Shalom Existence

So, yes, I successfully lost 30+ pounds in 2008. Then in 2009 I proceeded to get pregnant and put back on almost all the weight with the exception of about 8 pounds. But I would say now I’m more determined than ever. I want to be able to swim, hike up Stone Mountain, run around the park and more with my little girl. In order to do that I have to get serious all over again!

It is lovely being a mother, so I know all the curves and jiggles are worth it, but now (most) of them need to go. For reals.

My 1st goal is to lose 12 pounds by May 10th. No, that is not far away but it will probably allow me to fit back into my (non-maternity) bathing suit and take an infant water class with Gems before summer officially starts!

Another thing, I LOVE food! With the exception of some meats I am never going to be a huge “eliminator.” I like a variety in my life and as a Southerner of course I have many weaknesses and loves that are full of fat! Diets DON’T work for me. So here is what I did to get some balance and have a healthier attitude about food and weight loss.

Here are my tips (and how I did it before). I’m posting them here for myself and anyone else who might be interested.

1. Hit the gym AT LEAST 3 times a week (Preferably 4-5).
2. On non-gym days take a walk, do some yoga, something to get that body moving.
3. Eat often, but don’t overeat. Snack on almonds, apples, a little peanut butter with crackers, or a yogurt to get you between meals.
4. Love those leafy greens (and often)! Eat healthy salads (think spinach and bitter greens) with dressing on the side. If you want that fattening dressing, go ahead, but dip your fork and use less than half.
5. Eat breakfast! To be honest I would have a bagel with light cream cheese and a large coffee at least once a week, but it didn’t hinder me losing weight because I kept moving and ate healthy most of the time.
6. Maintain a healthy attitude about carbs, don’t neglect them but don’t make them the centerpiece of all your meals!
7. Eat off the kids menu. Sometimes I wanted something with fries, ya know? Ordering from the kids menu is instant portion control. If you’re still hungry get a side of steamed veggies or a side salad.
8. Have a treat night. Don’t overindulge yourself for a whole day so that you feel gross and run-down at the end of the day. But choose a night and split the cheesecake or have that steak (from a restaurant that serves grass fed beef hopefully) .
9. Don’t think, oh, I can’t eat there or I can’t do that. What I learned? Bruster’s has great yogurt and even the unhealthiest places will let you create your own healthy option (no butter, can I get that with mushrooms and spinach instead of cheese? are great)
10. Drink water!!! Keep a bottle on you and refill it and keep refilling.

Okay! Time to start following my own advice. If this doesn’t help you or you think I’m crazy, sorry. Like I said, I’m not a dieter and I’m from the South (unhealthy eating is sometimes a requirement)!

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