“I need to get in shape” How many times have you told yourself that? I’ve said it to myself AT LEAST 200 times. It’s easy to say to yourself or your friends but it is the follow through that is so darn tough. I’ll start on monday. It’s winter, I’m good for now. I’ll get it together by that wedding or this trip or that date. I’m guilty of every one of those excuses.
Well, one day I decided I was actually going to do it and guess what? It feels amazing! No, I didn’t lose 20 pounds and find a six pack overnight. It’s been about 3 months now. I’m down around 20 pounds but about 80x happier with myself. I wake up energized, more motivated, and WAY more confident. I didn’t set out a weight goal or go at it with an outfit I wanted to fit into. I just wanted to feel better! My boyfriend has always told me that confidence is the one thing he finds most attractive in a girl and I bet a lot of people will agree. It was THAT that I wanted back. So, like I said, I just decided it was time. I’ve changed my lifestyle, my diet, my routines and my life. I’m not excited about sharing these and may have hesitated on the publish button for at least 10 minutes but I want to show you what the below advice has done for me! I feel good y’all and I want you to too!
If you’ve been looking for the motivation to ditch those silly excuses or start dates, this is me saying GO FOR IT. You’ve got this. You ready?
Now, by no means am I a health coach or trainer of any kind, but I did make this decision myself a few months ago and am pretty damn happy with my results. Here’s a few tips I used get going without feeling like my entire life was changing overnight.
Make working out part of the routine
Ok, what excuses do we make for ourselves when it comes to working out? I don’t have time. I’ve got other things to get done! I’m too tired after work. It’s miserable. I can’t wake up that early.
Ditch those!
First of all, working out doesn’t have to be miserable. You don’t have to spend 45 minutes on a treadmill staring at the mile counter go up. Find something you actually enjoy! I’ve gone through all kinds of phases in an attempt to find an exercise routine I actually enjoy. I’ve found my thing with Camp Gladiator and while I can talk about how awesome it is all day long, that may not be yours. There’s classes at gyms, so many cool studios like barre and indoor cycling, crossfit, personal trainers, or simply a sidewalk to walk on. Try them! If you don’t have a clue where to start, Classpass is an awesome way to get started looking for a studio that you LOVE.
Once you’ve found “your thing”, you’ve got to do yourself a favor and actually show up. Show up for your class, for your trainer, FOR YOURSELF. Once you do that a few times, it gets easier. Eventually, if you’re anything like me, you won’t want to skip a workout. Once it becomes part of your routine, it’s no longer a chore. Working out is just a thing you do to feel good every day. And then, it can turn into one of your favorite parts of the day! If you don’t believe me, try it. Show up to work out 3 or 4 times a week for a few weeks. Every wake up or drive to the gym will be easier! I promise!
Small nutrition changes
I’ll admit I’m not the #1 person to go to for nutrition advice. I am THE pickiest eater and my diet resembles that of a 5 year old at a carnival. But I’ve done my best to turn that around lately with small changes and that’s what I encourage you to do. Whether your diet is already nutrition packed or more donut & pizza centric like mine, a small concious change can make a huge difference. For me, I’ve eliminated all extra sweets. Yep, I’ve said no to the office donuts and strolled by the candy bowl without snagging a chocolate. Instead I munch on my protein donut or sip on a nice sweet smoothie. I make my pizza with a cauliflower crust and turkey pepperoni. These days, taco Tuesdays are for turkey tacos and usually don’t include a margarita. I’m living the same life and still eating delicious foods! Little changes make a HUGE difference! Few tips – Try subbing lean meats in for fatty beef and pork, step away from the sugar, and save enough to take home when you eat out to keep portions light.
Once you get comfortable with the small changes, you can kick it up a notch. Once you realize that you can make changes to your diet without completely dying of starvation or cravings, you can do anything you set your mind to. There’s so many diets out there! If there’s any you want me to try first, let me know! That’s what I’m here for! I recently started counting macros and am loving it! Stay tuned for a blog post soon to hear all about how that works!
Stay Positive
None of that I can’t do this bullshit. Yep, it’s not easy every day. Yep, you’re going to have an off day or maybe an off week but that is OK! Don’t lose faith in yourself because that is where it all goes downhill. If it is a matter of wearing a tee shirt that says “I can do it” as a reminder, buy one in every color, because YOU CAN. It is so easy to let a bad attitude dictate what you chose to do. So, instead of dwelling on how much better so and so looks than you or constantly thinking of how out of shape you are, pivot that mindset. Think about how awesome it will be to look and feel good when you are in shape.
Find an accountabilibuddy
I’m lucky to have an insane amount of support in my life with everything I do. My rock through this decision to get in shape though has been him! Kyle joined CG with me, he eats all of the crazy meals I cook and he is a constant source of positivity. He’s the definition of an awesome accountabilibuddy. The really long word that you keep having to read is just a fun combo of accountability buddy. (Dare you to say accountabilibuddy 5 times fast).
An accountabilibuddy is someone that you can count on to hold you accountable for your decision to be a better you. It can be a friend, parent, boyfriend, trainer, whatever! Heck, they even make apps to be your accountabilibuddy (though I really suggest a human). They are the ones that text your or shake you to wake you up for a 5:30 workout when sleep is all you want. They are the ones that point out the alternatives to fries on the sides sections of the menu. You are strong and can totally do this on your own but it never hurts to have a little back-up!
Make the decision!
Now I’m going to be a hardass for a minute.
Get off your ass and start. Sure, tomorrow. Don’t wait for Monday because that’s just a silly excuse to give yourself time to flip this decision. You’ve got it! Ready, set, go!
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