I believe how we view ourselves has a direct impact on how we behave and act around others. If we are trying to overcome disappointments in life, it definitely helps if we are healthy and active. We get this one life, one body, one mind. HOWEVER…..
Here we are, wearing our big sweatpants after devouring our Thanksgiving meals. You vow to yourself that you’re going to be good all next week, to even out the million calories you just consumed. You’re even planning to exercise more. Sound familiar? I think I tell myself that every single year! Ugh!
The reality is that December hits and we find ourselves in the midst of social frenzy. Don’t get me wrong, it’s wonderful to be surrounded by friends and family! But along with the festivities come the stress of calories – all those scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and let’s not forget the wine and champagne. How I do love my glass (or 2) of wine!
Factor in that if you’re over 50 (ahem – like me), and it becomes a recipe for guaranteed weight gain. What to do? Should we wait to start our new year’s resolutions on January 1?
No, of course not! Let’s make this holiday season a well-managed one! How, you ask? It just takes two things. Intrigued?
First off, go download the Weight Watchers app. I am telling you, it works! For $10/month, I believe it is totally worth it. I have used WW on and off for the past 24 years. Yep, that’s correct. 24 years. The initial sign up was after I had my first child. It worked so well that I went WW for my second and third. Then any time I found myself wanting to lose weight, I would go back to my trusted WW app. It is so simple to use!
In a nutshell, every food has a point value. You’re allowed a certain number of points per day. What I love about it is that I can eat whatever I want, but certain foods have higher point values than others so I have to make the choice “do I really want to eat that?” And I love their list of zero-point foods! Check out Weight Watchers for more information and to sign up! Their app is so user-friendly. You can scan bar codes to get point values, plus it has many foods already programmed in!
What’s great is that it teaches portion control, healthy habits, and making smart food choices. Psychologically, if I know a certain food has a high point value, I no longer want to eat it! I swear, it works like magic.
What’s the second thing, you ask? Well, it’s not rocket science. We MUST keep active. Shocking, right? But we can do it! Drum roll please…..
Let’s partner together and do the #3in31 challenge! Anyone that knows me can tell you how much I love my Peloton. And I am proud to say that some of the Peloton instructors have inspired me beyond words. Not just physically, but mentally. I am a stronger version of myself today because of Peloton. More on that in another post…..
I am currently in the process of becoming a Certified Personal Trainer, but we don’t need that official endorsement to keep active! The #3in31 is a challenge of 31 consecutive days of movement in December, created by Peloton head instructor Robin Arzon (robinnyc on Instagram). Get involved by walking, jogging, or running 3 miles OR moving for 30 minutes a day from December 1st to 31st. Use the hashtag and tag her! And guess what? If you do Weight Watchers, your exercise activity earns you points so you can eat more! It’s a win win!
Remember, self-care is not selfish. If you feel good about yourself and show up for yourself, you become a better parent, friend, sister, employee, you get what I’m saying. And as I always tell myself, it’s a privilege to work out. Some people can’t. What they wouldn’t do to be able to run like you can, move like you can. Like another one of my favorite Peloton instructors says, “You don’t have to, you get to.” So wonderfully said by Jess Sims.
So are you on board? Let’s help keep each other accountable. I am putting myself out there! Some days will be tough, with upcoming travel and family visiting, but we are all in this together! Remember, you have one life, one body, one mind. Let’s do it! Let me know how you’re doing! I’d love to hear from you! GOOD LUCK!