Hello friends! I joined this sub back in June when I started my weight loss and wanted to post my progress to help motivate those who are just started and to thank this community!
I have lost weight multiple times in the past, but never maintained for more than a year. I believe that this was due to my approach and mindset in dieting. My primary goal was always to be fit enough to feel and look attractive, which was too shallow of a goal to carry me through lack of motivation (more on this later). I would cut out entire types of food or exercise for hours a day, which wasn't sustainable in the long-haul. Thus, I always regained.
When I started again this June 2020, I began with CICO (250 daily calorie deficit) and running 8-10 miles a week. Now, I continue CICO, but I walk 30 miles a week (IT band issues). Over the next few months I noticed some important changes in the way that I approached food and exercise:
- I started only eating when I was hungry, rather than eating because it is "mealtime". I also no longer eat as soon as I wake up, but wait until I am actually hungry.
- I started tracking how many calories I have in a day, so I am now choosing what to eat based on what is the most filling (which often is more nutritionally dense). This leads me to choosing better options.
- I now prefer to exercise every day (even just walking), not because I should, but because of the energy it gives me. When I can't exercise one day, I don't let myself get condemned about it or give up.
These changes in mindset and behavior have made all the difference! I don't have forbidden foods or beat myself up over one bad day anymore. I have lost 15lbs so far and am enjoying taking the slow route to my goal. Part of what has helped me to continue forward when I don't feel motivated was having a solid set of goals. After some serious reflection in 2020 and deciding what I want for my future, I have now these reasons to stay healthy:
- I know from friends and family that is gets harder to lose weight as you age. If I cannot maintain a healthy lifestyle when I am young, how will I expect to maintain a healthy lifestyle when I am older?
- I want to have a healthy relationship with food and consistent fitness as I age, especially into my 40-60s. I have seen the difference between a 70yo who has been active their whole life and a 70yo who has not. I want to be the fit and energized granny!
- When I have kids, I want them to grow up with healthy habits. Children who are overweight will have a much harder time being a healthy adult than children who are not overweight (I was an overweight child). If I am living out bad habits, I will certainly pass them on to my kids.
- I now work a job that will send me into physically challenging places for several months a year (i.e. the Himalayas). If I am not in good physical condition, I likely won't even survive the excursions. I would be stationed locally (CA), which I do not want.
I have a ways to go, but my life goals push me forward when things get hard. I hope that someone on this sub will find this helpful and perhaps reflect on lifelong goals that will push them towards a healthier lifestyle! Best of luck to all of you and thank you for being such amazing support on this sub!
[link] [comments]
from loseit - Lose the Fat https://ift.tt/2JHhoKK
No comments:
Post a Comment