I stepped on the scale this morning and liked what I spied with my little eye. Before going any further, I must confess that I step on the scale every morning. I know I shouldn’t and have even encouraged others not to do so, but as I’m going through this process, at least right now I get on daily to track my progress. Let me be clear, however, the scale is not the best indicator or measurement of success. All that you are gaining as a result of the process is the true indication of how well you are doing. But I digress
I’m down 11.8 lbs., oh yes I am, and I feel A.MA.ZING!!! That’s almost a dress size! My body is starting to respond to the things I am doing. The scale is inching down, my waistline is starting to reappear, I look better in my clothes and my confidence is starting to creep back up. With results like these, I am nowhere near stopping this train!
Here’s what I know about my body. Unfortunately, I put weight on quickly. If I’m not careful I can easily gain 10-15lbs. in a month. But on the flip side, I also lose weight quickly. Certainly not as quickly as I would like. My preference is overnight, but that ain’t gonna happen! But when I am consistent, and when I make better food choices and discipline myself to move my body daily, I begin to see results quickly. That for me is encouraging and makes me want to keep going!
With this being day 3 of my Green Smoothe Cleanse, I’m starting to notice some things that bear mentioning.
- This is not hard as I thought it would be. I stay busy and keep focused on the things I want to accomplish, so there is very little time to think about food.
- I’m very conscious of when my body is hungry. This is big for me because there have been few and far between times in my life where I have eaten to satisfy physical hunger. Normally I’m eating to stuff down an emotion.
- There are times when my desire to eat is out of habit and not hunger. Take this morning for instance. I wanted a cup of coffee because the clock read 8:45 and that’s what my body had gotten into the habit of having around that time.
I’m hoping the remaining 7 days will be just as easy as the first three. I started this journey during my staycation. With the ease and leisure of being on vacation and at home for 9 days, I’m praying my return to work won’t be a shock to my system. It’s been a breeze doing this on my timetable, and being away from the stress of my work environment. I’ve had more control these past 9 days. Tomorrow will tell a different story, but I’ve already made up my mind to not let it take me under. Having the skill to focus is transferable to any situation I find myself in.
As for my walk today, it was a little challenging. It took me a smidge longer to complete because my legs felt like I was pulling two bricks, but the good news is, I got it done! Part of the reason for my struggle this morning was the lack of sleep. Sleep is critical to the weight loss process and I didn’t sleep well at all last night. I knew when I got up a 5:00 a.m. that it was going to be a rough morning. Tonight will be different. I’m planning on lights out at 9:45 and I will be sleep by 10:00 so I can be raring to go first thing in the morning!
Your Turn To Share
Are you in tune with your body? What is it telling you? Are you going to act on what it’s telling you to do? If so, when?
Jenn JG says
Great advice. I too am trying to get back on track. Summer break is killing me, I sleep in, skip my daily walk and then eat junk. I am going to look into the green smoothe cleanse!
Stacey Strickler says
Hi, Jenn! I’m glad you enjoyed the post! It’s challenging to get back on track, but you can do it!! You sound like me about sleeping in. I love to sleep, but I am adamant about my morning walk. Try changing one thing. I’m a firm believer that when do better, you feel better. If you’re interested in the cleanse, I’m following the advice and recipes in the book entitled: 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse, by JJ Smith. If you try it, drop back by and let me know how you like it!
Atim at EffiFit says
Congratulations on your efforts. It sounds like they are paying off!
Atim at EffiFit recently posted…3 Ways to Get More Quality Sleep as a Busy Professional
Stacey Strickler says
Thank you so much Atim!! Yes, they are! I am being careful to focus on the things I need to do to get the job done and celebrating my wins along the way!!
Nonee N. says
This is such excellent advice! I truly am learning to listen to my body! I’ve gained so much weight and it literally troubles me! Thanks again! this is so helpful!
Stacey Strickler says
Hi, Nonee! I’m glad this was helpful to you! Once you get the hang of it, listening to your body and responding to it’s needs in a healthy way is life changing! We are in the same weight gain boat, but you have all you need to start making changes and doing things to lose it and to strengthen yourself. You can do it. Be encouraged!
Morgan says
I’m finding that being in tune with my body makes all the difference. I am learning more about how foods and exercise impact my mood and the way my body feels physically. It never really occurred to me to check in with my body until I started yoga last year. Thanks for the encouragement to keep going
Stacey Strickler says
Yes, food and exercise are very impactful to our mood, energy levels, and cravings. I’m learning to take a walk when I feel lackluster because I know it will release the happy hormone and I will feel better. I am so looking forward to doing yoga. I have no doubt it will add another layer to my body awareness.
Amanda says
It’s so hard staying on track when you’re going through something. I am going through pregnancy right now and don’t have as much motivation or energy like I used to. I’m always tired and don’t have time to go in the morning anymore. But I always try to do something, even if it’s small, every day.
Stacey Strickler says
Hi, Amanda! Congratulations on your pregnancy!! I’ve never been pregnant, but I can only imagine the drain it could be on your body. It sounds like to me that you are on the right track with trying to do something small every day. Why is it we don’t give ourselves credit for small steps? Small steps lead to big results. I wish you well with your pregnancy and pray for a smooth delivery (is that such a thing?) and a healthy, happy baby