Secrets of Success

Fake it 'til you Make It

I'm not a big fan of exercise, I typically don't get that "runner's high" until after I've cooled down. So for me getting motivated to get out and walk or run is very difficult. I've found that when I'm starting out if I pretend that I enjoy it or fake liking it I'm more motivated to get going. I do this long enough and eventually I start looking forward to my exercising.

Make it a game!

I tend to stick to anything fun. If I'm watching tv, sometimes I'll pick a word I know will occur in the show (For example, for supernatural the word is awesome). If I hear the word, I'll pause the show for a minute and do some sort of healthy exercise: jog in place, crunch, jumping jacks, or drink a glass of water if my intake is low. This helps me to stay on track.

Set New Goals to Build a Record of Success

I have learned that I too often set goals too high. Constant failure to make the mark discourages me and I fall away from trying. Now I set goals that are attainable, see that I can easily do that, then add a little until it becomes a challenge. I sit at that level until that, too, is easy; increasing in small increments to make it a challenge again. This practice is protecting me from discouragement so I can stay the course. Start small. Build big!

start small build up

I started back today I did several small 5 min work outs today while my coffee was being brewed and my breakfast cooking . Yes, it was only 83 calories burned,but that was 83 I did not burn in the previous mornings. it is a start & I feel good about myself!!

Start walking every day.

I would procrastinate about walking every morning. Now I just do it before I do anything else in the morning and it is done!

Old School European mentality

When my husband would come home from a hard day's work, I had that old school European mentality to feed him to his heart's content, and I'd be right there beside him eating the same amount! UNTIL we got his blood tests results! I thought I was taking care of my love by preparing healthy foods. What I didn't realize was the portion sizes were killing us. Now I am measuring and/or weighing everything on a scale to make sure we dont go over one serving, as well as checking our nutrition stats.

Running with my Great Niece

Trying to keep up with and not go too fast with my three year old niece

Mind games

Make sure your mind is in the right place before you start. If you aren't really ready, all your efforts won't matter. Also, take a before photo of yourself and put it somewhere prominent. That is the best motivation!

eating

eating smaller meals more frequently

Brushing teeth right after eating

After I have something to eat, I brush my teeth right away. That way after having a minty, clean mouth, I don't want to mess it up with anything like chocolate, or a salty snack. It just won't taste the same. And why brush your teeth if you're just going to eat something else, right? That also gives me time to get over the craving I have right after a meal, for something sweet to... 'top it off'.