Don't Use The Holiday As An Excuse To Be Fat

In the past, I have made every excuse in the book to stray from whatever weight loss program I was on. And of course the biggest deal I would make with myself was, after the holiday I will go on a diet and exercise. Yeah right. That did happen, every single New Years day that I can remember in fact. So how did I get to almost 300 lbs?

The fact is the holidays are here and there are treats at every turn. So what do I do now that is so different from the past?

For one, I make sure there are treats on hand for me that fit in with my weight loss program so when I pass up a tempting treat, I can reward myself with a treat that has been calculated into my daily food budget and I am guilt free.

Also, I never skip my workouts. I look at it this way, if I keep to my workout routine and run around the stores and the house preparing for the holidays, I will be burning extra calories. And who knows, this may be the first time in my history that I actually weigh less after all the festivities are over.

But here is the biggest point, if you screw up one day, just one day - do you think you will undo all your hard work? Of course not, I did not get to be almost 300 lbs because I ate too much at Christmas dinner. So get over it, and stop making excuses to be fat.

A thin mindset is where you need to put yourself. Take one plate of food and choose wisely. Try to pick one or two choices that you really can't live without, but add healthier selections to the rest of the plate. For me dessert is the killer. So now instead of having a piece of everything, I choose just one.

It is not easy, and you will make some mistakes. Just don't make excuses, instead move along as if they didn't happen. I promise, it will get easier.

Happy Holidays.

Take a Walk

Take a Walk

I like to walk. I didn't always though. When I was one hundred pounds overweight, just taking 20 steps would take my breath away. But now that I have lost 52 pounds, I can do so much more. I walk 45 minutes to 1 hour 3-5 times a week and I work out on my treadclimber 3-4 times a week. I've come a long way.

I wanted to pass along a little walking tip because walking not only helped me burn calories and melt fat but it really helped me tone as I lost weight.

This was in one of my Weight Watcher magazines some time ago.
Walk Tall and maintain good posture while you walk, this is very important. Keep your abs tucked in and shoulders relaxed and in line with your hips. I had a problem with this at first, I seemed to always lean forward. But standing tall will help protect your lower back while you work your abs and glutes.

Want to try my walking workout. Go to Lose Belly Fat and download it now for free. It has helped me burn off belly fat and lose weight.

Get Some Sleep and Lose Some Weight

Because of the Holiday Season, I thought this was important to share. Did you know there is a connection between weight gain and sleep deprivation.

Oh Yes. Studies have proven that sleep deprivation and a stressful lifestyle, may increase levels of cortisol which makes the breakdown of fat more difficult. The answer may sound simple, but is it.

Getting more quality sleep is the key. Try to go to earlier, even if it is only 15 minutes earlier. Often when we are stressed it is hard to fall asleep once in bed. Try taking a warm bath before hitting the hay. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine. You may even want to try a herbal remedy specifically designed to gently and safely help you relax and get sleep.

Believe it or not exercising can also help you sleep better. Working out is probably the last thing you want to do when you are exhausted, but it works.

When you are tired you are also more likely to make poor food choices, so try to get in at least 7 restful hours.