How many times in your life have you tried to lose a few pounds? I know I’ve tried several times. I failed in the past because I didn’t educate myself or ask for help. 80 pounds later, I feel like I can dish out some advice.

• Identify your WHY. Why do you want to lose weight. Write down the top 5 reasons and keep them close to you. If you ever wonder why you started this or you get discouraged, just take out your list and that will revive your ambitions.
• Set short and long term goals. They can be monthly, quarterly, and annually. This way you always feel like you have to look forward to something. This will also keep you from setting unrealistic goals because as your body changes month to month your goals will change. Trust me.
• Pick out a workout program. Find something that you will LOVE. You need to look forward to doing this every day. Don’t get something that you will dread doing. Pick something that inspires you.
• Go shopping! Picking out a new workout shirt or shoes is a fun way to reward yourself. I find that I’m more excited to workout when I have a something cute and fun to wear.
• Designate a special area. I am fortunate enough to have a room I can set aside as a workout room. If you do not have this advantage, no worries! Use your living room, bedroom, garage, etc. Any place will work. Just make it your own!
• Weigh and measure. I do not stalk my scale. But, when you first begin, you need to weigh yourself. Don’t go overboard and weigh in daily. Your weight fluctuates too much and this can cause confusion and frustration. Weigh once a week or once every two weeks. Measurements are what you need to look at. Measure each arm and leg, your butt, chest, hips, and neck. Record this in a notebook so you can look back and see how much you improve every week. This is very motivating.
• Track your nutrition. This is key. If you think you can get out of this one, think again. Go online, use an app. Do whatever it takes. You need to see where you are every day. Not only should you be creating that caloric deficit when you are trying to lose, but you need to look if you are getting the proper nutrition and fuel your body needs.
• Identify your weaknesses. Is it sweets? Salty snacks? Get them the heck out of your house. If they’re not in there you won’t eat them. If you are tempted to eat junk-just picture me yelling at you.
• Educate yourself. Subscribe to a fitness magazine. Read a book on nutrition. We all know that knowledge is power.  I look at it like this: If I had to take care of something very special, I would want to know everything about it, treat it right and love it.  You are special. You need to treat yourself right and love yourself. Put yourself on a pedestal. It’s time to take care of yourself. Our bodies need to move and be fueled with the proper foods. If you want to live long and healthy that is.
• Support. Surround yourself with supportive family and friends. Let them know what you are doing. They need to be considerate of your goals. They might want to join you! Always keep in mind when temptations arise that you are in control and you know and will do what is best for your body. If some people can’t see that or don’t care, then you may want to do some weeding…

I hope this list of mine will be of some help to you. Whether you are on your journey or you want to start tomorrow. Don’t wait until another Monday rolls around. Screw that! Start now!

If you have any questions about this list, need some guidance or help picking out a workout program please comment below or email me at sweetsnsweat@gmail.com <3