For the blog post this week, I thought it would be nice to hear from one of our members, Lisa Bender. It’s helpful to see how others handle their weight loss journey. I would love to see all your comments on what has been working and not working. Here’s what Lisa had to say:

“I realized not that long ago that weight loss is one of those battles that will never go away. How annoying was that realization? To think I will reach my goal and still have to be mindful of what I put in my mouth. Like skinny people magically stay skinny forever! However annoying the realization, it’s one I’m grateful for. I only wished I had figured it out sooner because that gift knocked some sense into me and gave me the frame of mind I needed.

I think overcoming what goes on in my head is more than half the battle. Working out has never been the hard part for me. I love it! The tougher the better … not to say I don’t want to tackle Lori after our third set of football runs! Of course I’d just pick her back up and tell her to do it again! Here are a few things I do to trick my brain into doing what’s best for me:

• I plan my workouts for the week and enter it into my appointment calendar. In my mind, it is an appointment. If I have to rearrange my workouts, I must reschedule! If I give myself an out that just leads to more skipping. It’s a slippery slope! We all can justify not putting in the time because we are truly busy but ask yourself  “when will I not be too busy? Will that ever change? Will I be less busy next week, next month, next year … ?”
• Elevated stress levels can break my focus. I’ve been experiencing that the past couple of weeks. If I don’t manage my stress, it leads to restless nights and old habits resurface. A vicious cycle. Recognize the signals, readjust and move on quickly!
• When I had a good week and I worked hard, I used to say, “I worked hard, I deserve a treat!” Instead of rewarding myself with food now I’ll buy a new shirt or do something fun that doesn’t involve food. I still give myself a free night so that I can have a little something so I’m not deprived; food is just not the center of my universe!
• My goal is to drink 3 liters of water a day (1 liter is 33.81 oz.). Typically I average about 2.5 liters. I do get sick of it though. When that happens, it helps me to visualize the water washing through my body, flushing the fat and toxins away. Yea, a little hokey but it gets me through. If that doesn’t work, add a Crystal Light and suck it up!
• I weigh myself every week to be accountable but focus more on how I feel now. I’ve lost 5% body fat and that was the best news Lori could have given me. It just means with less body fat and more muscle my body is working harder for me, burning more calories than it was before. Strength training is just as important as cardio and a good diet.

Those are a few tricks I use to keep myself on track. Give it a month of not missing your strength training and cardio exercises (whatever they may be) and just wait and see how great you’ll feel.

Lastly, take advantage of all that Lori has to offer. Take the time to get your measurements and track your progress. Fill out the goal sheets she hands out, you’ll learn something about yourself in the process. Lori also has nutritional tracking sheets to journal what you eat. I turn them in every week and she gives me helpful feedback. Don’t forget about her free cardio classes and the free boot camp coming up April 10^th. And when you think you just can’t afford to pay for training, don’t forget she gives you free training anytime you bring someone new that joins. What better gift for you and your friend!

Just thank God we all still have the ability to work out … never take it for granted!” – Lisa Bender