In yesterday's post, I talked about letting go of "that". In my case, "that" is food. When it comes to losing weight, in order to really be successful and healthy - there are life changes that have to be made. There are things you just have to do, and things you just can't do anymore. So, here's a few of those things for me:
The MUST do list:
1. Exercise. I know lots of people who say that once they start exercising regularly, they learn to love it. I am not one of those people. I've been exercising consistently for a year and I still don't love it. But I do LOVE the way it makes me feel. I love the way it's changing my body. I have to do it. You just MUST EXERCISE if you want to be healthy.
2. Eat well. What does well mean? Fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. I don't follow any kind of diet or plan. I just eat those 4 basic groups. I like to follow a rule Jillian Michaels said in one of her books - "If it didn't grow from the ground or have a mother - don't eat it." Simple enough, right?
3. Sleep. This is easier said than done, I know! But it's so important! Your body can't function properly without enough sleep. When you're sleep deprived, you don't want to exercise and you want to eat crap - and that's not good! So turn of the TV, put away the iPad, silence your iPhone - get a good book and read for a few minutes in bed. It helps you unwind and I promise you'll sleep better!
The CANNOT do list:
1.
Fast Food. I'll be honest, just the thought of a McDonald's burger makes my stomach turn now. I never thought I'd see that day! But - fast food is a non-negotiable. You just cannot go to a fast food restaurant and order a burger and fries when you're trying to lose weight. I know there's the "everything in moderation" mantra, but fast food like that is CRAP. Order the salad. Go to a healthier place like Chipotle (my fave!) or Subway. There is just no room for crappy fast food burgers in a healthy lifestyle.
2.
Processed Food. See #2 in the "Must Do List" - watch the documentary "Food, Inc" - it'll change your life. Check out
this list of reasons not to eat processed foods. Read the ingredients on your food. If it contains a lot of things you can't pronounce, the words "high fructose corn syrup", artificial sweeteners, or dyes - PUT IT DOWN. No good will come of eating a Twinkie, I promise.
Do I break these rules? Sometimes. But here's my theory with that -
if I'm going to break a rule, it better be worth it. Is a Hostess cupcake purchased from a gas station convenience store "worth it"? Heck no. But a white chocolate raspberry cupcake from the local bakery? Worth it. But not every day! I've had 4 cupcakes in the past year. Yes, I know how many. I can even tell you what kind - because they were
planned splurges and not everyday occurrences. It makes the cupcake that much more special. I can enjoy the cupcake rather than eating in my car and then hiding the wrapper (don't judge).
Some splurges that are worth it to me: a good steak from Smokey Bones (not a cheap burger), a craft beer (not a Miller Lite), good wine (not Arbor Mist), real ice cream (not fat free, sugar free stuff).
Anything you think I should add to my "don't" or "do" lists that has worked for you?