Here lately, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my approach to losing weight. I’ve been at this for so long and I feel like I’ve tried everything under the sun to get these pounds off. One of the reason’s I think I’ve struggled with this is because my tactic has always been to restrict myself from the things I like. Somewhere along the line, I bought into the idea that in order to be successful on a weight loss journey, you had to cut out this and cut out that. It’s no wonder I never stuck to any one plan for long.
But now my attitude towards my journey is to 1) be patient with myself and the process, 2) to stop punishing myself by taking away everything I enjoy, and 3) to start giving to myself more by adding in the things that will help me to be more successful.
Following is a list of six things I am adding to my weight loss journey to not only make it enjoyable but to also bring about the results I am looking for.
I Am Adding In More Veggies
Do you know there is life beyond broccoli? My dislike for veggies followed me from childhood but now I’ve opened myself up to trying the very same vegetables I would turn my nose up to as a child. Some of my new found favorites: Brussel sprouts, green beans, eggplant, asparagus, peppers, mushrooms, spinach (raw, not cooked…I haven’t grown that much…LOL), just to name a few. I love to roast my veggies and I mix things up by trying new seasonings. I have come to love my vegetables and my mother still can’t believe it!
I Am Adding In More Water
Water is my beverage of choice. It keeps me hydrated. It relieves my thirst. It keeps my skin healthy and glowing. It helps my joints. And I know there are many more benefits to drinking it. I know people add all kinds of things to “give it taste”, but for me, it tastes just fine. I prefer to drink it straight, no chaser.
I’m Adding In More Movement
It feels good to be able to simply walk again. I’m telling you, you don’t miss something until it’s gone, or in my case limited. I’ve been able to add walking back into my daily routine. I’m being careful to not overdo it, so I simply do 20 minutes and then I stop. Eventually I’ll work my way up to walking longer and faster, but for now, just to be able to walk at all is a blessing.
I Am Adding In More Sleep
Now this one is an easy-peasy one for me. Can I just tell you, a sistah loves her sleep. But I hadn’t been getting enough of it because I was burning the candle at both ends. What I’ve come to know is that sleep is the third ingredient for weight loss. Healthy eating, daily movement, and at least 7 hours of sleep each night is the trifecta for a successful weight loss journey. I gets mine…do you get yours?
I Am Adding In More Self-Care
As I shared in a previous post, self-care is a must, not a luxury! In order for me to adequately do loving and caring things for myself, I need to be in tuned with my needs. Once I know what my needs are I am not shy about giving myself the care I need. Guess what? If I don’t take care of me, who else is going to do it?
I Am Adding In More Social Time With Friends
Notice I said social time, not social media? I am making it my business to meet up with my friends face to face on a regular basis for a few hours of fun, relaxation, and good conversation. Notice there is no mention of food here? That’s because there’s more to do than just eat when you go out with friends and loved ones.
A few weeks ago my friends and I spent the afternoon painting together. We had a ball at our new found hang-out spot…Painting With A Twist. Here are just a few pictures that captured our good time.
A few weeks after this gathering, I drove to Virginia (from Philadelphia) to meet up with some friends for a Spa Day. After being pampered with massages and manicures, we relaxed and had some good ole uplifting conversation. I can’t wait for the next gathering with friends.
So, see when you change your approach and stop thinking about all of the things you have to give up and start focusing on all of the things you can add into your life…the weight loss journey doesn’t seem so hard after all!
Your Turn To Share
What can you add more of into your life that will make your journey worth taking?