the way I felt last year. I want that back.
So here are a couple of ideas to help you get motivated if you're experiencing the same feelings.
1. Get off your butt. Get outside. Listen to the voice in your head. It will be good for you to step away from the computer. You may be surprised at what creative inspiration may come to you when you're not constantly thinking and working...oh! and it'll get your metabolism going...that would be nice....
2. Eat smaller portions. Take a little less. Leave some on your plate. It makes me feel like I'm making conscious decisions. That's a little step. That's how it started for me last year. Being conscious.
3. Measure and weigh yourself every week. It helps to know where you're at and gauge your progress or lack there of. It's not meant to depress...but to encourage and motivate.
4. Have a couple of friends that keep you honest. Someone you have to report to (thanks ladies! you've been on my mind all week and it really has helped...) so that you are accountable for what you put in your mouth and how often you get off your couch.
5. Remember that real change takes time. Losing the weight you want to weight is something that can take a year or more....and it will be worth it.
6. Think about how great you'll feel. You'll be able to walk up stairs and not feel like you may die, your knees won't hurt, you'll feel less achy, you'll sleep better, you won't feel like your gut is going to explode after going out to dinner....there are all kinds of reasons for losing weight. Everyone is different. Decide on what it is that will make it worth it for you and remind yourself of it everyday.
7. Think through your week and know when you'll be out and about and be tempted to eat something unhealthy. Make plans ahead of schedule to help you make good food choices.
So...what do you do to get and stay motivated? I'd love to hear! I need all the help I can get!
motivated. LIFE.
Reader Comments (25)
So, I went down to 139.5 for about one day, then went to Clemson for Emmett's state tournament and immediately ate all kinds of stuff that decided it wanted to stick with me. I'm back to 140. It's beautiful this week and I went walking this morning so I'm hoping this is my week to get back on track permanently. :) fingers crossed.
What has helped me (and I have so far to go in eating healthy) is to love my body -- appreciate all it does for me and then want to take care of it and put healthy things in. As I have gotten older I am amazed at how much different I feel when junk goes into my body. Yesterday was a long busy day at work and when I finished in the evening realized I hadn't had a good lunch or dinner ... as starving so ended up eating late and just felt exhuasted. Committing to plan ahead and take my lunch so that doesn't happen. Love your tips.
such good tips...it motivated me to get off my butt and post a comment! One of the big things that is changing the way I eat is Food, Inc. and King Corn. We have been doing more and more to cook from scratch and get as little pre-packaged food as possible. We make big batches of stuff and freeze or can it. It is time consuming but it also gives you a certain sense of satisfaction. It has enriched our marriage too since we are working as a team to make good nutritious food for ourselves.
To get motivated: I entered a 12k running race (in May). Knowing that a bunch of friends are going to do it motivates me to start training. I printed out my race workout planner and I've worked out everyday since. Sometimes it takes more than just "knowing I should" and I find entering events works well for me. After the road race I've entered for my first sprint triathlon in July which will have me running/swimming/biking... and for me health always starts with exercise. :) Hope you find the balance between your health and business. It's so hard sometimes.
i get out of the house, away from work. it helps to feel the fresh air...
"Step away from the computer..." So easy to say, so hard to do especially when so much of our work revolves around using it.
Yesterday and today I walked 2.5 miles in less than 45 minutes! Woo hoo! Hoofing it! My dog thought she was in heaven! Drank more water even though it was a crazy work day--lots of location shooting. Bought a pedometer to help keep track of steps! Eating--not too bad, but I found myself not eating lunch until after 2:00, which of course, by then I AM STARVING! But I was good! Thanks for the help!
8 glasses of water and vitamins and calcium again today. yay!
i'm really looking forward to the time change coming up this weekend. i KNEW i was going to get to walk when i got home today and enjoy the beautiful weather. it was dark, and i didn't do it. i've scheduled a "gym date" with my husband for tomorrow; no excuses.
It's not midnight here yet, so I'm weighing in (pun intended).
140.0
Vitamins + good veggies. I'm so excited for spring and the onslought of fresh veggies!!!!!
Weighed in yesterday, 138.8. Walked for 1.5 hours today. I've found two things motivate me. 1. the thought of buying new clothes for summer that I like and 2. The realization that I get back in increased energy the amount of time I put into working out! Before, I would hit a serious slump by 3pm and be wasted by 8, but lately I've had enough energy to make it through the whole day. So it really doesn't take me time to exercise, it pays itself back.
Flat Belly Diet. Check it out online. Ps booking a cruise to Mexico has inspired me to get my butt into shape!
Awesome, SHannon!
