Get Healthy BlogHop

Today I'm taking part in the the Get Healthy Blog Hop, hosted by Michael Di Gesu, Stephen Tremp, Spunk on a Stick, and Alex J.

I have been struggling with my weight for years.  I have followed just about every diet out there.  I've had personal trainers and gym memberships.  I've read the books and I've taken the classes.  I am a health care professional.

Around Christmas time, I was searching my computer for pictures of my kiddo, and I began to notice a trend - I wasn't in many pictures, and if I was, I was hiding in the back trying to cover my spare tire - years of pictures and I could count how many I appeared in!  There were hundreds of photos of kiddo with family and friends and 10 of her and I together.  A lump formed in my throat, time to re-evaluate things.

I didn't think I ate that badly.  I had a physically demanding job.  I was walking to work most days and taking a weekly Zumba class.

In January I purchased a FitBit and set daily goal of 10,000 steps and 2,500 calories to burn - it became a mini challenge with myself.  But, temptation came knocking and I started to cheat on myself. (starting to sound familiar?)

In February I went to Ontario to visit friends from school, I was the heaviest I had ever been.  The 2 pictures I appeared in during that trip brought tears to my eyes.  I knew I needed to do something drastic.  Before the month of February was over I had signed onto a low carb, low sugar, no alcohol diet.  I talked a few friends into swimming with me, walking with me, zumba with me, and training for a 5K race with me.

I have lost 56 pounds since February.

My tips to you:

Water - drink LOTS of water, it is great for your muscles and will help you feel full longer (don't say you dislike the taste of water... add cucumber, mint leaves, lime, lemon, orange, crystal light or mio to flavor it, its much better for you than soda).

Move - stretch - bend - your body will thank you for it.  I tell all of my massage clients to stretch, it releases endorphins, prevents spasms, and feels good.  We are not made to sit behind a computer 8 hours a day.  Start small, be content running 1 minute today try for 2 tomorrow.

Eat - healthier, lower fat selections.  Instead of deep fried french fries try oven roasted turnip fries, skim milk instead of whole, fruit rather than a cookie.  Watch your portion sizes - just because its on your plate doesn't mean you have to finish it all.

Find a buddy!  Someone with similar goals, someone who will encourage you, motivate you, listen to you, share recipes with you, and old you accountable.  If you can't find someone in the 3D world, find someone online there are some great bloggers out here and very supporting discussion boards, if you can't find anyone email me! (seriously)

Don't get discouraged.  You didn't gain 10 pounds over night, you won't lose it over night.  Set mini goals and when you reach them don't celebrate with food!  :)

My net goal is to finish my first 5K on June 16th