It's hard

I promise you. You don't want any part of this. Being fat and out of shape that is. If you haven't already -- then don't. Don't come any where near this.
 
Being fat is hard, really hard. Being fat and trying to lose the weight even harder. Being fat, out of shape, trying to lose the weight, and get fit -- brutal.

I've taken many of group exercise classes and I have heard just about every motivational pep talk there is. For some reason though during yesterday's cycling class as my legs felt as if they were going to fall off and I could barely breathe. The instructor's words "Push through," really resonated with me.   "You'll only get stronger if you push through," he said.

Gosh darn it! He's right. If I want to, if anyone wants to get to the next level, the next phase, they'll have to withstand some amount of pain. They'll have to push through. I guess, that's exactly why I'm still here. Pushing through is hard.

Truthfully, I don't want to eat any healthier than I'm already eating. I don't want to say goodbye to my signature homemade chocolate chip cookies or my lazy Sunday morning breakfasts involving thick sliced pepper bacon. And quite frankly, I don't want to workout any harder either. It hurts.

So, folks, when you see an overweight, out of shape person and you think to yourself, "Why don't they just lose weight?" Take it from one of those overweight, out of shape people -- It's hard. It's hard to say goodbye to all the bad habits and embrace the good ones. Despite the negative stigma that comes along with being fat and the health concerns -- losing weight -- is hard. 

Typically, I like to end with something motivating, uplifting. But, I'm afraid there's nothing motivating and uplifting about these truths: Losing weight is hard. Getting fit is equally as hard. Pushing through is the hardest.

What's for dinner?

I've been having a taste for...Spaghetti with meat sauce. So, I gave in. It's okay every once in a while to indulge. The main thing is to not overindulge and of course to make it at home in your very own kitchen. I've never been one to make substitutes like broccoli instead of pasta. Or light sour cream instead of sour cream. I just go for it and eat less (sometimes). I did make an exception and served the hearty meat sauce over whole wheat pasta. To round out the meal: A garden green salad and crusty Italian bread. Now, that's Sunday dinner, OUTSIDE of the Box!
 

Habits

Despite not wanting to. I did. 

Sleepy. Low energy. Unenthused. I went.

See, the thing is I'm just now getting back into a workout routine.  So, I don't want to miss a workout -- especially because of a lame excuse like I'm sleepy.

I'm trying to form a habit. Forming a habit takes consistency. You know, doing the same thing again and again. Over and over. Day in. Day out. And when it comes to working out -- doing it even when you don't want to.
 
To establish a routine and form a habit -- here's my approach:

- I've started with a small goal. I don't want to overwhelm myself.  Three times a week for now. Once the routine is engrained. I'll add another class or two (Yoga, Weight Training, etc.).

- I'll attend the same class (5:30 a.m. Cycling M,W,F) for a month. This establishes a pattern. Once the habit is formed I'll be more flexible on days and  times.
 
- First day, I introduced myself to the instructor.  This gives me someone to be accountable to. Even if I let myself down. I won't let him down.

- The night before, I set out my workout clothes, underclothes, socks, tennis shoes, towel, and fill water bottle. Preparation equals success. Besides, it gives me a few extra minutes to sleep in.

- Stay away from the negative thoughts. Instead, replace these thoughts with positive,
upbeat messages. The mind is powerful.

So, this morning despite not wanting to. I did. And I'm glad. I feel energized, accomplished, good.

Legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi said: 

“Once you learn to quit, it becomes a habit.” 

I'm not going there!

Instead, I'm with Aristotle:

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

Spring Lunch Outdoors

It's always a good time catching up over lunch with a friend. Since the weather has been warm and sunny here in the Pacific NW I decided to break out my outdoor dinnerware and take the delicious fun outdoors.

On the menu, Asian inspired cuisine:
- Hand-chopped slaw (cabbage, red cabbage, carrots)
- Grilled chicken in a marinade of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, etc.
- Brown rice
- Peanut sauce

Good food. Good company. Good times.

Nature's Got You Covered

As I sat on my deck this morning sipping on a freshly blended smoothie chocked full of goods, this thought came to mind...Nature's got you covered.

Think about it: All the food that is good for us is of the earth.  Fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, roots, herbs, on and on. There are no fruits or vegetables that are bad for you. Roots and herbs are used to heal and soothe. And mostly all things of the earth have multipurpose uses.  You can eat the flesh of a coconut, drink the milk from the coconut, extract the oil for cooking or use the oil for your skin and hair. How cool is that?  Nature's bounty is simply amazing.

So do your body a favor...When you're ready to reach for a so-called energy drink: 5 Hour Energy, Red Bull, Monster, etc. Remember, Nature's Got You Covered -- Opt for a homemade blended smoothie or juice and don't forget to add chia seeds or wheat germ to give you an extra-nutritional boost.

Blueberry Banana Kale Smoothie: 

Blueberries (Antioxidants), kale (Vitamins A, K), bananas (Potassium), 

chia seeds (more Omega 3 fatty acids than Salmon!)
 non-fat plain yogurt or non-dairy milk. 

Naturally sweet. Full of energy. Liquid Goodness!