I've had sleep apnea for a while now because of my weight, and it was very embarrassing for me when I got that diagnosis and had to come home with a CPAP. It still is embarrassing for me at times, but it took me a long time to get this way, it will take a long time to reverse it.
I would say that is the BIGGEST reason I am trying so hard right now. Obviously, just being healthy and fit in general is important to me, but relying on a CPAP machine to make sure I am breathing safely every night is not how I intend to spend the rest of my life.
I'm in a few health and fitness groups on Facebook and I know a lot of people struggle with just getting started. So, I thought I would make a little list of the things that motivated me, and hope it helps anyone else trying to make positive changes.
The best advice I can give everyone (including myself) is don't be too hard on yourself! Yes, WORK HARD. But don't BE too hard on yourself, no matter what. Here are my top ten suggestions for starting out strong:
1.Every day, try to make healthy choices. Don't focus on the week, or the month, or the year, focus on TODAY. Like my husband says "lay a perfect brick today, and someday, you will have the perfect wall" (or something to that effect).
2. Get a fitness partner. This is what usually gets me to the gym when I am first starting out.
3. Get something to track your food, steps, weigh-ins, etc. Apps, devices, a notebook, whatever works.
4. Find a fitness program YOU think is fun, make the time to go, and force yourself to go if you must. If you can't get motivated, hire a personal trainer. If you can't afford a trainer, or a gym, buy some fitness DVDs and have some "you" time at home! Change the way you look at it.
5. Watch your portions, cut out some bad things, and eat less of the things you know are not helping you achieve your goals.
6. Get with your doctor and find out what your possible food allergies/ sensitivities might be. Then cut those things out completely. It's amazing how those things can affect your progress.
7. Join a fitness group or forum! Talk about your struggles, and your successes. Share your favorite recipes, workouts, gadgets, methods, etc! We all need that extra support from people!
8. Go back to the basics. What has worked for you in the past?
9. Is that not working? TRY NEW THINGS! Your body changes with age, childbirth, health conditions, stress, you name it. Maybe those things that worked before, won't work now. Find something that WILL.
10. SET your goals, LOG your goals, and CELEBRATE your accomplishments! Don't just brush off that 1/2 a pound it took you a whole week to drop, CELEBRATE it! Nothing is small when it comes to making yourself healthier!
One more thing:
If you have a bad eating day, if you skip breakfast, if you miss a workout, if you miss a week of workouts, don't BEAT yourself up, PICK yourself up! This is about you getting healthy, not you being PERFECT! Get that idea out of your head right now! All we can do is our best from day to day. You are worth it, your family is worth it. Find your WHY and make it your great motivator!
No comments:
Post a Comment