GET FOCUSED IN MAY Challenge - 5/10 Mini Challenge

After years and I mean years.......of skipping out on breakfast............. this has been the single biggest thing i have changed. Since starting on MFP i have not missed Breakfast once. I dont pick at food until lunch time and dont pull over at services to stuff my face with sweets, chocolate etc etc.

I eat eggs, every day for Breakfast. at least three. I really think this has been the biggest thing i have changed and has worked for me

Lee

Mixing up exercise works wonders for me. I try lots of different types of exercise and mix in cardio, strength and muscle stretching to get a real overall workout.

Pre-planning my meals. On Sunday...most weeks...I make my meals for the week....so I know what I am having for lunch...saving me money and calories. Each night a pre-plan my diary for the next day...pre-packing my snacks...this helps...and I always always have a small low cal snack hidden away for an IN CASE moment.

I know this won't be popular, but I DRASTICALLY cut back on my drinking. I still have my cocktails when I feel like it, but now I'm very mindful of how many calories each one of those delicious, mouthwatering, icy beverages have. :drinker:

Some of the things that help me are getting involved with the people here on this site. When I first started on here I did not get involved but I did fine. Then a few months later I started to loose my motivation. That is when I reached out and got involved on the boards and with other people to help keep me accountable and motivated.

Second I purchased an EZ freeze stayfit bowl. I got this at Hannifords. It is a big bowl for salad with an insert that you freeze. So you put your salad in the bowl than the insert on top of that. The insert has three section for other items to put into you salad when you mix it along with a small container for the dressing. Then the top clips on. I have found I am more able to make my lunch each day when it is easy to do it and keep cold. I put this into my lunch bag with a snack and everything stays cold.

Third I have also found that I measure everything now. Before I guessed at how much I was eating. I was actually not eating enough. I was not very good at portion control. I was always thinking it was heavier than it was. I have several measuring cups, spoons and a food scale that I use religiously. I do not use a large plate for food, I use a desert plate or a small bowl so the food does not look lost or that you feel you are not getting enough.

Number One thing for me is Patients: You have to be patient with the journey. Weight does not come off overnight; it takes time. Always remember you can do it and do not let little set backs deter you from the bigger goal. Just because you fell off the wagon for one day it does not ruin all the work you have put in over the past days or months. Be Patient and you will get there.

I've found that doing strength training (fast training) for about twenty five minutes before cardio for about forty five minutes helps to burn fat and calories along with building my muscles. I do this six days a week. Most studies say to do cardio 1st but it just doesn't work for me. I also take two 15 minutes walks everyday while at work to release some stress.

I also drink around 120 oz of water a day...Forget to mention that!

A Primal Lifestyle. I cut ALL grain. No rice, nor bread, no oats, or pasta. Guess what, cured my sweet-tooth as a result.

Lifting HEAVY weights. "Go Heavy, or Go Home!"
:sad: yes, alcohol had to be cut too:sad: but the good news is I do enjoy a drink or two on the weekend and get buzzed MUCH faster:laugh:
SQUAT everyday. Your *kitten* will you for it (and so will your husband!:smokin: )

I fight with the scale so am a big proponent of finding other ways to measure success. Tape measure is probably the biggest thing. Also have a hand-held body fat monitor. I share moments of victory and frustration with the MFP community no matter how small they may seem. Along with keeping one accountable and the sharing of knowledge, they are a fun and amazing cheering section. That goes a long way in staying motivated and feeling good about yourself which we all want to do, right?!?!

Thanks to All!! :bigsmile:

My digital food scale And measuring cups! Mustard or lemon as a condiment!!!I weigh and measure ALL my food. I plan and pack all my food when I go to work. I only drink water. I push a little harder at gym. I have a mini calendar in my bathroom and log my weight every morn. I can c the progress better that way. I wld write better and more but it's SO hard with my stripper nails!!!!!xoxo

Honestly, I do pretty much what everyone else has listed. I measure, I log everything (whether I want to see it or not), I drink tons of water and not much else, I limit my alcohol (to the point where I'm a pretty funny lightweight now), I try to do something active everyday, I eat smart calories, I measure instead of weigh (most weeks), and I do it all for myself because if I feel if I need outside motivation then I will always have an excuse to fail. One thing that really helped my outlook on exercise and lifting/strength training was an article I've seen multiple times over the years on here and other fitness sites. I think it sums up my views on exercise in general, not just lifting. http://www.oldtimestrongman.com/henryrollins_iron.html