So I know it's totally random, but I have a number of things on my mind and I decided to blog about them to get some insight and opinions. First of all, my life is crazy. Have I mentioned that before because if I haven't I am now. Well, now Jon and I are in UT and may end up being in CT within the next two weeks. Umm, have I mentioned I love adventures but value structure? Yeah, so this whole moving around thing as exciting as it might be definitely has it's annoyances. I'll let you know what the verdict is when we figure it out (seriously is life ever really figured out).Second, I've been reading many of my friends blogs lately and have noticed a recent trend with topics, "itching for spring" and "losing weight". For all those that live in states with winter, I'm pretty sure we can all agree it's TIME FOR SPRING!!
Now, losing weight...oh the dreaded topic yet seems to always be in the back of every one's mind. Is it really any coincidence that we want spring and immediately think "crap, warm sun, shorts, swimsuit...DIET". No, I think not!
Yet we find ourselves getting on the scale more, looking in full length mirrors (sometimes naked and sometimes not but that's always a secret), grabbing our stomachs, watching our thighs jiggle and wonder, "when did this all happen". 
We may reflect on what we thought we looked like last summer and then we start to think about the time since then...the holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines oh the good food that once filled our mouths and is now flubbering around our butts and thighs and reminding us everywhere we go and every time we get dressed that it's there.
I'm sure somewhere in the time between summer and now there was a New Year's resolution to lose weight or exercise more or eat more healthy OR something regarding food, body, weight, nutrition, and/or exercise. And seriously, can we talk about how annoying it is that in America as soon as you walk into a grocery store all processed foods are displayed appearing to be our friend but really they are the deceitful enemy seductively calling our name.
As many of you know, I am a huge advocate of health, fitness, and nutrition part of it because of my current health struggles and the other part is because I just absolutely love it. I love believing that change is possible in someone and then when just a little ray of hope is in them it happens. The look on their face is priceless.
So to each of you that fall into the category of recognizing summer is on it's way and wishing your body was a little less blubbery and a lot more lean I say this...
1. If weight loss or fitness is your goal, choose to be healthy and fit on purpose. Make it a lifestyle. Remember although weight loss and fitness makes us feel better, it doesn't determine happiness.
2. Remember the simple things, adequate sleep, lots of water, replace white foods with brown ones.
3. It's not always necessary to measure and weigh everything, but portion sizes are important. You have a hand so follow the guidelines from The Eat Clean diet. Vegetables - heaping handful, protein - the size of your hand (palm to finger tips but watch thickness), complex carbs/grains - size of tennis ball, fruits - handful. Don't forget healthy fats (raw almonds & walnuts & olive oil).4. When you want to eat, ask yourself if it's your tummy that's hungry or your mind and then listen to your body as you eat. When your stomach starts to show signs of fullness regulate how much more you can eat before you become too full. It's not always about finishing everything on your plate even if they are the "correct" portion sizes. Believe it or not our bodies are smart so listen to yours you might be surprised by what your stomach tells you regardless of what your mind might think is the "right" amount.
5. While at the grocery store, stick to the outside of the aisles this is where the better choice foods are found. Think about replacing processed foods with fresh foods. (Don't go to the grocery store hungry definitely not a good idea.)
6. Enjoy your food, so chew it. By chewing slowly you allow the best digestion for your stomach. From the time you put something in your mouth, it takes about 15 mins for your stomach to signal the brain that it is comfortable or satisfied. Unfortunately we live in an extremely fast paced world and to accommodate the speed we make adjustments and in making those adjustments we usually make eating time fast. So the next time you eat think about having a seat and exercising the jaw by taking a few more chews (30-70) with every bite.7. Exercise. Find something you love and that works the heart and then stick with it. Make your workout YOUR WORKOUT. This is your time it's not a time to think about what you need to get done or the groceries you need to buy it's workout time. Allow your warm-up to be a time of reflection on your health and fitness goals the very reason why your there to begin with.
Then allow your music or thoughts to think about what your workout is going to be that day. You're there to workout so you might as well give it your all. There really is no sense in just giving it 50% if you took the time to get dressed and sweat. Definitely make it worth your while, but it up to YOU!8. If you "cheat" then make sure you love it and it's worth it because you work hard to make up for it. Also may I suggest you scoop it out or measure it or something before you start to eat it so you don't binge on it.
8. LIVE LIFE & BELIEVE! Remember, we are only here for a short time, so make the best of it allowing the bumps along the way to be tacked on as "experience". If you're nutrition and fitness are not as perfect as you would like, believe it or not it's okay. As long as you are doing your best and your committed, results will happen. Know you have what it takes to make the changes you want.
Okay, so I'm done being on my soap box. Good or bad I always have lots to say about health and fitness, but now I need to get to work myself and take some of my own advice. It's time for me to reflect on a few of my own personal goals and reevaluate and make adjustments as necessary. BEST OF LUCK!!!
