It Ain't Easy....

I get comments often, such as:  “It’s easy for you”, “but you don’t have a lot of weight to lose so you don’t understand”, or “you have will power and I’m not that strong”.
 
It is definitely not easy for me, I was 35lbs heavier than my current weight at one time, and my will power gets tested often just like yours.
 
In regards to dieting:
 
The difference between you and me, is probably that I’ve been “trying” longer than you have.  The more times you resist temptation, the stronger your will power will be.
 
I believe in flexible dieting so you don’t completely restrict yourself from any type of food – yet can enjoy in moderation/balance/if it fits into your allowance.   However, when I am dieting for a competition and/or there is no room for treats I definitely have cravings and have to talk myself out of giving in.
 
Some tips when you want to give in–
                Drink water, chew gum, aversion therapy, change your environment (go for a brief walk)….these will usually work in helping to delay the cravings for me but in the end……remember what your initial goal was.  Is it worth that little satisfaction only to bring yourself farther from your goal?  Dieting is definitely hard, but living in skin that you aren’t comfortable in for 24 hours a day is definitely harder. Part of my online programming is accountability – I find that helps a lot with my clients.  I ask for weekly pics, weight and measurements to ensure they are sticking with the program and/or something in the program is not working for them.  I also check in mid-week to see how they are doing – I believe that this little gestures shows them that they are not alone, that someone believes they can do it, and they have my support.
               
In regards to exercising:
 I must admit that I enjoy lifting weights. I believe if you find something you enjoy and it will bring you closer to your goals you should continue to do it.  I definitely don’t enjoy cardio – I can actually tell you that I HATE it….hate, hate, hate it.  Before I start a cardio session, I need to get myself in the mood – what this entails is usually talking, staring at the machine I’m about to do, talking some more, until finally I realize that time is ticking and I need to get it done so better just do it.
 
Majority of my clients want to lose weight – With this being said diet and cardio are key; however lifting weight not only helps burn calories but will also provide a firm foundation once you lose some of the body fat. The next common group of clients want to be “toned”.  Call it what you wish – but “toned” is muscle:  you have to build muscle to look “toned”.  To do this, you have to lift heavier than you think.  What I usually do for my online clients is ask for them to submit their workout log to me weekly.  I return their log to them, yet adjust the sets/weight they did the previous week by making them push a little harder.  
 
Some tips to help you exercise:  
                Just get yourself there – tell yourself that you only need to do 10 minutes.  If you don’t feel like continuing after 10 minutes, leave and try again tomorrow.  Be open to trying new things - if you haven't found something you enjoy, keep exploring until you do.  It's much easier to stick with a program if you enjoy it. However, with that being said if your goal is to get "toned" but you don't want to lift, yet love ballroom dancing - this will not help you reach your goal.  You can certainly keep it added into your program but will definitely have to incorporate lifting as well.

It's not easy for anyone......just try to consistently put in more good days than bad.....if you are doing better than the previous week - don't still beat yourself up.  Acknowledge that you did better and keep trying to do better!!!  Believe in yourself!