The unofficial start of summer is Memorial Day which signals warmer weather, longer days, shorts, swimwear, and lightweight clothing. However, the official start of summer is June 21. You still have time! Are you in the shape you want to be in? How fit and healthy do you feel? If your answer is no, it’s time to achieve a leaner, healthier you.
My diet and exercise routine has literally changed my life for the better! There are so many positives. I was always one that could eat whatever I wanted and not gain weight! But of course all good things must come to an end. Trust me I feel your pain. I was the biggest foodie. I loved all the good stuff Cheeseburgers, fries, steak, potatoes, soul food, triple cheese mac & cheese, subs, on and on. As we age our metabolism slows down and it’s much harder to lose weight.
I noticed a couple of years ago I had gained weight and I was ten pounds over what I wanted to be. I had always stayed within a certain weight and wanted to maintain that. Also I’m petite, Five feet one inch, so you don’t want to pack too much into a small frame. I had to take action, and I did! I started in 2015 working out regularly and changing my diet. Now it’s two years later and I’m so proud of myself, I can’t tell you how good I feel. The hardest thing for me was changing my diet! But you’ll find that if you stay consistent your body will get used to the change. Today it’s 6:30 am here on the west coast and I’ve just finished my workout.
My normal workout routine is 5 days a week just 20 minutes a day! But I’m consistent and that makes all the difference. Typically in the morning for breakfast, I’ll do cereal, Special K w/strawberry, or oats cereal, maybe a cup of yogurt, or sometimes a cup of applesauce. Next I drink my water throughout the morning and during my workout. Water suppresses your appetite. At 10:00 am I have a protein smoothie Naked Juice. For lunch around 1:00 pm I have a salad and baked chicken, or chicken nuggets. I have my salads everyday! That’s it for the day! If I want a snack later in the day I’ll do tuna and crackers or maybe a bowl of cereal.
I’m 125 pounds, sometimes it fluctuates to 128 or so. I feel awesome, have lots of energy, I’m not as hungry, it boosts my mental agility, wards off colds and flu. Not to mention adding years to my life. If you’re on the other side of 40 adjust to your change in metabolism by taking control. If you’re in your 20’s and 30’s start yourself on a healthy course that will take you through the rest of your life! Losing weight is going to take commitment! You can do this!
5 Tips to a Healthier You
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Write down your goals and reasons for achieving them
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Keep a food diary. Track what you’re eating
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Portion control is your friend, (have you noticed plates in restaurants have gotten larger)
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Fill up on salads, fruits and vegetables
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Changing your diet is a strategy you must master, (start small and go from there)
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Aerobics
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Calisthenics
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Machines
Exercise Bike
Treadmill
Elliptical
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Indoor Exercise
Outdoor workouts are a great alternative, here’s why
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You satisfy your mind by getting out and being active
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You challenge your muscles by doing workouts that are not possible indoors.
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You can soak up Vitamin D
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The flood of fresh air into your lungs is invigorating!
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Outdoor exercise
Verse of the day:
Smart Christian Woman Magazine 