Getting back to good

Posted on December 14, 2015

Despite the preparations, Thanksgiving week really threw me off kilter. Our trip went pretty well. Not the healthiest but nothing that would put on significant pounds. But when I got back, the next couple weeks were hell at work. We were so busy and I had to go up to Virginia for a few days. More traveling, more sitting in a car, sitting at a desk. I longed to go outside. It was awful, but it was also temporary. Things are getting better and I'm finding time to be outside and cook and be healthier. My weight was up and down a lot the first month of this challenge, but I know I'm going to need some real discipline over the next couple weeks to make the next weigh-in. Oh, and we had an ice cream party at work today. Seriously.

It's hard for me to make specific plans or stick to a workout schedule or a strict diet, but I've been reading more and more about building good habits and I'm intrigued by the idea of automating as much healthy behavior as possible. I'd like to decide on one or two things to have for breakfast every day, that way I don't have to think about it. I'd like to get up early enough to take a walk in the morning, even if it's just a quick one. If I could start getting up early enough, I could potentially walk to work. It's really embarassing that I don't more frequently. I'm just really, really, really bad at mornings. I've signed up for an audiobooks service and I'd like to take a nightly walk, too. Anyone got any tips? Other habits that have helped you?

Comment Now!

Kellie R.

12/16/2015 7:25AM

I'm with you on the not being a morning person thing...I've always wanted to do more morning workouts, but it's just really tough for me to be motivated that time of day. I usually end up working out at night and I've recently been exposed to the world of podcasts, and they're great! I started with Serial and then Undisclosed and the episodes are about an hour each and just fly by, you won't even realize you've been on the elliptical for a whole hour. I also am a huge fan of having the same breakfast everyday. I usually do a small orange, a small protein shake, and a Go Macro bar which are my favorites and I pick everything up on the weekend and then getting my breakfast ready takes about 30 seconds, it's great and I know I can count on starting my day off on a healthy foot. I also try to pack my lunch when possible. Dinner has been a bit more challenging for me to find healthy options for, but Pinterest has become a huge help. Honestly, though, the most important thing for me to stick to a schedule or habits is finding things that make me happy and work for my diet. I know walking to work in the morning will not make me happy, but walking home and stopping in at a store I like or the farmer's market will. And I try not to think of my workouts as workouts so much as I'm going to go listen to this thing I'd want to anyway and I'll just be walking or on the treadmill while I'm doing it instead of sitting on the couch. Hope this helps!

Alisha

12/15/2015 10:30AM

Great post and you are not alone. Your idea for meals is kind of what I like to follow (when I can actually do my grocery shopping...lol). I try to keep an idea of a few key meals I really enjoy that are healthy and make those a bit more regularly. I think your approach there is great! I'm not a morning person either. As far as workouts, I try to make myself not think about it and think purely of execution....of course, that's easier said than done...hee-hee! The holidays are tough with temptation, and for me personally, I'm going to be avoiding any activities. Boring...yes...but it's just one year. If I stick with it, then next year I can enjoy and be fit at the same time. Versus, trying to lose weight and stare at chocolate and drinks at a party only to indulge like crazy. Hahahaha!!