The Ride is Over!

Enough is enough! How many times am I going to "do better", "start tomorrow", "work on it", or "get my act together"? I will do good for a week or two; eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, and working out. Then, I slip. Something happens, like an ice storm that shuts the state down for a week, and I get lazy and complacent. I tell myself that I will start again tomorrow. Tomorrow will be "the day". The cycle continues to go on and on

In the past, I would start a program, lose weight, then get complacent. The weight would always come back on, bringing some friends along with it. The ride usually went a little something like this:

-Start a program/regimine about February because Spring Break and summer are right around the corner.

-Lose weight and feel sassy in my slimmer clother!

-Summer would pass and the kids started school. This means helping with homework, school meetings, school functions, housework, busy schedules. Workouts and eating healthy meals are replaced with Friday night football games and nachos.

-Holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas bring parties, get togethers, and oh so awesome goodies!

-New Years' means making a resolution to do better nd make "this year the best year ever"

-Cold, grey, January weather means comfort food and not wanting to go to the gym

....And we are back where we started!

About 10 years ago, I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. I decided I would stop the cycle and jump off the rollercoaster ride. I vowed to make being healthy a part of my everyday life. I lost 40 pounds and kept it off for about 8 years until a full hysterectomy and two neck fusions came my way.

Yes, I was limited to a certain extent as to what exercises my body could perform. However, I was fully capable of eating clean and healthy. Instead, many times, I chose fast food and comfort food.

Here...Today...Right Now is the day! I have officially jumped off the rollercoaster and am burning that b#%@h to the ground. I am mad! Mad at myself for letting the 40 pounds come back. Mad because I know what I am capable of. Mad because I threw away that healthy body and uplifted attitude for pizza and hamburgers.

A little disclaimer...10 years ago when I lost all the weight, I decided I wanted to learn motre about the body, nutrition, and the proper way to be healthy. I also wanted to be able to teach my daughter how to live a healthy life and not struggle in the weight department like I had.

I became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist. I have several other specializations, as well. I have spent money, time, and energy learning the ins and outs of the body and mind. So, I know all the things. The trick is to remember them and put them into action, even on the days you don't want to.

My first step is to clean out the fridge and the pantry. I don't have a lot of unhealthy items on hand, but there are a few. I need to reestock with more fresh veggies and such. I am not one for denying myself something. You can't live the rest of your life dreaming about a dessert you refuse to have. I believe in moderation. I also believe in when I am going to have that one thing, it is going to be something amazing, not just a candy bar.

Next up, is a plan. I do better when I know ahead of time what I am going to do. This saves on wasting time, as well. I like to have options. While I know that my body responds to weight training and interval cardio, there are some days when my body and mind are not into it.

Instead of not getting in any movement, it is better to have a back up plan. I am not the most coordinated person, but I loved doing Zumba on the Wii (never in public). I also love dance fitness or a Piyo workout. Some days the alternative may be getting on the elliptical while watching a movie on Netflix from my phone.

I hope you will join me as I begin this journey to reclaim my life, my health, and my self confidence. And, just maybe, help someone do the same!