Okay, so here's my first big area of interest. I'm sure that this will be a recurring topic throughout the coming months, but can we just spend a few minutes talking about healthy living?
I'll be the first to admit that I like ice cream. And cookies. And don't even get me started on cheesecake. None of these things are regular parts of my diet, but when I do get to have them, I like to really enjoy them. Whipped cream and everything.
Back in high school, I was a big girl. Like 250 pounds. Believe me when I say that I have had my come-to-Jesus moment and I have lost a significant amount of weight since then. It wasn't easy, but I am never going back there again.
Whenever I look at trying to balance my lifestyle, I notice that there are a lot of factors playing off of each other. Many people cite the food that you are eating as the deciding factor in your health, while others look at the extent and intensity of your physical activity. Then you have to take into account preexisting health concerns and portion control. By the time you finish listing all of the parts of your healthful living plan, it almost seems impossible.
Especially when you have a job, a place to keep clean, and a social life. So how do you do it? Plenty of people are succeeding around us every single day, and we all know that they aren't superheroes. There has to be an optimal combination of do's and don't's that make for an attractive face in the mirror and enough energy to make it through the day - without starving yourself.
For those who have struggled as I have, or for those who know that it's probably in their best interests to lay off of the M&Ms, I have five quick tips that have really helped me. They aren't perfect, but they are a start:
That's all I've got on this, but I want to hear from you! What kinds of tips and tricks do you have for living a healthy, balanced life? Leave me a comment, send me an e-mail, or just stick around to get to know the woman behind the mask.
Until next time!
I'll be the first to admit that I like ice cream. And cookies. And don't even get me started on cheesecake. None of these things are regular parts of my diet, but when I do get to have them, I like to really enjoy them. Whipped cream and everything.
Back in high school, I was a big girl. Like 250 pounds. Believe me when I say that I have had my come-to-Jesus moment and I have lost a significant amount of weight since then. It wasn't easy, but I am never going back there again.
Whenever I look at trying to balance my lifestyle, I notice that there are a lot of factors playing off of each other. Many people cite the food that you are eating as the deciding factor in your health, while others look at the extent and intensity of your physical activity. Then you have to take into account preexisting health concerns and portion control. By the time you finish listing all of the parts of your healthful living plan, it almost seems impossible.
Especially when you have a job, a place to keep clean, and a social life. So how do you do it? Plenty of people are succeeding around us every single day, and we all know that they aren't superheroes. There has to be an optimal combination of do's and don't's that make for an attractive face in the mirror and enough energy to make it through the day - without starving yourself.
For those who have struggled as I have, or for those who know that it's probably in their best interests to lay off of the M&Ms, I have five quick tips that have really helped me. They aren't perfect, but they are a start:
- Cut out the soda, the tea, the lemonade, and the everything that doesn't actually hydrate you like water. When I switched to water (and an occasional cup of coffee), I didn't just start slimming down. I felt cleaner.
- Fried things are great every now and then. I am on the never-ending quest for the perfect onion ring, but not every day.
- There are tons of different fruits and vegetables that you can find in your local supermarket. You are bound to find one or two that you like. When you're hungry, try eating something that comes from the ground and not from a chemical plant. The seasons change, too - keep an eye out for the seasonal treats.
- Eat breakfast. There are so many ways to lose weight and keep your calorie count within a reasonable limit, but not eating is not the way to go.
- You don't have to be the star at the gym. I'm as guilty as the next person for trying to outdo the person on the machine next to me (or the jogger across the street, for those of you outdoor runners). You're not there to impress the competition; you're there to impress you.
That's all I've got on this, but I want to hear from you! What kinds of tips and tricks do you have for living a healthy, balanced life? Leave me a comment, send me an e-mail, or just stick around to get to know the woman behind the mask.
Until next time!