WRITTEN ON November 9th, 2009 BY Sandy AND STORED IN Motivation

Tags: exercise, getting started, workout

Everything we ever want to do or achieve we actually have to start somewhere and that can seem so impossible sometimes.  When I first lost my job in February, I knew I wanted to start an indie business and a design inspiration blog. I figured it was a great way to make extra income and have something to show for this massive gap in employment.. or better yet.. live my dream of my own business.. but the idea of going from an idea to an actual product line, months of content and readers.. orders.. it all seemed so hard and far away. Like with anything, if you put the time in results will follow over time.  We just need patience and dedication and faith in our hard work. Weight loss needs to be thought of as.. start today.. and in 2 or 3 months or so I’m going to be one of those people laughing at how baggy my clothes have gotten. It does happen…

A few years ago I lived in NYC and walked everywhere, worked out 2-3 times a week and started getting smart about food choices (but never counted calories). I ended up losing 60lbs over a year.  Here are a few starting out food tips that are musts… no soda, no fast food, no fried food, egg whites only, fat free milk, low fat cheeses, whole grains, little to no red meat, light to fat free salad dressings and small portions. Over a long period of time, this worked for me. Then I moved to FL for 18 months and suddenly I wasn’t walking anymore and didn’t join the gym. I biked a little but not enough. The food choices were anything but healthy and I was going out to lunch everyday with people who were not concerned with food choices. I gained 30lbs back. Now living in LA, last year I joined the gym but wasn’t motivated.. suddenly I had had enough.. my clothes were tight and I was over being chubby.. I started working out 5 days a week for an hour a day at the gym. I also ate beyond healthy.. and probably not enough calories. I obsessed. I lost 30lbs in 10 weeks. I felt good.. but started to have an unhealthy relationship with food.. I was afraid to eat certain things and I also weighed myself sometimes twice a day..

I’ve gained control again and started allowing foods back into my life but also I’m up 10lbs again and never ended up hitting my goal weight (yet). With my very limited funds I had to cancel my gym membership and start hiking and walking everywhere for exercise.. Forced exercise.. like a walk to the bank, post office.. are great ways to add a little something to everyday.. depending on where you live.. try and take advantage of this.. it really helps.

One of my old co-workers just put up on her Facebook that she ran a half marathon yesterday.. Amazing! I’m so proud of her. She was one of those people who, last year, when I was working out like crazy.. would say, “I totally need to start that…” while munching on the office snacks in the center of the room.. So it doesn’t matter where you start.. but just that you do. Results will follow over time.. just know they will to help yourself stay motivated.

Thanks, Jen, for putting together this group! It’s so important to encourage each other and talking about food and exercise.. when you find yourself too busy or not focused on planning ahead your food and workouts you can easily slip.. and slip once and the 2nd time is that much easier too.. Be tough with yourself!

Good luck everyone!!