Category Archives: Tips

STRESS GOT YOU DOWN?? February 10, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Motivaton, Tips and tagged with , ,

I’m happy to report my weight is still on a steady decline. But now, I’m throwing a big wrench in my routine by moving. Can you say STRESSFUL??

And forget about keeping up with my diet and exercise plan. If I’m not packing, I’m sleeping. Stacking boxes is all the exercise I have time and energy for, and the anxiety is making me miss my old best friends; Oreos, pizza, and a bottle of cab.

So what’s the best way to stay on track when dealing with big changes?

1) Keep healthy snacks handy! Almonds, blueberries, and cottage cheese are quick nutritional options when you’ve got the stressed out munchies.

2) Sleep, sleep, sleep! Giving our bodies a chance to recuperate can make us feel refreshed and ready for the day. Try turning off electronics before going to bed (that includes cell phones) if you have difficulties falling asleep.

3) Be positive! Sounds trite but if you get out of your routine a couple of days, having a good attitude about it can help motivate you to get back on track and not give up.

4) Just breathe! Taking a couple of deep breaths can help calm your nerves and put everything in perspective.

Remember, achieving long term results is the ultimate goal, so when life gets stressful don’t give up. Just take a step back, regroup, and begin the journey again.

WHAT’S YOUR SHAPE? January 20, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips and tagged with , , , , ,

I was talking to my sister the other day, and she mentioned wanting to start doing some strength training too. Then, like most conversations between women, the topic turned to those problem areas we can’t seem to get rid of. I wish I had smaller thighs (like her) and she wishes we could trade arms. LOL!

It got me thinking about all the shapes women come in. Even those from the same family. My sister’s an apple (I’m telling all your secrets, Ash) and I’m a pear. But what does that mean? And does our shape dictate how and where we lose weight?

Yes it does! Not only that but our shape may be linked to health issues! Here’s an article that talks more about what to do if you carry weight in your middle, and what to do if the junk’s in your trunk:

http://diet.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Woman_Body_Types

Of course, there’s no such thing as spot losing but if you know your shape and diet and exercise accordingly, you’ll see much better results!

DRESSING ROOMS…CUE THE JAWS THEME SONG-January 18, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips and tagged with , ,

How many of you out there LOVE trying on clothes?? Ha! Do I even have to ask?? Well yesterday was my day. My husband’s company is hosting a conference in a couple of weeks, and since I’ll be meeting some of his clients at a cocktail reception, he suggested I go buy a new dress. Not only that, but after the conference we’re taking his employees and their spouses for a night on the town.

Sounds fun, huh?

Ya, great, especially when my husband’s instructions are, “Nothing frumpy.” His definition of frumpy is very different from mine. To my hubs anything that’s not skin tight is frumpy! LOL!

So off to Dillards I went, hoping that I would find the perfect cocktail dress and night out outfit that would be sexy enough for my husband and comfortable enough for me. What did I find? Panic in the dressing room!

As soon I took my clothes off and stood naked in front of the mirror I wanted to gag. Add to that the bad lighting, warped mirror, and the fact that I’m PMSing, and I was soon looking for a makeshift noose. I did end up finding something I think will satisfy both our wants, but as I was trying on a million different styles I wondered how many women have ever felt like I do, and are there any tips for feeling good while trying on clothes? Turns out there are:

http://shine.yahoo.com/fashion/user-post-how-to-feel-good-about-trying-on-clothes-2464573.html

Wish I had read this before I went, but maybe it will help you the next time you have to face the…da dum da dum da dum…dreaded dressing room.

Check back next Wednesday to see some more (GULP) progress..

ANOTHER TIP January 11, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips and tagged with , , ,

To all my fellow couch potatoes! I found a work out routine just for you. And me. Heh. Here’s the link:

http://online.prevention.com/couchpotatoworkout/index.shtml

I’m into my second week now, and I have to say, the strength training isn’t getting any easier. LOL! In fact last week I think I pushed myself too hard and ended up crashing. Not good when you’re healing from adrenal fatigue but you live and learn, right?

