Shannon, from Eyemasq (check out her blog for amazing makeup tips and tutorials), recently asked me how I stay on track when it comes to diet. I know you know that keeping a whole diet is my biggest challenge. Get into the gym 5-to-6 days a week? No problem! Avoid PB cookies indefinitely? Not so much.
Here’s the thing-I’m not a foodie, but I appreciate a good meal. Who doesn’t? One of my favorite thing to do is to make a meal for my boyfriend and then sit beside him and watch (Dexter, True Blood, American Horror Story, How I Met Your Mother…whatever), while we chow down. For a girl who use to NEVER eat to satisfaction in front of anyone, especially a romantic partner-it’s a pretty big deal.
It can be difficult to stay on the right diet track, especially when I’ve already met my goals. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve touched the ceiling of diet perfection, only to come crashing down a month later. It’s not that keeping a good or “perfect” diet is unsustainable. The problem is complacency. After a few weeks I think, “I’m in great shape. I can afford this basket a fries.” Before I know if, I’ve had a basket of fries four times in one week and my great shape has suddenly become eh.
So I know the pain in the ass that is trying to keep on the right track. So does my actual ass. These are my PERSONAL tried and true tips to staying motivated and seeing results. And like a 12-Step Program, they only work if you work it. The reason I know about falling off the diet wagon so much is because from time to time I’ll stop doing what I know what works. I tell you, it’s not worth it. Yo-yo dieting is horrible for your bod, inside and out.For me, I rather stay on the healthy food wagon; Five Guy fries be damned!
1. Keep FUN healthy food in your house at ALL TIMES.
My boyfriend is a big snacker and the apartment is filled with chips, soft pretzels and personal pizzas. The best way for me to avoid eating these in a fit of hunger is to have lots of healthy snack food around. First off, healthy food tends to be more filling, because it generally has a higher fiber content and protein to complex carb ratio. This also means healthy snacks are more satisfying. My favs:
- Hair Merry Raw Snacks
Raw chocolate tarts and raw macaroons? Um, yes, please!
- Cheddar Kale Chips
- Soy Delicious Coconut Milk Ice Cream
2. Know Your Goal and Remind Yourself of it Often.
My diet goals have changed drastically since I began on the road to healthy. That’s okay. But in order for success to be had you must know what your goals are and why you have them. I’m pretty obsessed with having nice skin and eating to ward off toxins and chronic disease. A vegan, non-processed diet is ideal for that. For me, having nice skin and not getting cancer is a big enough motivator to help me pass on chicken fingers. And the better I feel and look, the more my healthy eating is reinforced because I know it’s paying off. Oh, and sometimes my goal is small, like fit into a dress. There really is no right and wrong with goals, as long as it’s attainable and is strong enough to keep you accountable.
3. Learn the Difference Between Self-Denial and Self-Preservation.
This is really connected to number 2, but deserves being restated. I know my goals and I tell myself that I DESERVE to meet them. Repeat after me- “I deserve to be healthy!” “I deserve to feel good.” “I deserve to look good!”
Too many people think giving up something is some form of torture. It’s not. When I don’t eat pizza, I don’t think that I’m saying no to myself. I think I’m saying yes to something my self wants more than the instant pleasure of that slice. This way of thinking only works, however, if you really know and are committed to your goals. Like I said, my skin and future health is important to me. I don’t think any type of food is more important than these things.
4. Surround Yourself with Visual Motivators.
I have a Tumblr where I reblog lots of pics of people who are exercising or are just fitspirational. I also post motivational quotes, food porn and basically anything that makes me excited about living healthy. Honestly, once you get into the fit blogging lifestyle it’s like joining a cult-a fun one. You realize you’re not alone in your quest and that there are many others who are working on similar goals. There is power in numbers and seeing others work toward their own goals keeps me pumped to work on mine. I also like to watch fitness and cooking videos on YouTube. Pretty much, I bathe myself in health material all day long. It constantly reminds me of what I want and what I’m about. Some of the vids that are on heavy rotation?
5. Educate Your Self.
Once I started understanding how food helps deliver nutrients and minerals that keep the body in health, I started seeing it as less of a source of comfort for bad days, breakups, and whatever emotional thing people use food to soothe. Food is not my enemy or my friend. It is merely a delicious way of keeping my immune system strong, my hair and nails healthy, and my metabolism high. The more you understand the true purpose and power of food, the less you will probably want to feed yourself shit. Let’s get real, the majority of the crap they sell in stores is not really true food. I found this great little photo on Tumblr, which sums it up perfectly.
6. Take Stock of Your Progress Often.
When I’m eating healthy my workouts are so much better. Like, unbelievably better that I know I’m doing something right. I also look better, which is another positive reinforcement. So whether your jeans feel a little better or you have more energy, acknowledge it. If you focus on what a healthy diet gives you, you’re less likely to feel crabby that you haven’t had a sticky bun in a month.
Here I am, literally taking stock of my progress-being able to wear leggings as pants!
7. Give in to the Cheat Day.
I fully believe in a day of rest, especially when we’re talking diets. Cheat days are suppose to be that one day where you eat whatever you want, regardless of it’s nutritional merit. In my experience, cheat days look different for everyone and will probably look different for you as you progress to an optimal place of healthy living. My old cheat days use to include ice cream sundaes and some type of pastry thing. Oddly enough, as I became more fit the less I wanted to have a single moment when I didn’t feel in perfect condition. I wasn’t attracted to the same sort of food anymore. Now my cheat day usually includes a veggie burger and fries. If I know I’m going clubbing or something like that, my cheat menu will be centered around cocktails.
8. Work Out
The more I work out the less I want to undo my progress by eating crud. It’s been shown that people often overestimate how much they burn during a workout. And since the majority of us are not very active in our day, I don’t allow myself to think working out for an hour has earned me a super-sized anything. Remember, abs are mainly made in the kitchen. Also, studies show that when you exercise you eat less.
Photo Credit: Blogolaties.
9. Be Tough.
If all else fails, I just shoot the shit straight to myself. I don’t care what any magazine or person says. I know from first hand experience that I can’t eat junk every day and fit into my skinny jeans. And unless I suddenly begin to enjoy feeling like a lard-ass on the treadmill, eating healthy is the only option for true success. It sounds harsh, but coddling has never gotten me anywhere.
Okay, so now you know my top 9 personal tips for staying motivated.
Before I sign off, I wanted to make sure you to tell everyone about the latest challenge from Tribesports.com. It’s Hindu Push-ups, which work your upper body and core! Sign up for it and let me know if you join the site, so I can friend you!!
Photo Credit: Tribesports.com
