Trying to get back on board the fitness train, where do I start?
Okay, this time last year I was an avid dieter and was in the gym everyday on my lunch break and felt great. Last Fall I became sick with ovarian cysts so needless to say, I was no longer working out and fell into this cycle where I felt crappy about not exercising and threw myself face first into a plate of comfort food, which would spur feelings of guilt and lead to more comfort food eating. Well two surgeries and 8 months later, I’ve gained over 30lbs and I’m sick of it. I have to do something now before it spirals out of control but I have this type of attitude that when I want to start something I want to do it like a pro. (i.e., complete starvation diet, grueling workouts, etc.) but then when I don’t do it that way, I feel crappy again and then revert back to my old habits. So I think I see the importance of me starting out slow this time and building back up to where I used to be. What’s a good way to get started and build myself back up? Diet & exercise wise.
BTW, I work full time and have three small children @ home, so I need tips that will work for a busy mom. Plus I only have about 30 minutes to work out.
I feel for you. I am the mom of 2 small children, full-time student and work part-time. It is hard to fit it all in. Here are my tips:
1. Don’t have an All or Nothing Attitude: You will fail and beat yourself up over your failure.
2. Incorporate the Children into Your Exercise: I just wrote an article about this http://buzz.prevention.com/community/runninggal/3-family-fitness-goals-for-summer. I am a big fan of the jog stroller! Best money I’ve ever spent. When they are old enough, they ride their bike, while I walk /run. Do it after dinner. You get to spend time with them AND teach them about a healthy lifestyle by modeling one!
3. Diets Don’t Work: Again, you will have some success, but ultimately you will fail. Diets will also destroy your metabolism.
4. Change Your Mindset: It’s not about weight. It is about health. It is about modeling a healthy life for your children. Once you develop that attitude, it will spill over into your food choices, planning and exercise. You will be a proud and healthy Mom.
5. Don’t let Setbacks Define You: Whether it be illness, vacations, holidays – get back on that train.
6. Plan Ahead: Get up a few hours earlier in the morning to prep your meals for the evening. Marinate some chicken breasts in a ziploc bag. I use Ken’s Lite Salad Dressings as my marinade. It’s easy to cook-up when you get home.
I applaud you for trying. You CAN do this!
.. ] is one another great source of tips on this issue..]