45down45togo

Ok so I got this question almost a week ago.  Right after I criticized someone else’s advice to anon with 160 lbs to lose.  I have thought long and hard about what kind of advice I could offer. If you’re the same anon… you talked about eating 1000 calories a day and working out 3-4 hours a day, 6 days a week.

First things first… I think in terms of little victories.  It would be impossible for me to do change EVERYTHING all at once and expect to keep it all up.  Find a few things you can do on a daily basis and change those every day. 

For example…

• don’t take the closest parking spot
• drink water or unsweet tea
• cut out any fast food

Plan your meals for the week and post it on your refrigerator.  This way anytime you get bored and look for food… you’re seeing what you should be eating at that time.  As for meals… I try to stick to 3 meals and a snack.  It depends on your schedule what will work for you.  I also try to eat a balanced meal… a protein, a carb, and twice as many veggies as carbs.  That helps my serving sizes.  (I also limit my carbs to 80 to 100g but that’s because I have an insulin resistance disorder)  I also try for 60g of protein. I also aim for somewhere around 1400-1600 calories for the day but it’s not my main focus.  There’s plenty of calorie calculators online to determine what you should be aiming for… but I would recommend to NEVER limit yourself below 1200 calories.

Remember that what you are putting in is fuel for your workouts!  If you can go for unprocessed, fresh foods, as much as possible that will help! 

As far as workouts… Find a buddy!!  I struggle all the time to do workouts because I hate doing all of it alone.  Even better, find a great group class and make a friend in there… that way it’s like a standing date with a friend.  Next, find something that’s either fun at the time or makes you feel super accomplished when you finish.  You won’t stick with anything for long if you don’t like it!  I don’t LOVE running but I seriously LOVE how I feel after running 3 miles.  I feel proud of myself… and that is addicting!!  =) Don’t forget to include your workout schedule on that calendar too!  It’s harder to miss a workout when you’ve already scheduled them in.

Lastly, I would say to stop seeing it as 160lbs.  Make small goals for yourself and plan rewards for each.  And the goals don’t have to be 10lbs or 50lbs.  Maybe it’s doing a wall-sit for 2 minutes… or walking/running a distance without stopping… finishing a whole step workout on the regular step.  Whatever it is, remember it’s not all about the number on the scale.  You’re gonna be amazed not just with how you look after 20lbs or 40lbs… you’re gonna be amazed at how much more you can do… and how much more you WANT to do!!  I know you talked about a year and a half time frame… instead of thinking that you have to lose this for something specific… focus on getting healthy and feeling better about yourself… making yourself a priority.  I promise even if you’ve only lost 120 in a year and a half… you won’t be disappointed!!! 

Good Luck! I hope some of this helps!  Let me know how things go for you!!!  You can do it!!!!