A New Year's Resolution Shouldn't Be About Losing Weight

As many of us (me included) have over-indulged, lacked sleep and been neglectful to our bodies over the holidays it is easy to beat yourself up, criticize yourself, and become frustrated.  Now, as you approach the new year you are resolving to lose weight and get in shape.  You will run out and buy the latest workout gear, start a gluten-free, sugar-free diet, or whatever the latest diet craze is and in one month you will quit.  Sound familiar?  

The problem with this type of resolution is that it is often based on punishment and obligation.  We tell ourselves we must lose weight and if we do not we are failures.  PHEW, that is a lot of pressure and frankly sounds really awful.   

What if this year instead of resolving to lose weight you resolve to be kinder to your mind and body?  What if you set a goal not to lose weight but to treat yourself better?  

Here are some examples of how this might make a difference.  If your goal is to lose weight you might decide to exercise because it is necessary to be successful, you might eat more vegetables because they are low in calories and you have to, you might vow not to eat a cookie ever again and then when you do you will tell yourself you are weak, a failure, and then eat 10.  Sound familiar?

What if instead you resolve to be kinder to your mind and body?  How might things be different?  You might choose to exercise not out of obligation but because it is a small amount of time you get to take each day for yourself.  You might begin to choose vegetables that you enjoy and know will nourish your body.  You might still eat a cookie here or there but will remind yourself that you are human and humans are imperfect.  You would likely forgive yourself, and stop after one or two.  

Which resolution sounds better to you?  

So, if your goal is to lose weight consider your headspace.  If you are looking at this an obligation, something you HAVE to do you will likely fail.  However, if you think of it as something you are choosing to work on to be a better version of yourself you will likely be successful.  Life is to short to be hard on ourselves.  Love yourself where you are and always work to be better not because you have to but because you want to!!  

Happy New Years Everyone.  You are Awesome just the way you are.  

Weight is Not the Best Indicator of Progress or Success

So often we get hung up one the numbers on the scale.  We set goals to lose 10, 20, 30 lbs and while this is tangible it is not always in our control and can be a very demotivating and misleading way to measure progress. 

Here are some questions to consider when getting hung up on the numbers on the scale.  What does that number really mean?  What is going to be different about your life when you lose that 10, 20, 30 lbs?  Weight loss takes time.  What will you do to stay motivated during the process?  What will your motivation be to maintain those changes once you lose the weight?

Here are some better ways to decide if your nutrition and exercise plan is steering you in the direction of your goals and leading you to sustainable long term success.

1)  Do you feel satisfied after meals?  Processed foods will leave you wanting more, it will force you to use "willpower" to avoid overeating.  If you are eating healthy and nutrient dense food your body will know when to stop and you will feel full and satisfied.  When was the last time you over ate carrots??  When was the last time you couldn't stop eating the potato chips you were only going to have 1 of?  

2)  How is your energy?  Do you need caffeine or sugar to keep your energy stable.  Do you need to use the snooze button in the morning.  Being nutrient deficient and not moving enough will drain your energy.  If you do not have to rely on caffeine and sugar for energy this is a good thing!!

3) How are you sleeping?  Poor sleep can be caused by stress, aging, hormonal changes , being a new parent, and so on.  Caffeine, sugar and alcohol can impact your sleep. If your sleep improves you are making progress rather or not the scale is changing.  

4)How do your clothes fit?  Muscle weighs more then fat but takes up less space.  So even though that number may not change as you would like you still are making progress. Bonus: muscle burns more calories, as much as 50 calories per lb.  So, pick up those dumbells!! 

5)What kind of mood are you in?  If it is a sustainable plan you will be happy, you shouldn't feel hangry, crabby, or like a party pooper.  A good nutrition and exercise program will leave you feeling confident, empowered to keep going, clear headed and positive.  You will be motivated to continue regardless of the number on the scale.  

My goal is not to simply help clients lose weight but to help you live your life to the fullest.  To be happy, confident, and excited about life, and proud of your progress even if that number on the scale isn't giving you the answer you were hoping for.  .

Contact me today to find out how wellness coaching might be able to help.   

Healthy and Happy

The road to health and happiness isn’t a straight line.  There are many bumps, twists and turns in the journey to living a healthy life. I know that it isn’t always easy to make it to the gym or there can be many food temptations along the way.  Sometimes, you really just have that craving for a piece of chocolate cake! Or, that glass of wine!

Everywhere you go, there is so much pressure to look, dress, feel, or even act a certain way. These feelings can leave you feeling defeated, exhausted or stressed.  By exercising and eating healthier, you will be on your way to a happier version of yourself. Our moto at A Better Me Fitness is, “The better that I take care of myself, the better I am suited to take care of the one’s I love.” So, start loving you!  Start loving your body! Start being A Better You!

If you are dissatisfied with your current nutrition and/or fitness situation and you want to transform your life, we have a program for you!  Start to think positively and stop the negativity in your life.  Both of these things will help you become more confident and give you the strength to overcome your insecurities.  Exercise should be enjoyable, not a punishment. Happy people don’t waste time complaining.  They focus on the good and they accomplish more in life. Here is a “Happy” Activity to try:  Whenever you have a negative thought, ie. This workout sucked. My jeans are too tight.  Counter that thought with at least one (or maybe three) positive thoughts.  The weather was perfect for a run,  I had a delicious breakfast after my workout, I feel more energized throughout the day.

Here at A Better Me Fitness our goal is to help guide you on your transformation journey by giving you support, encouraging you and by holding you accountable.  We will customize a program that will give you the information and education that you need to be helpful.  We will also help you set goals and motivate you on your journey to a healthier you.

Our personal experiences and our passion for helping women to be happy and love themselves is what motivates us.  Work with Amy, a certified NASM, ACE, ProCoach and Personal Trainer.  You will receive individually-tailored support to help you manage your life.  Contact us today and join us on this mission.