Carbs carbs and more carbs, this is what I’ve been eating day after day during pandemic, and it’s starting to show!
Oh weight loss, why does the struggle gotta be so real?
People will come to me and tell me how they know they need to lose weight, that they no longer like the way their clothes fit, or how they look in the mirror. It’s hard to keep someone motivated on their weight loss journey because losing weight is a process! And the process can feel like a struggle. The reason for that is because we want those instant results, that instant gratification: fat melting, toned arms, flat stomachs. We think that after a couple of days of mindful eating + cardio we will be “skinny”. SMH.
I’m sorry to say, weight loss is hard. If it was easy, everyone would do it!
Easy vs. Hard.
Is it easy to have a slice of cake? Yes.
Is it hard to resist that sweet, creamy, light cake vanilla temptation? 100 x Yes!
That right there proves losing weight is not easy and it’s not for everyone. We live in a society drowning in junk food, constantly offered cookies, chips and crap on the regular.
Here’s a hard truth: it’s going to take months of discipline, embracing change and saying YES to ourselves in a whole new way to see the results we want.
When you think about it, accumulating weight takes months and years of poor eating habits and inactivity. So, when it comes to losing it, it’s important to recongize that we need to give ourselves patience and trust with the process.
Some important factors to weight loss success:
#1. Mental toughness: Having the mentality that this is what you want! Making your mind up that you want to lose weight.
Two of my aunt’s were talking:
Zia L: “How do you do it [weight loss]?”
Zia AM: “Step one is up here,” as she pointed to her head, “you have to decide you want it.”…and that right there is some mad truth!
#2. Consistency: Consistently exercising 3-5 days per week, consistently saying “NO!” to unhealthy food choices. Being consistent with our healthy actions is like planting a seed that we must water and give sunshine to every day for it to grow.
#3. Body Acceptance: Loving and appreciating your body exactly as it is right now. Yep, that includes our tummies, thick thighs and bat wings. Give it up to all the things our bodies do for us: breathing, seeing, smelling, feet to stand on, legs that move us, teeth that chew our food – you get the point! And for those Moms out there – you gave birth! Holy heck! What an amazing feat!! Our bodies are pretty awesome and we need to let our holy temple know how much we love and appreciate it.
#4. Awareness: Taking the time to be aware of how your body feels. For example, how does your body feel after feeding it a nourishing meal VS. a sugary bowl of cereal? Are you more energized? Less bloated? Or, how do you feel after a long walk or spending time in nature?
Our bodies will respond to how we fuel it. Sugar = inflamation, refined carbs= bloating for a lot of people, whereas whole foods will leave you feeling and looking your healthiest.
When we are aware of our bodily sensations we are equipped to choose better.
Side note: Did you know 4 grams of sugar = 1 teaspoon. So if a can of Coke has 39 grams of sugar, that’s 9.75 tsp of sugar… that’s a lot of fucking sugar.
#5. Speak your goals: Write them down, say them out loud, and share them with a trusting love one who can keep you accountable.
I understand that if I want my body to look a certain way, there are things I need to do in order to achieve those goals.
Being disciplined is hard! It’s easy to give in for the quick fix of junk food. Sugar is a drug after all and weight loss is very much a mental game.
The steps to weight loss are clear, and if you follow it, it’s actually pretty simple: you have to make better choices. It’s about not eating the white stuff, and if you are, don’t do it two days in a row. It’s about discipline, and asking yourself if the food choice you’re about to make is going to help you reach your goal or detour you, it’s about knowing the difference between appetite and actually being hungry.
If losing weight is something you actually want to do, try a move of empowerment and kindly turn down that slice of cake while saying “YES” to you, your body, and your goals!
modern love 