Weight Loss - Not just a quick fix

I've had way too much coffee but felt the need to share my two cents on being healthy.

Weight loss isn't going to happen over night, and that's one thing I've learned. I don't believe in diets, and don't like using mind sets such as "I want to lose this weight by this time for this event." Normally what ends up happening is you get to your goal weight for that time frame, you begin to feel happy about yourself, and so you go back to your old eating habits.

No, I feel like weight loss is a complete change of a life style. Living in a bigger city, I've discovered a joy for biking. It's quicker than driving, it feels so amazing, and the work out that you get can't be beat. I walk as much as possible. I take stairs. I hike, run, and still try to make it to the gym. Take a quick walk after dinner. I tend to pace when I'm on the phone, shake my legs when I sit at a desk, and get up and move every 15 minutes.

Eating? I'm a vegetarian but also a college student in my 20's. I've learned that home cooked meals are the best way to watch what you eat, and that packing your own lunch is the most positive thing you can do for yourself in the day. I still go out to eat. I still drink beer. And I still indulge in social eating. But I'm trying to learn not to beat myself up over it. Why? Because happiness isn't only a body image. It's also being around people, socializing, and enjoying the pleasures in life.

I had hoped when I lost weight, became more toned, that I would be happy no matter what. Look how skinny I am, I can wear whatever clothes I want! But I'm still the same person, with the same personality. And although I carry myself with more confidence, my weight loss isn't going to all of a sudden make me happier.

My happiness comes from knowing I've become a healthier person all around, that has made life changes that will hopefully add years to my life, and allow me to also out run those extremely slow zombies when the apocalypse comes!

Have an amazing day, and get outside and move!