Tag Archives: weight loss 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.

THE CALORIE EQUATION…January 21, 2013

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

So in case you haven’t noticed, this blog is for the fitness novice like myself. If you’ve been working on your health for a while you probably won’t benefit from reading this, unless you want a hearty laugh now and then in which case I invite you back any time! 

Anyway, since I’m just beginning, I have a voracious appetite for knowledge. It used to be for Oreo cookies but I’m trying to channel it in a different direction now. What I’ve been reading recently is how to create a calorie deficit which is the only way to lose weight. It actually becomes quite a math equation when you try to figure it out. Maybe I should have listened to my teacher when she said I’d be using algebra all my life. Sheesh! 

Instead of confusing you with an unintelligible explanation, I’m going to post a link to an article that gives the step-by-step way to calculate how many calories you should be eating to maintain your weight and how to make sure you’re not overeating. It only takes  an extra 3500 hundred calories to add a pound. That’s half a Turtle Cheesecake! What?? Like you’ve never splurged before..

http://exercise.about.com/cs/weightloss/a/howtoloseweight.htm

 

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!

2ND WEIGH IN..January 16, 2013

Posted by rlsofia in Motivaton and tagged with , ,

Did I mention how much I HATE Wednesdays?? Especially this Wednesday? So I weighed myself and GASP! I’ve GAINED 1.5 lbs. WHAT!!?? I’ve been sooo good! Counting my calories, exercising almost everyday and for what?? I almost gave up and shoved my head into a box of Krispy Kreme’s.

Then I looked at the calendar and yep, I should be getting my period soon. Welcome to PMS City. Do not pass go, do not collect your bikini. Instead, pull out your sweats, grab your kleenexes, and turn on Lifetime Movie Network.

What I WON’T be doing is drowning my sorrows in a pint of Ben and Jerry’s “Everything but the…” No I wont. I won’t. Right??

Right. And here’s why:

http://cardiopump.com/2011/05/25/44-snacks-for-surviving-pms-pitfalls/

It’s a great site for healthy PMS snacking. And yes, it’s all about the chocolate. Enjoy.

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!

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.