How Do I Start?

One question I get asked the most is "How do I get started with weight loss?"

Well, there are a couple of things that I found helped me get started:

1. Make the decision that you are going to do it!!  You WILL do what you need to get fit and lose the weight.  Think of it this way:  what would happen if you did everything you needed to do to lose weight?  At the least, you would feel better physically and your outlook would be brighter (endorphins are released in your body when you exercise--they make you happy!!), and that ain't bad...!
2. Realize that it took a while for you to gain, so it will take a while for your body to release the fat. We are a nation of quick-fixers!!  We expect that magic pill or exercise equipment will get us fully sculpted and looking like the models in 2 weeks--get that out of your head.  It takes between 2-3 months to really see the needle change on the weight scale and marked differences in our body composition.  
3. Don't get on your scale for at least 1-2 months.  Focus on the changes to your eating (the word diet suggests an expiration date), and being consistent with your exercise.  I promise that you will see changes, but they take time.
4. Figure out the best way for you to be consistent with your workout and do it--I am a visual learner, so I decided the best thing for me was to get a Personal Trainer.  I also need to be in the environment of what I'm trying to do to motivate me, so I got a gym membership.  Some people like taking exercise classes; while others prefer using equipment/DVD's at home.  Whatever works for you is what is best!
5. Be very simple with your eating.  I used to buy book after book on various types of diets and was eventually overwhelmed with the choices.  I stick to just a few things weekly--Protein, Protein Shakes, Veggies, and frozen+fresh fruit (for my smoothies).  Protein for me is typically Salmon (or other thick fish), Chicken, Greek Yogurt (9-12g protein per individual cup!), and Lentils.  Veggies are mainly Romaine Lettuce, Kale (fresh bagged), and frozen Spinach (microwave for 5 mins and combine with lentils or other type of beans for an easy meal).  Fruits are frozen Mango, Raspberries and Blueberries.  Fresh are Apples, Bananas (usually freeze half), and Strawberries.  Find what works for you to get your Protein, Veggies and some Carbs for the day.

Those are some easy ways to get you started!  I'll start posting some of the meals that I do soon.

Moving Forward

It's been quite a while since I've posted.  Life gets in the way, doesn't it??

Well, I've been dealing with what to do next.  I realize that my life has taken an unexpected (albeit a positive) turn...I would've never believed that I would ever be a regular exerciser again.  I did that back in my 20's and because of kids, home and life I couldn't find the time to just figure out how to fit it in to my already full schedule!!

It just didn't figure into my life--and of course, my body just got fluffier and fluffier.  I called myself "Phat and Happy".  But I really wasn't happy.  I had days when NOTHING I tried on would fit; or if it fit, it didn't fit RIGHT...some days I didn't want to leave the house.  It's a horrible feeling to walk out of your home first thing in the morning unhappy because you aren't pleased with what you are wearing.  Oh, I put on a "fake it till you make it" face, but underneath I felt shame and embarrassment.

I didn't really have to think about the shame and embarrassment until I was caught in a picture. I was stuck with the memorial of a picture showing how large I had become.

I realized that since this was who I was, I would have to find some acceptance.  I began the process of looking my optimal while "Phat and Happy".  Well, I did a really good job!!  I developed a funky, artistic style of dress that gave me the ability to feel good about how I looked the majority of the time.  It worked--until I decided to become a full-time singer.  After my CD release, I woke up feeling pain and soreness EVERYWHERE!  I had only sung 5 songs--a concert is typically 10 or more!!  I knew I needed to work on getting fit.  That was August of 2010.

Fast forward to August 2011:  After 1 full year of totally changing my view of food and exercise, I have gone from size 14/16 to size 8 (and some 6's)!!!  I have lost around 50 pounds and my body has completely changed.

During this time I've gotten a lot of people who have come to me and asked for help.  I've started working with people on getting started.  I am also working on a seminar to take a person from "I want to lose weight" to "I'm losing weight".

Life is funny and great.  It's funny because you can be going through life spinning around like a gerbil and then something happens and the wheel stops.  You're so used to it turning around that you don't know how to get it going again.  Sometimes you get help; but then other times it's truly up to you to get it going again.  God has designed our life and knows the direction in which He wants us to go.  Sometimes we falter, because where He is leading is unknown to us--but it's fully known to Him.  Just start walking...He'll take care of the rest!!