Recently I got a letter from a reader that I wanted to share here. This letter took a ton of courage to write, send, and even more importantly to acknowledge that she was needing a change and reaching out to those around her to figure out how to make this change.
It doesn’t matter if you made the decision while standing in front of the mirror, or trying to button a pair of pants that just won’t go, or looking at an unflattering picture of yourself, what matters is that you have decided that it is time to make a change!
First, CONGRATULATIONS! Acknowledging that it is time to make a change and start your weight loss journey is not an easy thing to do. Many people continue to ignore the signs and keep ignoring the poor choices they are making, and only get further and further down the rabbit hole of an unhealthy lifestyle.
I am wanting to share this letter and a few tips because I know that she is not alone in this. There are more people out there who have decided it is time to get healthy, but aren’t sure where to start.
Dear Family and Life in Las Vegas,
I need your help! Your last post on losing weight gave me a big push. In the past year I have gained 50 pounds. I feel terrible and I look terrible and I need to change.Last night I literally had a panic attack. My Grandma died of breast cancer when she was 40. My Dad died of a heart attack when he was 50. That could be me in 20 years. It scares me beyond belief to not be around for my children.I need to get serious. I have a doctor’s appointment this Thursday and I am going to talk about what I can do. I know I am going to start changing my diet, drink more water, WORK out, but do you have any advice, tips, a group to join for motivation?
(PS – I am beyond humbled that my journey and posts have motivated anyone to make a change. Thank you for sharing this with me and giving me an extra boost in my own weight loss mission.)
- Write EVERYTHING down. It makes a HUGE difference. Write down your food (all of it). Write down your weights, your exercise. Write down how you are feeling each day.
- Focus on Nutrition. For me personally I am focusing on cleaner eating, portion control, and 4-6 smaller meals a day. Adding in more veggies (unlimited really), and re-focusing my view of food being for fuel and not for enjoyment or comfort has made a big change in my weight loss. Don’t forget to write it down!The US News just recently posted a list of the best diets. I think that is a great resource. I also like the concepts behind the Mayo Clinic diet, and the DASH diet. If you need more community support, I think Weight Watchers is a great place to start re-training yourself about food and portion control.
- Make a workout schedule. Write it down! Plan on going to the gym or doing a video at a certain time during the day – and then treat it like you would your children’s dr.s appts. (aka not something your would easily cancel.) Try starting with 2-3 days a week minimum 30 minutes working out. Then move up to 3-4 and so on. Eventually this will become your “YOU” time and you will love it – even if it is hard at times.
- Give yourself 1 cheat day. Eat healthy all week, and then tell yourself when cravings come, that you can have them on “xyz” day. Write them down. Eventually you really won’t even want a cheat day. Maybe it will just be a treat meal…
- It’s OKAY not to be perfect! If you slip up, acknowledge your feelings (write them down), but don’t give up. Each day is an opportunity for you to make a change!
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LOVE this!!
Great tips!!!!
Thank you Toni! <3
What good advice! I know I have benefited so much from your fitness posts and im glad this reader was bold enough to say what I am feeling. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, it is so awesome for this reader to speak up and seek help. I am glad they are inspiring you too!
Great advice! I love that it’s sensible advice, that we can all follow. It’s amazing what a difference it makes to me, when I write something down, whether it’s what I eat during the day or what I’m spending. To have that daily log can really be eye-opening for me. Thanks!
Thanks Alissa! And thank you for sharing that it is working for you too! Such a great way to inspire others with your success!