Since my last update, I’m officially 4 more pounds down! I can’t begin to explain how excited I am that my weight loss program has been going so well. Not only am I more active now, working out 3-4 times a week, but I’ve been actively following the Nutrisystem meal plan (all except that one weekend in Nashville when I just HAD to get some Hot Chicken and authentic BBQ!) and I’m now 10 pounds down!
It really amazes me how hard work, determination and discipline can really push you closer and closer to your goals. I think, above wanting to lose this weight so that I can help my Dad out with kidney donation, this whole process is teaching me even more about myself and about my habits. My focus and discipline with this weight loss journey has also been teaching me the importance of having these virtues in everyday life. Developing a plan and sticking to it, relentlessly. Learning to be flexible and also that hard work always pays off. I’m out here killing it in my skinny jeans y’all!
As promised, I tapped my good friend Lexi of LexiWithTheCurls to give me some quick tips on how she was able to achieve success on her weight loss and fitness journey. It’s really important if you’re embracing a lifestyle change (for health or otherwise) for you to surround yourself with positive people who’ve attained the success you want. So each week I’ll be giving you guys tips from my village of health gurus.
Here’s a list of 5 quick tips from Lexi:
1. Consistency is key. Once you start dropping the weight, you have to keep it up. I ate better and worked out at least 4 days a week for 6 months straight until I reached and maintained my goals. After you reach your goal, you shouldn’t stop completely. You can cut down on workouts but I wouldn’t stop altogether. The weight can easily come back on. I stopped for some period and I did gain some weight back.
2. Eat healthy AND work out. Eating healthy but not getting any type of fitness activity isn’t productive. Same thing with working out, but eating unhealthy food. They don’t go together. A healthy balance of eating healthy and working out is great for weight loss. Not even for just weight loss, but it helps you feel better. You are more energized, you feel happier (from releasing endorphins while working out) , and you feel lighter.
3. Portion control is everything. I was on Nutrisystem for 6 months and it taught me to eat smaller portions. After I was done with the system, I continued to eat smaller portions than what I was used to prior. At a restaurant, I would eat 1/3 or half of my meal and save the rest for the next day. Keep in mind, meals at restaurants are oversized.
4. Find a workout you like. If the treadmill is not your thing, try something else. I did Zumba, hip hop dance classes, step aerobics, spin class, and much more. If it’s fun, you’ll actually get out the house to do it.
5. Try group fitness classes. I did group boot camp 3 days a week. It was an encouraging group of ladies. We all had the same goals but for different reasons. Everyday we pushed each other to reach our goals.
Follow Lexi on social media @LexiWithTheCurls to see more of her journey and also to follow her lifestyle musings from ATL. Also you MUST follow her new Instagram page @GetCurlyandFit – all the fitness inspiration for girls with curls. I love it!
Alright y’all. I’m 10 lbs down with 20 lbs to go. Who’s with me? Soundoff if you have any tips for me.
Disclosure: Nutrisystem is giving me their system for a limited time trial in exchange for blogging about my journey on the system. Though they are sponsoring my trial, all opinions expressed above are my own and not those of the company.
Wooohoo! Keep it up, girlie! 🙂 Next time you’re in NYC we should squeeze in a workout together.
Looking Good! I’m on plan too, seeing a difference, more active, less winded, HOORAY!
Looking great girlie! #Motivation
You look fabulous! Love the above tips. I struggle with a healthy mix of healthy eating and exercise but once you manage the two good things definitely happen. You can clearly attest to this!