The top two excuses that drive me nuts are no money or time to be healthy.   There are endless exercises that are free & whole foods cost less than processed alternatives/takeout (especially if you add in your medical expenses).  Until you crave change more than your excuses you’ll continue in the same direction.  A stagnate routine creates a stagnate life no matter what reason you use as a filler.  Time has become a comfortable crutch that most believe are valid.  It doesn’t help that as a culture we pamper each other’s excuses confirming it’s just too hard.  When the truth is the only thing holding you back is you.  Maybe you’re okay with not challenging yourself but I’m guessing if you’re reading this blog there’s a curiosity inside you that wants more.

Examine where you’re at & what you’re doing.  Does it make you happy, proud & do you overall feel good?  Yes, carry on & please spread your wealth through encouraging positive actions.  No, suit up it’s time to battle this.

Begin with pinpointing the triggers that are sabotaging you, starting with your belief.  Do you believe it’s too hard, too late, overwhelming?  Is your environment promoting emotional eating luring you into sugared frenzies?  Take steps this very moment to start improving.  Your mindset will dictate the quality of your results.  React now & make a commitment to yourself.   You have the power to control what you believe & how you treat your body.

Next get informed.  Reaching out for guidance is NOT weakness!  Pursue what you want.  If Google is your sidekick process the info realistically.  If it doesn’t seem legit keep researching & ask reputable sources.  If you enlist help from a trainer/food specialist then listen & do the work.  If you turn to your spouse then let your guard down.  Ladies, it doesn’t make you less independent to have a great workout partner be someone you’re in a relationship with.  Drop the “I’m a woman, I don’t need you” a few levels & men be open minded as well.  Take advantage of this time together & grow from each other.

Don’t forget to be comfortable in your skin.  Embrace your highs & lows it’s what make you an individual.  No one knows the details to your story better than you.  Look back at a moment you conquered even though the thought seemed impossible.   The proof you have it in you.  Where did you dig deep from?  Find it again because the excuses won’t carry any longer.  It’s all you.

Meet my inspirational friend Liz Kampschroeder, Mom of 3, owner of DaisyChickDesigns, personal trainer, IFPA Pro & writer (contact info under local services https://theshortsideofit.wordpress.com/local-services/) .  She shared these words with me this morning & it really home that I feel compeled to pass it forward…

“Having supportive people in my life, regardless of distance has been huge for me but I really have had to just believe I could accomplish what I set out to do. Ride the bumps that come along, celebrate the goals reached but most importantly try & be present in the journey. As its all the little things, both positive & challenging along the way that make up my story. I think regardless of the goals we set we have to believe we can get there. The path may not always be what we expect or planned but determination & a little flexibility can go a long way!” Liz Kampschroeder

Helpful Tips (reminder these are just my suggestions on what I’ve learned through experience.  I am not a trainer of any sorts):

Eating

Before you take that next bite rate how hungry you are on a scale 1-10.  This might help you deter emotional eating & ask yourself why you are eating.  Are you tired, thirsty, bored, habit or someone else is eating so you should too type of mentality.

Plan, plan, plan!  Put your food together ahead of time.  Examples: Remove the shell from hard boiled eggs ahead of time (quick & cheap snack).  Carry low sodium tuna packets, no draining , no heating or refrigeration needed.  Apple & nuts in your bag, car, desk drawer.  Protein shakes, it doesn’t get any easier than that.

Eat healthy foods several times a day.  Stop starving your body!

You can live a healthy life with moderation of “bonus” foods not elimination.

Exercises

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