Change the Way You Think and the "Diet" Becomes a Lifestyle.

We hear quotes all the time that tell us to change our way of thinking in order to help change our lives.

"Change the way you think, change the way you live"

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it."

All are accurate.

We have so many words and phrases in the health industry that send shivers down our spines...words that have so many derogatory tones, that place guilt, fear, and negativity into the process of getting healthy. For example:

Diet.

Binge.

Cheat.

They all imply something negative. Diet sounds like a restrictive and miserable experience that won't last forever, or that you have been placed on as a last resort by a doctor because you have no other options and your sick. Binge sounds like you have failed miserably and that you should feel ashamed. Cheat sounds like you are doing something bad.

We use these words SO frequently that we don't even realize how they make us feel, and how silly we are for letting them dictate how we feel. The process of becoming healthy is hard enough as it is...we don't need to apply additional stress on ourselves; so please bare with me as I break out the tough love, because if these words are affecting you, we need to get your head and heart right. If you do, you will change your perspective on this journey and actually live a lifestyle without as much effort.

Now, listen to me. 

If you are trying, you deserve a medal. This journey shouldn't be a negative experience, it shouldn't make you feel bad, it shouldn't make you feel like less...no matter what. You are a person, a living being that deserves respect, including respect from yourself. You need to be your own friend in this process, your own caregiver, you need to speak to yourself kindly, and love yourself for what you're doing and the GOOD that you have done...and give yourself RESPECT for the courage and strength you have shown for even attempting something so major.

What a lot of people don't realize is that when you start something like this, it is often a mind game, it often brings out issues you didn't even realize were issues. It stirs up emotions, habits, deep seeded things you didn't know you weren't dealing with. For some people this is the absolute FIRST step to gaining control of some part of their life...ANY part of their life.

This. Shit. Is NOT. Easy.

We need to face and make peace with these words and the feelings that they can bring with them, and then realize that neither success or failure are associated with them...not even a little.

So, let's talk and break this down...Have you eaten like crap and felt guilty because you "binged" or "cheated" on your "diet?"  Have you slacked on your workouts, and "fallen off the wagon?"

If you answered "yes" shamefully to any of the above...please continue on...because I'm going to tell you something you need to tell yourself.

IT'S OKAY!!!! In fact...in my eyes, you didn't even slip up...you just lived life.

When you let go of the idea that you failed or made a mistake, you will stop feeling like you can't do this...that you are weak and that just like in every other area in your life, you just can't complete anything, and that you mind as well just stop trying, because no matter what you do and how hard you try...you always do and always will...fail.

See how this so easily leaks into other areas of your life?

Now, don't get me wrong...You can't eat whatever you want...whenever you want, you can't stop taking care of yourself...you just have to stop, STOPPING. You have to stop putting yourself down. You have to stop thinking there is something wrong with you.

If you are healthier than you were a month ago...2 weeks ago, heck even 2 days ago...you are doing it right. You are doing good things. This is a process, it takes trial, it takes error, it takes persistence. If in the grand scheme of things you are doing more good than bad...why are you scolding yourself?

You are NOT going to eat perfectly forever. You are not going to never have a piece of cake, or a night of unhealthy eating ever again...that is unrealistic. A diet suggests that you are going to eat perfectly forever...you're not. Give yourself a break. You're a person, not a robot. Just keep moving forward and all of your efforts will add up...the changes will happen...maybe not as quickly as you like, but they will. The only time the changes stop, is when you make yourself feel so awful that YOU stop.

So please, pat yourself on the back, because you deserve so much more than a bad feeling for "binging" on too much of something that wasn't on your "diet" or for taking time off and "falling off the wagon." You have done nothing wrong, if you just keep going in the right direction. Eventually there will be more "good" than "bad." We all start somewhere...Maybe one day you will become a bikini competitor or body builder where you have to follow a perfect plan...but until then, baby steps.

You're just fine.

How to fake it, till you make it.

I fake it.


I am a pinterest....FREAK!

I admit it, and I have no shame in it. I use it on my "down times" at doctors visits, while laying in bed, taking a bath...and the like. Partly to be entertained, but mostly to be inspired. A lot of people don't understand why I would post so many diet and workout information resources and routines...they think it's a waste of time....shouldn't I be DOING it not pinning it?! Yes...and no.

Pinterest for me is kind of like, shopping without spending, and also living, as if I am already doing. Meaning, you should be pinning workouts that one day you want to be able to do, or find interesting, and act as if you already can do them, act like you already have that body, like you already have lost the weight, like you already are a workout junkie. It can help to get you excited for the next day, week, month...the future. It keeps you on a healthier track. Yes, pinning, and not doing isn't going to transform your figure, but mentally, it really does help you, feel...prepared, feel excited, feel...capable, and hopeful, and you know what...it's free...and who doesn't like free.

Even though it may seem like a waste of time to some, for me, I feel it's a valuable tool. I like research, I like visualization, and there is also the "if others can make this happen, it's not impossible, and so can I."

