At this moment, you’re probably in the midst of your New Year’s resolution for weight loss or becoming healthier. You’re probably planning your meals daily and putting in work at the gym, right? Believe me I know the struggle and the challenge that it is to lose weight or get on track to be healthier. Once you get into a rhythm, it’s not as difficult as you think. All you have to do is stick with it, and when you start seeing results, you will be glad you did. As I always say, you should speak with your physician first before starting any weight loss program just to make sure you’re not putting yourself in harm’s way.
Any type of weight loss plan takes a strategic-type of planning. Here is what I mean. You have to get your mind right in order to get started. Every good plan starts with your mind. You have to think positively and tell yourself that you will achieve what you set out to do. We always talk about starting the dreaded “diet” on Monday, right? But Monday seems to pass us by, and we plan for the next Monday. That’s okay. Do not give up because it certainly isn’t too late.
You did not fail. Just build on that moment and say to yourself, “this is not a diet that I’m going on because I want this to be permanent and not temporary.” In my mind, a diet is a temporary solution to weight loss. Usually we go on a diet to fit into a dress or outfit for a special occasion. I had to change my thought process and say to myself, “I’m not going on another diet. I’m going on a lifestyle transformation.” No more living to eat. I will eat to live!
The next thing to do after you get your mind right and tell yourself you can do this is get your prayer life in order. Talk to God every day and get your strength from him. He will change your mind about how you view food and exercise. You have to get to a place in your life where you have had enough. Have you heard that saying, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired?” If that’s you, then trust me God will be your strength in this new journey.
After you get your mind right and your spirit right, you must plan for the changing of your physical health—your body. The success of any weight loss/management program happens with proper planning. Plan what you would like to eat by putting together a shopping list for the week. I understand we all have time constraints, but if you plan out your meals, it would take the stress and pressure off you regarding what you want to eat each day. For example, if you decide that you are doing The 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse by JJ Smith, then you know the fruits and vegetables and other items you need to shop for. If you are eating more chicken and fish instead of beef, figure out the recipes that you are going to use so that you can be successful.
Mindless eating is the devil. Make sure that you have healthy snacks on hand if you like to eat snacks like me! The point is please, please, please do not sabotage yourself from having good results. You have come so far, and you can do it! Don’t worry if you have a moment of weakness one day. It’s like riding a bike—if you fall off, get back on and try again.
In stressful moments, sometimes we do not do what we would normally do daily. We wind up eating things that would sabotage our healthy eating plan, we won’t exercise like we should and we wind up retreating to the couch because of stress. Stress can be exhausting. However, I’m here to tell you that exercise is one of the best stress relievers on the planet! If you typically do not like to exercise, find something to do that is fun like Zumba classes, walking with someone, or if you have an Xbox try the Kinect games. The point is you have to move!
There are so many things that go into successful weight loss/management, but the key thing is to get started. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Just get started! Summer is right around the corner. Just think about setting a goal that you can reach in five months. I wouldn’t mislead you and tell you anything that didn’t work for me. I started my transformation in January 2015. It has been one full year, and I never felt better. Once you change your mindset, start making plans for yourself, surround yourself with positive people, and of course talk to God daily, you will start seeing results like you never thought you would.
You will feel amazing because you are doing something wonderful for yourself. You can find positive people by becoming connected with social groups on Facebook or even people in your own personal circle if everyone is on board with trying to accomplish a similar goal.
As Steven Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, says, “Begin with the end in mind.” It’s simple. Think about your end result and then get started. Your health is so important, and you truly have everything to gain from thinking about yourself and what’s best for you. Invest in yourself because you are worth it.
Get ready because swimsuit season will be here before your know it (no pressure, though)! That’s a good thing because if you think about how you’ll feel when the summer arrives, you’ll be proud of yourself for getting started. Even though it’s hard work, it will be so worth it in the end. Your health is what matters most. Trust me, I know!
Live, laugh, love, and pray.
God Bless You with Good Health and Wellness,
Antoinette
Antoinette Shar’ron Johnson
“Empowering, inspiring, motivating, and uplifting your mind, body, and soul!”
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