Back for round #2 on this Tuesday to share some of my secrets—a few tidbits of advice I have learned through my often tumultuous love of everything health and fitness…and please note to self, these things are specific tips and tricks that work for ME, meaning use with caution and remember to pay attention to what your body is telling you to do!
1. Use the scale to your advantage… unlike some people, I tend to argue that you should weigh yourself everyday. If you have a goal in which you’re trying to accomplish, this is the way to track even if you’ve gained a pesky pound or two–however, keep in mind your actual weight can fluctutate throughout the day so take note!
2. Find your “happy weight”–check out this quiz… for me, my happy range is between 113 and 118 and I always know what I need to do to get back to business if I indulge in a few too many treats
3. Do in moderation… and yes, I most certainly believe this 100%–yes, you can have that cocktail, but cut back elsewhere–skip the steak and opt for fresh fish and a small salad–you shouldn’t deprive yourself from something if you REALLY want it, but make sure you increase your activity or elminate something else to hold yourself accountable and not go overboard
4. Choose a goal and stick to it–have an important event coming up? a bikini you’re wanting to fit in? aelect a goal that you think you can meet and do what it takes to get there! sometimes, it’s better to choose smaller goals and then increase as you meet them… it’s said that when you meet a goal you’re apt to continue because you’ve seen just what you can do! don’t sell yourself short
5. Surround yourself with positivity–if you’re happy, you’ll exude happiness, you’ll be more likely to keep your body in check, and life will be all the more fun! have people in your life that bring you down? let them know that their negativity can influence people around them, or if you don’t feel comfortable talking with them, simply cut back on your time spent with them
“life is too short to be anything but happy”
6. Eat 4 to 5 small meals a day… keeps your metabolism at top speed, burning the products you put into it and helps keep you going!! I have found that I do better when I have my larger meals at breakfast and lunch–and that mid-afternoon snack is a must in my book!
7. Write down what you eat—keep a food journal like the one posted here. This will help you keep track of calories consumed, number of glasses of water you drink each day, etc—this can really show you just how much that Ben and Jerry’s can backfire if you’re trying to lose weight
8. If you can’t make it to the gym, try a DVD… I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, that Jillian Michaels knows her stuff–The Shred is one of my favorite DVDs when I can’t make it to the YMCA and you’ll still feel the burn {today AND tomorrow!}
9. Don’t do it for anyone but yourself!
10. Don’t burn yourself with the same routine… switch it up! Go to a Pure Barre class, take a fun dance class with your girlfriends, take your honey on a weekend hike—if you do the same exercises each and every day, your muscles will adapt and you’ll be doing yourself a major injustice so get out there and use what God gave you!!
What are your favorite tips and tricks you’ve mastered and want to share??
Oh my gosh you are so tiny. It's hard to remember that we are all the same height on the internet, you know? I forget that I am tall, ha!!
I just tried that quiz on Self to see what my happy weight is (I mean, I know what it is–what I hover around without any effort, just by exercising moderately and eating what I want without overindulging or dieting) and it said 139-142ish. Interesting to see!
This is a great post!
I found the "Happy Weight" quiz to be very interesting and I had no idea that I am at my happy weight. I think it could be less, but I'll take it! Thanks for sharing.
great tips! I just started P90X (I'm on day 10) and I feel GREAT! I started eating 5-6 smaller meals a day and I have seen super results =) I do allow myself some indulgence but moderation is key =)
I love these tips! When I feel like I am over eating I always try and real it back in and track what I am eating. Very inspiring post!
Great tips! I always find that when I write what I eat down, it keeps me more aware and then I eat better!
I just need to lose 2 lbs to be in my "happy range", wooo hoo!
Great tips! I weigh myself daily too, that way I don't hop on one day and get completely surprised…it is far easier to maintain than it is to lose!
Food journals are key!
It says my happy weight is 144…that does not make me happy!! Haha 🙂 Thanks for the tips! It's so easy to forget some of these, but they all help! I think I am going to start using that food journal…it will help with my calories AND water…something I tend to not drink enough of lately. Have a great Tuesday! xoxo
this is a fabulous post!
I am about to do the happy weight quiz..thanks for sharing that! 🙂
Let's see…a trick I found was finding a fun dance class or any class for that matter. Being in a class with people surrounding you holds you accountable for doing what the instructor is doing. I like that!
Create Post, I am starting tonight with a personal trainer, hoping to lose baby weight 50 pounds!
i think #5 and #9 are great tips for life in general 🙂
ps. left you an award at my blog!
great post! and i did the calculator and my happy weight was pretty spot on, thanks for sharing 🙂
I just found your blog and became a follower. It's fabulous! I really enjoyed reading your healthy living tips. My relationship with exercising is constantly evolving- so it's really helpful to read what works for other people. Looking forward to catching up on your archives!
clearly i am newly obsessed with your blog. 🙂 i 100% agree with this list! great tips!