First a shout out to my friend Shellie who is balancing a family, full-time work and school. She's in stress mode and running on fumes. You can do it Shells!! You've already been through so much. Kick some butt! :)
So if you're doing everything possible to lost weight and be healthy and just don't seem to be finding success, it could be due to various reasons. Things you're doing to sabotage your efforts that you don't even realize are contributing. Of course some are "duh" type things but there are some others that might help you to reach your goal if you understand why they are hurting you.
Stop skipping breakfast. I know there are mixed stories out there about breakfast. But studies show that people who eat breakfast do lose more weight. It starts the day off right revving up your metabolism. Just make sure to include some protein and fiber. I often eat a greek yogurt and a banana. Then mid-morning will have some nuts. That will provide sustainable energy which we all know is a must when trying to lose weight or be healthy. We MUST be satisfied for this to work.
We sometimes tend to overeat healthy foods. I won't keep trail mix on hand because I can't stop eating that. Nuts too! haha! I do eat them as snacks a lot and they keep me full. Seriously when I eat a bunch of almonds or mixed nuts during my work day, I tend to not want a lot of dinner later on so it's good for that however they are high in fat and calories and it can add up fast if you aren't paying attention. Same with avocado, etc. I love them but will not eat more than half a day. I sometimes buy one at lunch time and share with a co-worker.
Try to educate yourself about proper portions. You'd be amazed if you actually measured certain portions out and saw what they look like. And just how much we are eating. It does open your eyes to why so many people are obese. We just eat way too much food. My eyes are sometimes bigger than my stomach too. I've learned that it will take much less to fill me up than I think. Especially following a great workout where I burn 1500 calories! I am famished and ready to devour anything in my path! haha! But that brings me to my next point...
Proper post-workout snacks! Immediately following a workout our bodies do need a perfect combination of protein and carbs to help repair muscles and recharge our batteries. Something only 150 calories (if it's the right thing) will do the job. It doesn't take a lot.
Please try to get a ton of fruit and veggies into your day. A lot of people just aren't eating enough and these foods can assist in weight-loss by providing a huge amount of nutrients and filling us up with fiber...but in a sweet little low-calorie package. Especially right now when so many goodies are in season. Try to eat a peach or plum or raspberries for an afternoon snack with water or green tea. Do this instead of other less helpful snacks! :) You can get enough servings in if you really pay attention to it.
I know it's difficult and these are only a few ideas but just try to make these a daily part of your life. Also, get plenty of sleep, drink a ton of water, forego soda (I mean it! lol!), stop eating in a rush or standing up. And make sure you indulge sometimes. Like I've said, make "the norm"..the healthy, good for you stuff and the "Here and there" the fun goodies. I think that's an easy balance to follow. But the funny thing is once your body is used to the good for you stuff, you find certain indulgences just don't hit the spot as they once did. I find certain treats much less satisfying than I did before changing my lifestyle.
Okie dokie, time for me to get up and around and head to work. Enjoy your day everyone! And if you're struggling with life, just keep on, keepin' on! You will get through this.
xoxoxo
Tam
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