Secrets of Success

Putting Myself First for a Change!

I have teenage children. Since they were born, they have been my priority. As it should be. Since I've become committed to health and fitness, I have made a decision to put myself first, at least a couple days a week. As much as I would like to, I will not sacrifice my classes at the gym to sit and watch a high school sporting event every night. Sure, I'll go an watch a little, a quarter or two, and show my support, but then I say I'm sorry gotta go. Your father is here to cheer you on.

Play Dress-Up!!!

If you've lost a little weight, but your not ready to buy new clothes yet, go window shopping. Go to the mall and try on clothes. Try on a variety of different items, dresses, jeans, etc. Notice how much better clothes are looking on you since you've lost weight. It's a real ego boost. Best of all it's free, but the experience will be priceless.

Ring your Kettle Bells!!!

Pendulum squats with a 20 pound kettle bell. It engages every major muscle in your body. Do 2 set of 20 and it will also get your heart rate up. Shhhh, this is our little secret.

My Own Little Science Experiment

As a new member of sparkpeople, I have decided to treat this experience like my own little science experiment. In a way, losing weight is like a science experiment, right? Your keeping track of your food intake, calories in. Your measuring food, reading labels, etc. Your exercising and counting calories burned. Your measuring your weight, you take measurements of your waistline. You do all these things to see if you have a result, weightloss! I hope you all win 1st prize at the science fair!

Shrink your Rolls with Sushi Rolls

So, my new addiction is sushi rolls. Most are 200 calories or under and they are so yummy. At Wegman's I discovered the "Skinny" California roll. It is rolled with a rice noodle instead of rice so its only 100 calories a roll. "100 calories"!!! I eat two of them for dinner and its filling and only 200 calories for the whole meal. If you like sushi, you will loves these! Shhh, don't tell anyone my secret....

Chicken in a pinch

I bake or grill 5 or 6 boneless chicken breasts once a week. I cut them in half and put them in a zip loc bag and put them in the freezer. Any time I need some chicken for salad or quesadillas, I pull one out and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. The chicken is very moist and fresh and readily available. Shhhh, don't tell anyone.

Turn up the Music!

Even though I love Zumba, there are times when I dread going to the gym. Everyone has those days. Sometimes I'm just tired! On the 10 min. drive to the gym, I crank up the volume on the radio in my car and play some upbeat music. It really pumps me up for my zumba class. By the time I get to the gym, I am ready to get in there and dance my butt off!

Diet is a Dirty Word

If you feel like you are not seeing progress, tell yourself that this is a lifestyle change. I highly doubt that there are many people on this website who are here just to lose some weight and then move on. By all accounts this looks like a place where people are committed to change. Life long change! So, if you are not losing weight for one reason or another, just remember that your life is healthier regardless. I may never lose another pound, but I am never going back to eating unhealthy.

The Healthy Breakfast Sandwich

Do you love breakfast sandwiches, but hate the calorie content? Well, I make a really good one and its under 250 calories. crack 2 egg whites into a bowl, cover with a paper towel and microwave on high 70 secs. put on top of a 100 calorie english muffin. add 2 jimmy dean turkey sausage patties. you could add a low fat cheese, but I don't think it needs it. It's very hearty and yummy! enjoy.

Find Your Passion

If you want to stick with an exercise plan, my advice to you is find something that you are passionate about. It may take you a while to find it, but I guarantee you will find it. I never exercised on a regular basis as an adult. I started swimming. Got up to 70 laps a day. But I didn't enjoy it. I dreaded geting in that pool. I started Zumba classes in Nov. Finally I found it! Something that excites me. I've never said this before, but I can't wait to exercise now. Zumba! My passion.