I’ve found another snack to quell the sweet tooth. Cut up an apple and dip the pieces into one tbls of light peanut butter. I like creamy Jif, but if you’re really health conscious you could use a natural nut butter. I tried, but I’d have to dump a pound of sweetener on top so I’m thinking I’ll stick with the good stuff.

Not only is this low in calories, about 180 per serving, but it’s also a mood enhancer! Who couldn’t use that?? I like to have it with a cup of skim milk which does add more calories and sugar, but it’s pure yumminess.

Ok, I’m letting you guys in on a little secret…shhh…I bought a bathing suit for St. Thomas! It’s a one piece but is a little on the sexy side. Not hoochie side, just a little daring. Here’s a link if you want a peek:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/robin-piccone-penelope-crochet-overlay-one-piece-swimsuit/3240353?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Geranium&resultback=0

I got it in black, but the geranium color is pretty too. Maybe I’ll get both. I’d love to hear what type of bathing suit makes you feel the most sexy!

NIGHT OUT! January 5, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips

SOOO last night was my first night OUT. My husband and I met some friends at Olive Garden for dinner and I was a little worried that I might blow my diet on a whole basket of bread sticks with Alfredo sauce. Yum!

But I was very good. I planned what I would eat before we went and started drinking water as soon as we got there. I decided ahead of time that I would splurge and have one glass of red wine. I also took part in the conversation going on around me instead of shoveling food into my mouth like I’m never going to eat again, and you know what? I actually enjoyed my meal, my friends, and got full faster! it’s a miracle.

Yes, what the experts say is true:

IF YOU EAT SLOWLY YOU WILL FILL UP FASTER.

And that means you will consume fewer calories, and that means you will lose weight just by slowing down and actually enjoying your food! As one of my closest friends would say, “Shut the front door!”

The key is to chew, chew, chew. And then chew some more. Aim to chew each bite a minimum of ten times, but try for twenty. Here are a few tips to help you slooow down:

1) Eat one bite at a time. Chew and swallow each bite before gulping down the next.

2) Put down your fork between bites. I promise, no one is going to take it from you.

3) Drink water. It will fill you up and give you something to do besides EAT!

So I’ve learned from this experience that I can still eat out. I just have to plan ahead, enjoy my surroundings, and savor my meal. Hmmm, where to next??

 

 

OUCH! January 3, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Tips and tagged with , ,

I survived yesterday’s workout but am feeling the effects today. That’s good right? Here’s what I did:

During E’s True Hollywood Story on Selena Gomez (I’m pathetic I know) I did stomach crunches for the first commercial break, squats and lunges for the second, and push ups and bicep curls for the third. I also went to the track and jogged/power walked for 45 min.

Dinner was a very healthy and yummy chicken dish that I got from this nifty website:http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/quick-recipes/dinner/dinner-in-20-easy-healthy-dinner-recipes/?page=2. I also went grocery shopping and stocked my kitchen with fruits and veggies, almonds, greek yogurt, and some protein bars. I’ve decided my favorite snack so far is cut up veggies (bell peppers, carrots, and celery) dipped in a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese. Delish and perfect for carb cravings!

I’ve been scouring the internet for healthy eating tips and stumbled upon something very interesting:

YOU CAN EAT CONSTANTLY AND STILL LOSE WEIGHT! WHAT??!!

Thats right, people! Now I’m not talking about throwing back an entire box of Twinkies during a Friends marathon. I’m talking about keeping your metabolism steady all day so you burn more fat. That means several small meals a day instead of three big ones. Yes, I’ve heard eating small meals is better than eating big ones, but scheduling those small meals is key. Breakfast followed by a mid morning snack ( a few almonds may be all it takes to keep your metabolism going), lunch followed by a mid afternoon snack, and dinner.

The key is not to starve yourself. We all know what happens if you do that. You’re body figures you’ve been stranded on an inflatable raft in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and decides to hold on to every single fat cell it can possibly find. Even if that fat cell resides in your pinky toe your body will find it, and send it with the rest of the renegade fat cells floating around, straight to your behind!

So eat for goodness sakes but be smart about it. Repeat after me: This is a lifestyle not a diet. This is a lifestyle not a diet. this is a lifestyle not a… Ya, you get the picture.