A friend of mine actually asked me how I've slimmed down and kept it off so quickly and with such fervor. Here are my tips. They work for me and they're a compilation of health and fitness magazines. Eating tips
- Drink a glass of water every morning when you wake up. Your body's dehydrated from sleeping.
- Eat breakfast within 45 minutes of waking up. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Wake up earlier for it and really enjoy your time. You haven't eaten in at least 6-7 hours.
- Carry a water bottle. No need to waste calories on Gatorade or soda.
- Make a change and do it for 3 weeks; it'll make the change stick. I cut out French fries and I loved those things.
- Eat dessert in small sizes. I love dessert. Mini cupcakes are the best when I'm at an awesome bakery and don't want to kill myself.
- Eat everything with a knife and fork/spoon. It slows down your eating and you enjoy the taste of your food.
- Dine with a slow person. Yancey eats slower than I do even when I'm eating with a knife and fork, but he encouraged me to slow down and be fuller.
- When dining out, ask for a to-go box ASAP if you don't plan on eating your whole meal.
- Throw your to-go box in the trunk or in the back seat out of reach.
- Plan your meals ahead. If you're going to a restaurant, look at their menu online and decide what you want. Stick with it so you don't run into temptation.
- Log your food.
- Food is energy. ASK YOURSELF: how am I going to feel in an hour? Will this food give me energy and help me through my day and workouts?
- Carry healthy snacks with you.
- Eat fruit and veggies. They're good fillers with low calories and great for your energy.
- Stop eating out. Cook, or faux cook. Yancey can do it so can you!
- Ask yourself if you're really hungry.
- Eat every 3-4 hours.
Working out tips - these definitely are individualized so mine will be different from yours
- Take group fitness classes for the support and training without paying a ton.
- Do a bit of cardio to warm up before class,
- Take yoga and/or Pilates. It's important to balance out your workouts.
- Make the gym unavoidable. Not only pack your clothes, but I'm lucky enough that there aren't many ways to get to my house and the way I take everyday requires that I pass by the gym.
- Strength train. Women won't get big and muscular I promise. You also feel stronger and get toning!
- Try to break up your workouts so you do some interval training and don't get bored.
- Work out early so you don't ditch it later.
- If you do cardio machines, read something or watch a show.
- REMIND YOURSELF: I'm going to feel good physically and mentally after working out. I'll feel accomplished.