New Year, New You, Weight Loss Garbage

Here we go. The “New Year, New You” rubbish has begun. I don’t know about you, but I like myself. I’m not perfect, but I’m a pretty cool chick. If you don’t believe me, ask my mom. She’ll tell you. She never lies.

Ok, ok, so maybe I would like to improve some details about me. For one, I would like actually to wear make-up, not just buy it. Perhaps I could even wear cute boots on the weekends and save my sneakers for running around with my boys. That’s manageable. Otherwise, I’m good. Well, maybe.

I have to be honest with myself. I can get a little tighter there and gain some muscle in the biscuits. Yup, I’m talking about my body. I can’t stand the “new year, new you” garbage, but I can deal with “an improved me.” How do I do it, though? I work, I have two boys, a husband (make that three boys), a house, friends, family, but no time. I’ve heard that you will make time if it’s important to you. I guess so, but I need some motivation.

How do I get motivated? Just the idea of going to the gym makes me exhausted. I heard a trainer say it takes one step to start, but you have to keep working on getting to your goal. So focus on my goal? My goal is to have a rocking body in my forties (I’m 43). I know it’s possible. I’ve seen 50-year-olds with amazingly fit bodies. Why can’t I have a six-pack?

What the heck am I talking about?! I need to “slow my roll” and take it down a notch. I need to be realistic and start from the beginning. I want to be healthy. I have to find what motivates me and keeps me motivated.

Guess what? I did. I have to tell you a little about me. I was obese, and now I’m not. I’ll give you the long version another time. I want you to know that I know it’s not easy and no one can do it for you. But some experts can help and guide you through it. Am I an expert? Sometimes.

Before I give you tips I’ve come up with, you have to know that you have to talk to yourself about whatever you want to accomplish. You have to look in the mirror and say, “Only I can do this. Me. ME.” 

1. Eat healthy.

We all know that having pancakes and bagels every morning is not healthy. You can download an app on your phone. It’s free and helps you keep track of your eating habits. It lets you count calories or macros. But you do have to log in everything you eat. You can also take it to the next level and hire a nutritionist.

2. When you set up a play date for your kids, set one up for you.

Call your BFF. Tell them that you need a date for the gym, and they have the privilege to accompany you to the boot camp you always wanted to try. Most facilities let you try it out before you commit. Keep looking until you find a class you love. The music a facility plays is also important. It can be very motivating.

3. Another option is to hire a personal trainer.

Even personal trainers train with personal trainers to keep them focused. Some trainers offer a free session to see if you vibe with them. I suggest always getting the package deal. It makes it easier to commit and stay motivated. You can even get a trainer to come to your home.

4. Stay away or take a mini-vacation from people who don’t motivate you, especially if they discourage you from accomplishing whatever you want to achieve.

Positives vibes only. Eliminate your distraction and temptations. That includes bad food in the house. Make a healthy lifestyle a family goal. Don’t even tell them. Just get rid of the junk food in the house.

5. Track your progress.

I hate the scale. That thing can’t measure my hotness. I prefer using the measuring tape to measure my hips, waist, and chest. Better yet, feeling my clothes get loser is the best.

6. When I see a positive change in my body, I reward myself with a doughnut.

JUST KIDDING! Never do that! Instead, I get a special massage or mani-pedi. The positive vibes stay with me, and I don’t get down on myself.

So hot mama’s, how does that sound? It’s not drastic and doable. I hope one or all these steps help you. The truth is, if weight loss is not your goal, a healthy lifestyle should be. The key is to learn and motivate each other in whatever our goals are. I have your back.