Recently, I shared my Weight Loss Story with all of you. I thought it was a good idea to post it the same day as "The Biggest Loser" finale, since I can relate somewhat to what they are going through. My weight loss journey started four years ago. In the last two years, I have been able to maintain a healthy weight, and I exercise regularly. I remember in the past I could go months without exercising and now, I try to exercise at least 3-5 times a week. I do not diet, I choose to make healthy choices.
I wanted to share some of my tips with you that helped me during my weight loss journey. I am not a professional doctor or dietician, so if you would like to start your own weight loss journey, consult your doctor or dietician before you begin any weight loss program.
1. Try to do something active everyday, for at least 30 minutes to one hour. Take a walk, use exercise videos at home, or join a gym. Exercise at least 3-5 times a week. I joined a gym in February of 2009 and this really helped me with weight loss. Once you get into a good routine of working out, your body will crave movement often! Include cardio and strength training in your workout. Strength training will help you build muscle and tone up!
2. Increase your fiber intake. Research says that Americans are not getting enough fiber in their diets. Fiber helps move things along and keeps your system clean. Try to eat as much natural fiber as you can. Apples are a good source of fiber.
3. Keep fresh fruits that are easy to prepare within reach. I love to keep apples, bananas, and grapes handy. I also love to buy unsweetened frozen fruit. I let it thaw out a little before I eat it. I even make smoothies with frozen fruit. One of my favorite smoothies includes blueberry with fresh spinach leaves. It's delicious and you can't even taste the spinach. I do a handful of blueberries and a handful of fresh spinach leaves with ice. That's it! Sometimes I add strawberries.
4. Replace any white flour foods with whole wheat. It's healthier and more filling. Even if I buy waffles or pancakes, I try to find the closest to whole wheat as possible. Same thing goes with bread and crackers.
5. If you plan to eat at a restaurant choose healthy items. Order grilled chicken with steamed vegetables or pinto beans as the side. Substitute fries with fresh fruit or another healthy alternative. If you order a drink, order water with lemon or unsweet tea. I am from the south and sweet tea is a big deal here. If its self serve, I like to put 75% of unsweet tea in my cup with 25% sweet. It gives it a little flavor and has less sugar and therefore, calories.
6. Do not allow junk food in your house. Simply don't buy it! When it's there, you will have the temptations to eat it! Same goes for baking. If you MUST bake, save one or two of the cupcakes or cookies and get the rest out of your house! Share your baked goods with neighbors or friends.
7. Schedule regular massages. Our bodies require maintenance, just like our cars do. Invest in yourself-and don't feel guilty for it! Massages are a great way to destress. Even with the exercising that I do, a montly massage is a HUGE part of a healthy lifestyle. Many places offer wellness programs where you can get good deals on massages if you sign up for their wellness program.
These are a few of my tips for living a healthy lifestyle. I hope this inspires you to stay healthy so that you can live a happy and healthy life. If you have any questions for me, please email thefrugalfreegal@yahoo.com.
Do you have any healthy tips to share with us?
Image source: iClipart
Great sensible advice!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Jen
@What's On My Mind
Another tip I like is to constantly put fuel in your body and eat small meals throughout the deal. Also, drink a ton of water, and try green tea - it's a great metabolism booster! :) I think you look GREAT!
ReplyDeleteWe bake ALL the time! We do just like you said, eat a little and bless our neighbors with the rest. They LOVE us for doing that. I try to workout first thing in the morning. If I can't I exercise while my son is practicing for his sports team.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting these great tips! I need to put them into action!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips! Here are a few more that have worked well for me:
ReplyDeletePut all the food you're going to eat on your plate at once--don't take seconds or dessert. When you put the last bite in your mouth, get up and take your plate to the kitchen while you're still chewing. (Of course you can't always do that when eating with others because it's rude, but do it if you're alone.)
Get in the habit of walking as fast as you can. Play fast music while you're working around the house to get you in the fast-moving mood.
7 Ways to Eat Less Meat Meat is high in calories for its volume, so eat less meat and more low-calorie, filling, nutritious veggies. Salad greens are more expensive this time of year, but steamed frozen veggies make a good "salad"--fill a plate with them and top it with a small amount of higher-calorie food in a flavorful sauce.
Set up something that allows for quick exercise, in a place you pass by several times a day. For example, we have a pull-up bar across our hallway and an exercise ball that is always rolling into my way to remind me to improve my core strength and waistline.
Congratulations on your weight loss!