Losing Weight or Getting Healthy?

I've been noticing a lot around the www that people will say they haven't lost weight because normally when you think about losing something, you mean to find it again, i.e. keys, wallet, glasses, child. This is so very true. I don't ever intend on finding any of the weight that I've "lost". I do not want it back. Gone forever, good riddance! So from now on, I think I'll stick with saying I've shed this many lbs and I'm getting healthier. I don't get winded on the stairs anymore (a sad thing to say when you're only in your early 30s). My clothes are fitting well, I can walk into Walmart or Reitmans and for through the regular size section and find lots of choices in cute tops rather than flowy, boxy old lady things in the plus size section. That's something I haven't been able to do since I was 18. I don't look in the mirror and call myself nasty things or make faces (ok well maybe I still make faces, I do have my dad's sense of humour). I haven't called myself fat or gross in months. That might not seem like a big deal to others but when it's something that you have called yourself for many years, it is huge!

I'm four days into another 30 Day Shred. I believe this is my fourth time doing this workout and even though it's significantly easier than when I first bought it (I literally thought I was going to die or puke or both), Jillian kicks my ass! I have to admit though, that I do the modified versions of the moves. I can't do a regular pushup to save my life. Even so, modifying does work! It's not as hard on the knees which I was having a lot of trouble with. Doing a little is better than doing none at all. You certainly won't get anywhere sitting around on the couch. I know it's hard, believe me I know. I said yesterday that I hate exercising and can easily come up with many excuses to not. I've got three children and I care for two others so I know how hard it is to find the time. It can be done. Get up 30 minutes earlier in the morning. Go for a walk on your lunch break. Stay up 30 minutes later. If you can't do 30, than do 15 in the morning and 15 in the evening. Something, anything! Even if it's just a brief walk. Get up and move. That's the key. Changing your diet is good. Cutting out crap and whatnot, excellent. But it's all for naught if you don't get off your ass and move your body.

It goes hand in hand. There are no quick fixes or easy solutions. Sure there are temporary ones. The diet industry is billions of dollars for a reason. People want to lose weight NOW! The thing is, we didn't put on weight overnight. It happened slowly, over time. It's not like you woke up one morning, looked in the morning and went "Holy shit, I'm almost 300lbs". It's the same thing with losing weight. It won't happen overnight. It will take time. There will be slip ups and failures. There will be days where you'll eat like crap and miss a workout. The key is not to focus too much on it. Don't ignore it, that's not what I'm saying but don't dwell on it either. Shake it off and keep going.

I know many people who are struggling with their weight will deprive themselves of any and all junk. I used to do that too. I have found though, that for my success, I can't do that. Depriving only makes me want something more. So I allow myself to have it but in smaller portions. Instead of two pieces of pizza, I'll have one. Instead of a full bag of chips, I'll have half. If you go by the recommended serving size (something I highly encourage), you will find that it is indeed plenty. By doing this, letting myself still have the things I love, I don't have such strong cravings anymore. I know I can have it. This is what works for me. How about you? What have you found has been successful for you? I'd like to hear about it.