Meghan's Metamorphosis: Working On My Fitness
<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Meghan. She came on board months ago to write for us, and then very unexpectedly had her life change. No like for reals - her first email to me was how she was in this relationship ... and how awesome it was ... like literally a week later, they broke up. She hasn't been able to write for months and is now dipping her toes back in the water. I only have one more thing left to say ... HIT IT MEGHAN!!</editorsnote>
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's Meghan Brown
So a massive part of the general self-improvement plan is getting into some semblance of shape. While I have been FAR (VERY, VERY FAR) from perfect these last few weeks, I have managed to figure out a couple of things that make it easier to stay on track.
1. Wake Up and Work Out
90% of fit people in my life have been saying this for years, but as an avowed anti-morning person (and couch potato) I totally ignored them. Turns out? The skinny people are correct. If I wait til the afternoon or early evening to exercise I will not do it. Promise. Also: it's considerably easier to behave food-wise after starting the day off right. Plus, my morning mood is considerably less miserable after getting some endorphins buzzing. (Do endorphins buzz? I feel like they should.)
2. Keep the Fridge Stocked
I am turning into a preemptive grocery shopper. It's imperative that my fridge is constantly full of healthy foods THAT I ACTUALLY LIKE at all times... because otherwise? I'll call up one of my girlfriends and end up at Heidi's Pies. And no one wants that.
3. Exercise Socially
I am crazy-shocked by how eager everyone is to go on walks. I currently have walking buddies scheduled three times a week, and have a handful of friends who have expressed interest in dropping by every once in awhile. Working out with friends is so much fun! Plus, I'm considerably less likely to bail on exercise when I've got a partner in crime.
4. Cook in Bulk
I'm currently in a dieting phase that can only be described as "repeat til bored". I aim for the same breakfast/lunch/dinner/snack combo daily... and while that might sound HORRIFICALLY BORING, it makes things SO MUCH EASIER as far as "sticking to the plan" goes. Example: This week, I made Weight Watchers Chili for six and and have been eating that for dinner. I make an easy chicken salad or sesame chicken lean cuisine for lunch. Breakfast is always Special K and a yogurt. Snacks are all fruits and veggies. Having a relatively set food plan for the week makes things super simple and is considerably less time consuming than cooking something fancy every night (though, of course, that would be nice).
5. Stop Being Weird
I definitely have a few weirdo hangups as far as food an exercise are concerned (don't we all?), and examining them has been REALLY helpful. Looking at when I want to eat poorly and why has shown some pretty specific patterns... and now that I see the patterns, it's a lot easier not to fall prey to them.
I'm still a long way from where I want to be (and, after a pretty awful week and a half awhile ago, I'm a little concerned about hitting my twelve pounds by my birthday goal), but I'm finally starting to feel like I'm figuring out a way to make long-term lifestyle changes work for me.
Any tips?