I honestly may never get to the point where a lot of these ladies that I pin and envy are at, and I'm okay with that. But, having an arsenal of inspirational and informative pins, makes me feel happy, and confident, that if I set my mind to it, and really want to, I can get to this place, just as they have, it's not magic, it's work.

Visualizing, and acting like you have already achieved these goals, makes you feel like, "I've got this...no biggie...I am a beast...I am strong...I already eat clean...I already train mean. I AM AN ATHLETE." In reality, you may not be there yet, but if you feel as if you are...than it CAN be that way, and you can live that lifestyle. It goes hand in hand, with "You have to START to BE GREAT." No one starts at perfect.

Visualization is powerful. Boxers use it before fighting their opponents, Gold medalists have used it in training for the Olympics. The mind is a great tool, and if you aren't ready for change, or feel like it's impossible, you aren't going to go very far. Both your mind, and heart play a BIG factor in this journey.

Your body is meant to move, it's meant to get stronger, it's designed for "fighting" and strength. But, your body isn't the only thing that needs to be strong, and conditioned, your brain needs prep work too. ANYONE CAN lose weight and get fit, but if you aren't ready mentally, and excited for this journey, how do you plan on sticking to your guns?

Give it a try...close your eyes, and imagine yourself looking the way you want, imagine the reactions you will get, imagine yourself being strong, and preforming your workouts, FEEL the emotion, the sweat, the power, the proving people wrong, the proving YOURSELF wrong! That in it's self, is a rush, and almost an addiction! You will find yourself getting excited, feeling confident...in these visions....you've got this! And you know what...in reality you do (will).

It's only a matter of time if you stick with it....and the time will pass anyway, whether you do this or not, right?! So, fake it till you make it...dream it, believe it, and then slowly live it, until eventually...YOU make it.

You Have to Start to Be GREAT!

Let me just say...I LOVE seeing "fat" and "out of shape" people, both men and women, out there, busting their butts, now that the warm weather is here! I LOVE seeing them huff and puff, doing their slow jog down the street, peddling their bikes, and looking like they are going to pass out on the side of the road, and it isn't for the reason you may think. It's because of their drive, their push, their "frankly, I don't give a damn."

They are out there doing what they need to do, and I'm sure they feel ridiculous, when I honestly think they should feel bad-ass.  What they don't realize, is that they are being inspirational. They are being a driving force to others, they are showing their strength, even if they feel weak.

How do I know this...because I was there once. I wasn't in great shape when I started, I wasn't skinny, but I'm where I am now, because I started...I put myself out there just like them, and I know I have surprised and inspired some in the process. I'm not laughing at these awesome people, in any way, shape, or form, I am clapping for them, I am cheering them on, and I am acknowledging the fact, that they are taking control of their lives, their health, their emotions. They aren't out looking like they are trying to be something that they aren't..they are out BECOMING something they already are inside, but what they want to see on the outside as well. THEY are the inspirations, THEY are the "Hope", THEY are the "Screw you, I got this."

They are out doing, what they need to do, despite the stuck ups, despite the stares, and rude remarks. Have respect for those, that are changing themselves, for THEMSELVES. They are doing an amazing thing, and they aren't hiding it. These aren't people that are out there in workout gear, when they don't actually workout. They aren't claiming falsehoods to be something/one that they aren't, and ANYONE who has respect for fitness, health, and athletics, wouldn't look down on anyone trying to embrace that in their life. They wouldn't look out their car window in disgust, they wouldn't cringe at the tight workout gear...that may show more bulge then curve, and they certainly wouldn't say anything to damage their drive and spirit. They support, they love, they help, they encourage, and they help drive those, that want to be driven...a lot of times, because they started where these beauties are right now...at the beginning. 

It takes a lot to get out there and strut your stuff, during your transformation, especially when so many are out being the bullies, of the gym...bike path...streets....life. That's right folks, even adults get picked on. It doesn't just stop once schools out, and it still hurts when your older.

But, for as many snobs and bad-mouthers that there may be, there are a lot of supporters, and also, a lot of those who need to be inspired and supported, by those of us, who are on the same journey. So, please, be the change, be the inspiration, be the greater good. We are always fighting a battle, and in battle, we need supporting troops, hope, & ambition. Please, be that for someone else, and let them be that for you.

You don't look ridiculous, you don't look out of place. You look like a fighter, and I guarantee that as you huff past those people in their cars, you are getting high-fived, and you are getting smiles of love and encouragement, and that YOU have inspired AT LEAST one person, by putting yourself out there. Congratulations, you're winning!  Internet HIGH FIVE!

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=26489&picture=open-hand

The Lazy Day Workout Checklist

Today is Sunday...All my kids are home...my husband is working...and I have just got my period...boo. Here is my checklist to make sure I get some sort of workout in...if a get a whole one in...great...if not...at least I did something...right...RIGHT?!

Workout Challenge 2

Try this workout challenge, and see if you can beat my scores! Whether you can or can't, it's a good one...so please...get off your ass, and kick mine!

Workout Challenge 1

This is my first workout challenge! Try it, it will kick your ass yo!