7 Habits of Highly Effective Weight-Losers

So, as I've endeavored yet again into the world of diets and exercise, I've tried to establish habits and routines that will help me live a more healthy lifestyle. I decided to come up with a list of the habits I'm attempting to create in my life that will, I hope, lead to weight loss and better overall health. In no particular order, here they are:
1. Wake up earlier (usually around 6:30 or 7:00)
2. Drink more water.
3. Drink less calories (soda, juice, etc.)
4. Eat more fruits and veggies.
5. Exercise daily.
6. Walk, take the stairs, be active!
7. Eat less sweets and carbs.

I know, generic list. But it sure helps when these things are swimming around in your brain. If I'm craving a snack, it helps to have my goal of eating more fruits and veggies in mind. At school, maybe I could just take the stairs to go up two floors. I truly believe things like this will make a difference in my life. Exercising daily helps me relieve stress and feel better. Drinking more water keeps me full after meals and makes me feel better as I exercise. Waking up early has surprisingly been very helpful in exercising and getting a great start to my day. I feel more energized and ready for the day. Also, it helps with homework and other aspects of my life. I'd have to say I'm learning a lot as I go through this experience. I hope I can keep it up as things like employment, children, and other service begin to play a larger role in my life. I'm excited to see where this goes. See you in ten days.

Getting the Show on the Road

Another ten days down and things are going pretty good. Marissa and I have a pretty good routine going for exercise and diet. We've been pretty good about going to the gym or for a good walk during the week. Weekends are still a little tough, but I expected that from the start. Marissa has been a real champ in the kitchen. She's a great cook and I've really enjoyed her healthy cooking these last few days. I was actually really surprised  with how many vegetables and fruits we've added to our diet. I've enjoyed the structure of school, and I really think it's helped put things on the right track. I have class most of the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as Monday nights. It's helpful to know that Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings are open for exercise. Tuesday/Thursday are a little tougher, but we've been working hard so far. I know diet and exercise plans always have great starts, but I'm hoping this one will be different because of the non-drastic changes I'm trying to make. I still enjoy the food I eat, and I find time for exercise whenever I can. It's been a good experience. I'm trying not stress too much about missing a day of exercise or eating something I probably shouldn't. I'm going for a gradual change that will eventually become my lifestyle habits. I think that will be the key going forward. We'll see how the next ten days go!
 

Mardi Gras- Ten Day Style

So, another ten days down. These were ten HARD days for anyone trying to eat well and exercise. I'm convinced that Santa is fat only because he visits around the holiday season. I titled this post "Mardi Gras" because that's pretty much what I've done for the last ten days. No, not taking my shirt off and getting wasted, but eating extremely poorly as I get ready for the school year, where I hope the structure and schedule of school will help control my diet and exercise routine. As taken from the source of all knowledge, Wikipedia describes Mardi Gras this way "Mardi gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season." That's basically how I've eaten over the last ten days. I guess that's how everyone is around this time. In all reality, I've had a good break with family and friends. I can't say I really regret regressing on my diet and exercise plans, but I'm ready to start making some major changes in the next few weeks. My exercising has been off and on. Marissa and I got a good workout in on Christmas eve, and we've exercised a few times over the last ten days. I'm also hoping that a little more structure in my life will stabilize my workouts. I truly believe the next ten days will be extremely important in setting the tone for the remaining time from now till June 30th. We'll see how it goes!