Exercise2day

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was going to start grocery shopping on a budget.

I’m here to tell you that since then, I’ve done even more things to “tighten the reigns” within our household.  Approximately 3 weeks ago, was the last time I went grocery shopping.  Yes, the girl that didn’t carry a list, and put whatever in her cart, even though healthy, hasn’t really been grocery shopping.

Now, I will tell you that I have been to the store.  I did need to get milk, bread and dog food last week.   And, it was hard not to go down all the isles.  I didn’t get a cart, just went in and grabbed what I needed.  I also went out of town and got a few items for my hotel room so that I wouldn’t have to purchase some of my meals. I still consider that a win in my book.

So, are you curious as to what I’m doing?  Instead of going to the store, we’ve been living out of our pantry and fridge.  And, we’ve had some good, healthy and hearty meals too.  I had heard somewhere, can’t quote the source though, that most households have 8 different breakfast options.  Really!?!  Do we need that many choices?

So, my plan is to continue to do this for as long as I can.  I’m not sure when our pantry or fridge will run out but in the mean time, I’m saving money like crazy (something like $150/week on average) and able to apply that elsewhere.

When I started doing this, I thought that we didn’t have much to work with but I’m learning that we have so much more.  It’s all part of a program I’m doing called “War on Debt.“  And, I’m here to tell ya that I plan on being TOTALLY debt free.  No mortgage, no car payments, nothing.  And, the great thing….my husband and girls are on board.  I had to do a little convincing but they get it.

Will YOU gain the average 7 lbs that the average American gains during this time? What is YOUR plan?  I’m here to tell you that YOU can stop this.

It’s easy to add up unnecessary calories when you’re traveling or just super busy.  For example, you’re traveling and your stomach starts rumbling.  If you haven’t created an action plan, it’s likely that you’ll pull over and stop for a bite to eat at less than healthy place.   You may end up feeling guilty for the rest of the day because of your slip.  I’m here to tell you, here to SHOUT TO YOU, that you CAN create a plan for your day.  It will make things easier to stay on track with your weight loss goals.

Some of my advice….Keep healthy snacks like fruit, veggies, Shakeology, trail mix, and granola with you.  If you’re delayed, you’ll have healthy snacks at your fingertips.  If you can, do a little research on where you’ll be and locate the restaurants nearby.  Most have nutritional values of items on their menu so you can plan even better.   Also, thermoses, coolers and water bottles are a great way investment so that you can pack meals with you. And,when you’re sitting down to eat that wonderfully prepared meal……you know the one that you’ve waited on having for so long, just eat till your almost full. You won’t even miss those second and third helpings.

Mindless eating.  Do you do it?  Do you do it when you’re stressed, bored or upset?

I have a confession.  I’ve done it and yes, I admit that I do have my slip ups from time to time.  But, I can recognize it now and stop it before it starts.  It’s not something that happened overnight but has taken me years to develop.

I find that when I start to feel this way, that I need to distract myself.  I’ll call a friend, post in my accountability group or take a walk for example.  Finding a healthy replacement instead of eating when not necessary will help keep unwanted pounds from creeping up on you.

Throughout my coaching career, folks have asked me for tips on how to improve their health.  One of the simplest things that I recommend is that of focusing on one thing that you know always “trips” you up.  If it’s exercise, try scheduling it at a time where you have no interruption.  If it’s nutrition, try Shakeology and replace one meal a day.  The point with either is that you work on that one thing for the next 7 days so that it becomes a consistent, daily habit that leads to a lifetime of good things!  After each 7 days, you can then add something  new into the mix.

Think about it…..No matter where you are in your life, this tip works.  Everyone can use a small victory to rebuild motivation and momentum to keep going.

Now what I’d like for you to do is to think about what “trips” you up and email me.