There is so much back story to things I've had to deal with physically that maybe I'll share in bits and pieces over time. This piece is about what I've found helpful in my success of losing the pounds gained when I hit my 40s. The puzzle was that I ate a healthy diet but still gained weight; ending up about 230lbs. My physician, who was also a personal friend, knew me well and after a thorough check up explained that the weight gain was caused by cortisol imbalances due to the overload of stress. My doctor is not a pill-pusher, which is why I like her so much, so I chose to focus on changing my life for my health.
First, I made sure I drank enough water daily. The rule that works for me is taking my weight, divide it in half and then drink amount in ounces of water. So, that's 160lbs in half equaling 80 ounces of water each day.
Second, I never dieted. NEVER. The only plan I kind of followed was
Shaklee's Cinch plan (now its called Life Plan) and through this and the
first two points I mentioned, I lost 45lbs in a little over 6 months.
When I say I "kind of followed", I mean I used Shaklee's shake mixes and
sometimes their protein bars as snacks. However, I have learned by
watching friends and family use Weight Watchers, Atkins, Keto diets, low
fat and low carb diets, etc... is that they always put the weight back
on within a year once they hit their goals. But, I noticed within all of
those diet plans (and others I researched: Eat Clean and Trim Healthy
Mama) that the main focus was on eating about 4 oz of lean protein with
each meal, consuming LOTS of vegetables, getting enough fiber,
eliminating refined sugars and those bad sugar substitutes, eating only a
minimum whole grains, having very few (if any)
refined-prepackaged-processed foods, and drinking LOTS of water. I do
like a lot of Trim Healthy Mama recipes and Paleo recipes and use them.
Needless to say, I found this easy to follow.
Third, I decided to make sure I had a balance of activity and time for myself. I found a couple of healthy activities outside the home that I wanted to do. I learned to belly dance and I took zumba. I also began walking with a few friends regularly. I discovered I loved using a stationary bike and would workout almost every day. I got some hand weights and tried different youtube instructors until I found a couple of programs that I liked to follow. I also spent time in daily meditation and affirmations.
Fourth, I began journaling my meals and exercises. I tried a few sites but My Fitness Pal worked best or me and I still use it.
Fifth, I immersed myself in podcasts, audible books, reading and music that uplifted me and kept me focused on my goals and on being content and happy. I have listed some of my favorites in the right sidebar of this blog. I have made myself a "lifetime student", constantly learning and discovering. I'm an extremely busy person as a homeschooling Mom, happy Wife, working a job and taking college courses to earn my degree in nutrition. So, I listen to podcasts and audible while working out and when I'm driving (which is everyday). I learned this a long time ago: Where the mind goes the body will follow. Therefore, I put things in my life that keep me focused and happy. This has brought me out of a horrible first marriage and constant stress, into a life of freedom and joy. I am remarried (after 3 years of single life) to an absolutely amazing and supportive husband. My sons are healing emotionally and mentally to become two happy, well-rounded boys! All this because I changed my mindset and focused on the "virtue and praise" (Philippians 4:8)
Sixth, I don't expect people to make me happy. I do not hold my husband responsible for making me happy.....or my friends...or my clients....or my sons.....or my family....you get the drift. I make me happy. My husband and I share responsibilities with our finances, household chores, etc. My sons know what is expected of them and for the most part (lol....they are human kids after all) they do what is required of them. My family and friends love me and I love them. I like my job. If something needs to change within my job, I discuss what it is with those in charge and we decide if its feasible. I haven't stayed in a job I couldn't find peace in. I have know when it was time to leave and something has always opened up. I'm not always happy, I do get frustrated. But, I process it and I look for the solution. I choose to be happy.
So, there you have it. A few big things that have helped me and are still helping me achieve my healthy goals. Maybe, something in them will encourage you on your journey!
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