Holding at 140 today. vitamins, working on the water today :)
I guess when I start getting more physically active, we'll see some movement there, but my body seems pretty comfortable where it's at.
Scales....138 good/bad? Good--makes me feel like I am accomplishing something, but I'm hungry! Bad--is this just a temporary thing? Hope not! Walked at least 5 miles today between three dog walks and work. Yeah! Salads, Salads, Salads! How many ways can I make it interesting? Yesterday instead of using a drive through window, I stopped at a local upscale market and made a small salad at the salad bar. It was less than $2.50 and it was better for me than the cheeseburger I really wanted! I'll have to remember that idea!
Keep moving!!!
Lee Ann, my husband is KING of the salad. We like to put black beans on them. Good protein, fiber and calories. We get bagged salad, then go to the salad bar for toppings, tomatoes, scallins, carrots, etc. Well, I try to get our own green onions, etc, but in a pinch, the salad bar rocks it out.
I'm still 140. BUT I ordered a pair of size 8 pants from ebay, and THEY FIT!!!!! (with a little extra wiggle room) It's been since early college that I was in this size. I was freaking out-excited!
My husband says to me something along the lines of "no matter what size you are, you're beautiful to me. i'm not the kind of man who needs his wife to be a certain size or weight. That doesn't matter." or something like that. It was sweet. I assured him I wasn't on an anorexic plunge. Just shocked to be in a collegiate size.
Vitamins + lots of fruits :)
I TOTALLY need to follow your Move It Mondays Davina! This is the first day I have actually read this post and all the comments. I am in serious need of motivation and help!
Being a photographer and always trying to grow my business, this 'less busy winter time" has me more in front of the computer screen and less out moving and shooting.
My motivation: my daughter is getting married in less than 7 months! But on a long term goal, I just want to be healthier. I am only 5'2" and weigh.. well, 25 pounds more than I should according to 'the experts".(i'm at 148-sz 12) Plus, I know I will FEEL better to get at least 20 lbs off!
I am also shooting a wedding in Mexico in 6 weeks and would love to be down at least 10 lbs!
HELP!
I do belong to a gym that I pay waaaaay too much for so that should motivate me to get my moneys worth, and I do go. My problem: I like to eat! and I dont like to cook, so I eat out ALOT! I need some help from you ladies!
Thanks for sharing your stories :)
ONE HUNDRED THIRTY SEVEN! It's the walking....I know it is! Getting ready to bust out the door for a long walk in a few minutes. Anybody want to join me (at least in spirit)???
Karen--BEANS---love them! And I do use them on my salads, not so much at the salad bars because they "weigh" so much! LOL I will eat just about anything, so my salads can become pretty creative! I don't like commercial salad dressings, so I make my own and sometimes I just use Tiger Sauce! It's a sweet/hot sauce with not too many calories and you don't need much!
Moved my dumb bells into my office so when files are loading, I can sneak in a few reps. It helps! Drinking more H20!
Keep Moving!
LeAnn, just go buy a can of beans. :) Yeah, they ARE heavy! And if you buy 2 cans, you can use them as dumbells before opening/consuming them. ;)
the problem with trying to lose weight is that I have to make healthy food choices. I have no problem taking time to exercise. Can't that be enough? I really like food! I'll even eat a little less. But I've been trying that with no real results. I lose/gain the same two lbs. Even with eating less. I'm beginning to think it's WHAT I eat that's the problem. Boo!
I did go for a bike ride today in this lovely weather we're having. It was awesome. And had an awesome lunch at an indian place while I was out. It was heavenly. I wish I didn't have to feel guilty about it! (sorry for my little rant)
1-stinkin-39. Wowsas.
Shannon, I hear you, girl! But there are many ways to healthy up things. Like chili. We add chickpeas to our chili. And just trying to eat a veggie at each meal. Maybe think of adding things (fruits + veggies) instead of taking things away. Eat those first, then the rest of what you want. You might actually eat less of the rest.
Last night, I had Israeli couscous for dinner. I don't know what makes it Israeli, but it was REALLY tasty. Especially since I added some cumin to it. :)
Keeping vitamins going!
136.5 It's gotta be the walking! I've really ramped up my walking this week. Making sure I take at LEAST 10,000 steps. It helps that I have had lots of location work this week and not a lot of computer/desk time. YEAH!
Still working on drinking more water--that's a tough one for me,
Attended a girls night out and took homemade salsa, baked tortilla chips and a bag of celery sticks. Everyone laughed at first, but before long they were chowing down on the celery sticks! Chip bag is about half full--so that says a lot!
Watch 'em!
141. got too celebratory with tater tots yesterday. ;)
vitamins + veggies