Lose the dumpy biz woman look - HELP!

Nulia
Nulia Posts: 4
in Getting Started
I have just set up my own business, work from home and finding it hard to get motivated with exercise as I can spend all day at home working (no commute even). BUT I have won a contract (just on Friday!) , to deliver a conference in Brazil in August 2014,and I really want to lose the 42 pounds in weight I have put on, feel good about myself and not be a dumpy, frumpy biz woman in her 40s (who stays there and is never slim again). I'm 43 and have gained 3 stone in 2 years ( the last stone in the last 3 months - living next to a fab wine bar). I was always pretty trim and watched my weight etc, then all sense went out the window (exercise, healthy eating) - replaced by work stress, a lovely new partner with a big love for red wine , plus he's a great cook, all this combined with too many take aways after working too hard. I'm on my own at home working (no kids) and I have 3 months until the first conference in Brazil.... Any tips, advice so welcome. THE ROAD TO BRAZIL STARTS FOR ME TODAY......

Replies

  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    My first bit of advice is to set your expectations to a realistic level. There is just no way to lose that much weight in three months in a healthy way. Try for more like 12-24 pounds (1-2 pounds per week). Even that is going to take some serious dedication.

    How are you planning on handling the good cooking and convenience of the wine bar? I see this as your biggest challenge from what you've described. Is your partner willing to lighten up his meal choices for the sake of health/weight loss? And will he be willing to skip at least a few trips to the wine bar? It's going to be tough if you're going to be trying to refuse these temptations. While his support isn't necessary, it's definitely going to make it easier on you.

    How do you plan on avoiding take-aways? Planning meals and doing some prep work in your off time is going to be vital to making this work. Come up with a list of healthy meals and snacks and do some grocery shopping a.s.a.p.

    Make exercise a priority and schedule as you would anything else in your day. Get up a little earlier in the morning if you have to. If you want it bad enough you'll find a way.

    Good luck!!

    P.S. Congratulations! :)
  • brookemart81
    brookemart81 Posts: 62 Member
    Congratulations on the contract!

    I just sent you a friend request. I have my own business and work from home also and I definitely identify with your motivation struggles. It can be tough to get yourself to take a break and go out and exercise. It's funny because other people always assume it should be easier since you set your own schedule and could technically go out and do stuff whenever you wanted. I don't know about you but I always feel like there's more work to do and I can't justify taking time for myself. But I finally came to the realization a couple months ago that if I didn't MAKE time for fitness it was never going to happen- you are always going to be busy, there's always going to be something else you could be working on- but you have to prioritize yourself and your health. So I'm working on it.

    On the plus side, it's easier to eat healthy when you work at home! No coworkers bringing in donuts and cake, no one trying to drag you out to eat an unhealthy lunch somewhere. Of course I've found that left to my own devices I'll forget to eat and then run out and grab unhealthy crap because I'm hungry, but if I make a plan for the week, buy my groceries and do a little prep ahead of time, it's very easy for me to stick with healthy lunches. I know for myself that when I'm busy and stressed I will choose the easiest option at hand, so I have to make that easiest option be a healthy lunch that's already here waiting for me!

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