Update!

Hey Everyone!  I just wanted to do a quick update and say hi!  I am sorry for my lack of posts but have been so busy lately!  I started my new job as a nurse at an Assisted Living Facility a couple weeks ago and have been working crazy hours!  I am doing a mix of day, evening, and night shifts so I am trying to get used to the schedule change.  Other than the crazy schedule I am loving the job!  Figuring out when to eat and workout when I work overnights has been a bit tricky!  It feels weird eating a salad at 4 am!  But I am slowly getting used to it!  I promise to start posting more and answering as many questions as possible!  I am in the process of updating my diet and workout pages and am trying to be as detailed as possible but if you have any questions feel free to ask!  Have a wonderful day!

How I have stayed on track

I have been getting a lot of questions lately about how I am able to stay motivated and not turn back.  Although fighting the temptation of snaking at night and choosing an apple over a doughnut has been hard...its been far from impossible!

I can promise I love food just as much as any of you reading this do!  In fact food has always been one of my favorite things!  Instead of viewing food as fuel for my body, I viewed it as a pastime.  So changing my diet and saying no to foods was just as hard for me as it will be for you.  

With that said...my weight loss has come from my willpower which gets stronger everyday.  Saying no to a cheeseburger on day one seemed nearly impossible but today it is much easier.  I have put in to much work now to even fathom the thought of turning back!  And I can promise the same will happen to you as you get further into your journey!

 

Some other things that have worked for me......

*I am a big night eater so instead of depriving myself I just turned to healthier options (ex. Carrots and hummus, popcorn, apples and peanut butter, or Greek Yogurt are some good options) Greek Yogurt is a great one as it is easier to digest! My favorite is Chobani!!

*Also helpful to me was allowing myself cheats, they have kept me sane!  Once or twice a week I will indulge.  By indulging I don't mean an all you can eat buffet, just a small dessert or a slice of pizza or something similar.  I still only indulge in moderation and keep from over stuffing myself even while "cheating". 

* Telling myself I can not have a certain food makes me crave it all the more!  So when I want to stop at Starbucks for a muffin or I am craving a slice of pizza, I simply tell myself  I can have it...just not today!  I usually plan to save it for my cheat meal and by then the craving has already subsided!

*Finding passions other than foods have helped as well.  Instagram and blogging have been great for me!!  When I get bored and want to raid my fridge I will log on and post or look at inspiring photos while my cravings pass.

*Hot herbal teas are a great staple for me.  When I go to the kitchen to snack I can experiment with different teas instead!  It allows me to feel like I am "snacking" and helps curb my craving!  I stocked my cupboard full of all different types.  My favorite is Tazo Chai!  Try adding local honey to your tea instead of sugar if you like it sweet!

*As obvious as it may seem water is so important.  I drink 10-12 glasses a day and whenever I think I am hungry I will first drink a glass of water to make sure it is not my body telling me I'm thirsty!  If I am still hungry I will then find something healthy to snack on.

* Out of everything that has helped me stay on track I think the number one has been my progress photos!  Every time I feel discouraged I look at how far I have come and it motivates and inspires me to push forward! 

Whether you are looking to start a weight loss journey or have already begun just know that you are not alone.  As your journey continues it will get easier and what was hard to start off will soon become second nature!  Your cravings will change and your willpower will too.  Envision where you want to be and you will get there!

Remember- "Nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels"

Sarah 

Fitness Friday

Every Friday I will be posing an exercise that I do with info on how to do the move and what muscles you will be working with it!  Enjoy!

Exercise: Leg Raises

Muscle Worked: Abdominal

1.   Lie down so your back and hips are acting as a base and touching the ground.

2.   In the above position, Place your hands under your glutes with your palms facing down.

3.   Now, contract your belly by pulling your belly button towards your spine, in the mean while raise your legs until they are perpendicular to the floor, as you exhale.

4.   Pause for a second in this position and Feel the stretching in your abdominal muscles.

5.   Slowly, Return back to the starting position, as you inhale.

6.   I do 4 sets of 25 reps, but start with what you are comfortable with and work your way up!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog everyone! It is in it's very early stages at the moment but I wanted to get it up and going for those of you who have questions in hopes that you can find some of your answers here! I will try to work on it a lot tomorrow and if you have any tips or anything you would like me to post about please let me know!