When you’re a parent, life can be hectic. Doctor’s visits, sports practices, PTA, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning…we spend lots of time in the car, standing in lines, and waiting. With so much going on, the last thing we might think of is exercise. Those necessary errands provide us with an excuse not to take care of our bodies when that is the very thing that we need to do. We tell ourselves, “I’ll get to that later.” However, we rarely do because the unexpected happens.
When I get in a slump, I don’t want to do anything because I don’t have the energy. I want a nap, not chores. Going up and down stairs hurts my knees and leaves me panting for air. When I reach the point where I’m jumping up and down to squeeze myself into my fat jeans, I give myself a reality check. I tell myself that I have a wonderful family and it’s not fair to them to let myself go. If I’m unhealthy, then my family suffers. I owe it to myself to enjoy the times we have together. If I can’t walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded, how can I play Frisbee or kick a soccer ball around with the kids? Something as simple as fitting into a restaurant booth can turn a pleasant day sour. I remind myself that it’s my own fault.
I stepped on the scale today. It has been fifteen days since I made the commitment to lose weight. I’ve lost four pounds and now I’m at 289. I feel triumphant. Those four pounds may as well be forty. I don’t care how long it takes me to reach my goal because I want to lose the pounds forever. Here are some tips that I’m using to stay committed, maybe you’ll find them helpful.
1. Keep water and a couple of healthy snacks in your pocketbook (or in whatever you’re carrying). Sometimes, a short trip becomes a whole day event.
2. Carry a journal (for distraction and creativity). This keeps my mind off food.
3. Walk.
4. Write encouraging messages to yourself. I like to start my day on a positive note.
5. Keep a physical project going: gardening, painting, rearranging furniture, or some other do-it-yourself. Depending on the project, you’ll give your body a serious workout.
Related Blogs:
Fat Fighting Arsenals
Walking
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