As I was in line at the Starbucks drive-thru the other morning, I told myself, “grande drip with non fat milk.” What I ended up ordering was a grande cinnamon dolce latte and a blueberry scone. Oh, but I got non-fat milk and I didn’t eat all the crumbs in the bag from the scone. Whenever I hear dieting tips like avoiding drinking your calories or grabbing a stick of gum when you are craving something sweet, I think- wow that sounds like such a good idea! But the reality is that I like to drink calories and eat scones.
I admire my friends who can be successful with things like a 24-day cleanse. I have put somewhat serious thought into doing something like but, in reality, I really don’t want to do it. On the other hand, I do want to be healthy. Our heads are full of fad diets and secrets to weight loss success. But, I believe there is only one true secret: When it comes to food/dieting/nutrition, you have to find the balance that works for you.
The last few weeks we have had some fitness challenges – Challenge #1, Challenge #2, Challenge #3. This week, I challenge you to reflect and think about what will work for you when it comes to a balance of eating right.
What motivates you? Here are a few things that motivate me.
1. I am motivated by “calories in, calories out”. I know that if I splurge on something then I will ensure I work it off.
2. I am also motivated by understanding that food is energy. The next time you have too much junk food, take a moment to lock in how you feel. Probably sluggish.
3. I know myself well enough to know that I personally do not respond well to things like strict diets.
Here are a few things that I try to follow regularly to stay healthy.
- Drink lots of water. I constantly carry a re-useable water bottle with me.
- Plan ahead. I have an office job so ensuring I come to work with plenty of healthy snacks and meals ensures I won’t hit up a vending machine.
- Log your food and workouts. I am striving to be more consistent in this. Log with a pen and paper or with an app like My Fitness Pal
What motivates you? Are you making 2015 the year of the new you?! We’d love to hear!
