I’m asked this question at least once a day. You’d think I would have led with this post, but, you know, it’s my blog and you’re all subject to whatever I feel like writing.

Anyway, as the saying goes, “If I had $1 for every time someone asked me this question I’d” …look like a stripper. 

I’ve found the cure for the common weight problem. 

Okay, to the point. I actually don’t love this question. I know that my answer will disappoint the person asking. Now, I’ve only seen the Beverly Hillbillies once or twice (I swear this is relevant), but whenever I’m asked this question, I’m reminded of the episode where granny says she has the cure for the common cold. When she finally reveals her “cure,” it’s simply plenty of liquids paired with about a week of rest.

I know what people want to hear. They want to hear that all I did was cut out carbs but still ate a pound of bacon a day. They want to hear that with the help of a special shake every day the pounds just melted right off. They want to hear that I ate out every night of the week, but joined this one exercise class that burned enough calories to compensate for my diet. It’s not that they’re looking for the easy way out. Anyone who is willing to give up bread (even for bacon) has a long road ahead of them. They just want a plan. Something strict to follow.

The truth, like granny’s cure for the common cold, is far less exciting. I didn’t cut out carbs or drink special shakes, I just tried/try put good things into my body and be mindful of the amount. I also don’t just watch what I eat, I exercise about 7 – 10 hours a week (walking included). That’s the secret…

Now, it’s no secret that it’s no secret that there’s no secret (disturbingly, that makes total sense to me) to weight loss. It takes time. In the past, I would have found this post disheartening, but I promise, it’s not! Time goes by so quickly, and once you find out how to work healthy habits into your life, it just becomes part of your day.

I found my clock and what makes me tick.

I cannot force myself to go to the gym after work. It’s not gonna’ happen. When 5:30 p.m. hits, I’m done. So, I tried working out at 5:30 a.m. This works for me. I like starting my morning off with a workout. If I want to go for a jog or a walk later I will, but only because I want to. I’ve already worked out for the day.

If you’re not a morning person, that’s okay. Find a time that works for you. Just because this random chick with a blog works out at 5:30 a.m. doesn’t mean you have to.

This all applies to the kind of exercise you do too. Some people hate classes, some people love them. Some people like spinning, others prefer running. Find the type of exercise you enjoy. As the saying goes, “the most effective exercise is the one that you’ll do.” That’s totally true. Challenge yourself within that type of exercise, but do what you’ll keep doing.

I found my black bean burger.

I used to read People Magazine’s “Half Their Size” issue every January. When they listed out what they ate every day, I would think, “That sounds terrible. I don’t want to eat a black bean burger everyday for lunch.” I still feel this way about black bean burgers, BUT  I’ve found many versions of my black bean burger that I look forward to eating. Example: I love tree nuts. LOVE THEM. I love almond butter. So, I regularly eat one of those things paired with a banana, orange, apple…whatever. And you know what, I LOVE it. You’ll find your black bean burger…otherwise known as your go-to healthy foods.

Balance will always be a struggle for me.

Now, I’d love to say that I had this mentality from the start, but I didn’t. As I mentioned in previous posts, I’m a calorie counting wizard. There have been times throughout this process that I wanted the weight to come off faster, and I resorted to unhealthy measures. My lack of elaboration on those measures is not because I want to appear perfectly healthy and sane, but because I don’t want to give anyone the impression that those measures are, in any way, sustainable. I always binged after a week of starvation. That’s the cycle.

Fortunately, the boot camp classes I did through Real Nutrition and Fitness LLC happened to be run by a registered dietitian. Being exposed to the level of balance and sanity that can only come from someone whose first and only priority is a client’s health (not having the perfect body), helped me correct some of those behaviors. Side note: I’m not paid to give shout outs, not enough people will read this. I just like giving credit where credit is due.

Healthy eating and exercising are the secrets. 

This was a long post to basically say nothing. Anyway, the point is, when you eat what you like, and exercise at a time that works for you, the process is pretty easy. I’m serious. Looking back, I don’t feel like it was that
hard. Fortunately, that means it’s still not that hard to keep the weight off.