You guys all know that I’ve been consciously working on losing weight. It’s never easy, and the past few weeks have really tested me. It’s hard to keep motivated as it is, and the past month or so I’ve been seeing very little in the way of results. I try to be positive, but only losing .2 week after week gets really frustrating really quickly. I know it’s progress, but that doesn’t keep me from wishing it would come off faster. I still have 48 pounds to go to my goal weight, and it just seems like it’s so far away.
Even with that, I’m trying to celebrate the small changes I’ve made in my life in the past few months…mostly that I’ve become more active in my everyday life. I used to think nothing of sitting on the couch watching TV after Abbie went to be bed. Now? If I don’t have all my steps in, a walk is required. If it’s raining, I’ll march in place until I get them. all. I think I’m a bit obsessed, to tell you the truth. I’m always trying to compete with everyone else on my Fitbit list, but mostly I compete with myself. I’m always walking around the neighborhood, whether it’s to take Abbie to the playground or run an errand at the grocery store across the street.
Going to the gym at lunch has become normal for me. If I don’t get there, I make sure to take extra walks throughout my day. I always take the stairs down in my building (I work on the 6th floor) and when I have to go up to the 7th floor. If someone else is with me, I’m always pushing them to take the stairs too.
I read health websites on a regular basis now (Greatist is one of my faves). I look for easy recipes with real ingredients. I pack my lunch every day – either leftovers or something fresh. I eat yogurt nearly every day, and have vastly upped my fruit and veggie intake. Remember this list? I still do a majority of the things on it that I started doing for that work challenge. I go the long way everywhere, and usually go to coworkers’ desks rather than calling them.
I could keep going on all these little changes I’ve made…there’s tons of them. While I’m not currently dropping the weight like I want, I know these things are helping, and I’m glad they’re part of my lifestyle now – they’ll only help me as I get closer to my goal, and I need to keep them up.
What are your thoughts on small changes? Do you think they help?
9 Responses
I am struggling with the last couple pounds of baby weight and am trying to stick to a BeachBody program that had already helped me lose 6 pounds. I keep thinking about getting a Fitbit. I honestly look at them every day. They are on sale at Target right now. Do you think it’s worth the money? Does it help you stay accountable? I would love to know your thoughts before I make the purchase:)
Thanks!
http://www.windycitybaby.net
I’m the type of person who needs to see strong consistent changes in order to stay motivated. Now, having said that, I’m trying to learn to be patient and realize that it simply takes time. I didn’t put on all the weight overnight so I’m not going to be able to take it off overnight either. Any way you slice it, doing something is better than doing nothing at all. At least this is what I tell myself when I start feeling discouraged, lol. 😉
Great post. I’m also one of those people that needs little wins here and there to say motivated. And I’m really competitive, so I like the idea of having others that keep me accountable and competitive. Do you love your FitBit? I just got my husband a Jawbone for Father’s Day and he really likes it. I was thinking of getting myself one or the other after this baby gets out, to motivate me to get back in shape. It’s been a long time coming!
ugh I’m so with you! I feel like I’ve been making changes over the last two months only to see minor results in weight loss. I am seeing more gains in exercise goals but I know I could do even more there if I could just get the weight to budge! You’re doing great and are so good at getting your daily steps in! you will get there eventually and you’ll be healthier for it and able to keep it off.
You go girl!! You are rocking those steps and have motivated me to try harder each day too! I struggle to get to that 10k, but I’m slowly getting better. Every day I just try to get better 🙂 I am definitely eating a lot more fruits and veggies than I was for awhile, and I can tell a difference in how I feel! Small changes add up for sure!
What is you’re doing is creating a new lifestyle, and that’s what you need to make the last long term. It’s great that you’re so motivated and are including Abbie in your journey!
It’s important to celebrate the small victories. I struggle with losing weight too. It’s hard but making lifestyle changes are important to celebrate as well!
Too funny about the Fitbit obsession – I just read this by David Sedaris: http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2014/06/30/140630fa_fact_sedaris
YES! THIS! 🙂 I’m doing the same thing – I swear the fitbit is the greatest motivator ever for me! You’re kicking butt girlie – stick with it! The results will come!