Secrets of Success

Out with the old to make room for the new!

Recently I went through my closet and pulled all my "Big girl" clothes. Some outfits are still beautiful! I have at least 20 outfits that I know will sell for at least $20 each on ebay (plus shipping, of course). That's at least $400!!! I will put all of the money in a separate account and use that money to purchase new pieces for my wardrobe. Out with the old to make room for the new! And it won't cost a dime!

Fess up!

Fessing up to yourself (and others) is good!!! I fell off the wagon the other day and caught myself saying "I'm not logging my food because I blew it". But as soon as I saw how easily I was going to blow it off, I recommitted to logging ALL my food choices regardless of good or bad. It felt good to "come clean" with myself. When I saw it only put me 300 calories over my goal, I went for a scooter ride with my 7 year old daughter, and worked it off! Fessing up to yourself feels great!

Having trouble STARTING your exercise program?

Starting today, even if you usually sit at your desk (or on the couch) and eat lunch, commit to a 10 minute fitness break. Just stand up at your desk (or couch), look at your watch and walk for 5 minutes then turn around and walk back. Commit to doing that every workday for a week. Gradually build up speed and you'll walk a little farther each time. You can gradually work your way up to 30 minutes or more, but even 10 minutes of cardio a day is beneficial! Before you know, it will be a habit!

Having trouble STARTING your exercise program?

Starting today, even if you usually sit at your desk (or on the couch) and eat lunch, commit to a 10 minute fitness break. Just stand up at your desk (or couch), look at your watch and walk for 5 minutes then turn around and walk back. Commit to doing that every workday for a week. Gradually build up speed and you'll walk a little farther each time. You can gradually work your way up to 30 minutes or more, but even 10 minutes of cardio a day is beneficial! Before you know, it will be a habit!

Schedule PLAYTIME for yourself!!! Have FUN!!!

Exercise doesn't have to always be hard work! Have FUN! Take a beautiful hike! Go to the park and teach your kid to ride a bike! Buy a Jumba DVD and dance to sexy, latin rhythms! Go rollerskating with the kids or a friend. Go to one of those indoor bouncy places with your niece or nephew and play along! Join a softball, tennis or bowling league! Go to your local water slide park! Build PLAYTIME in at least ONCE A WEEK to keep things FUN!

Fast Food Frenzy!!!

I'm all about "Fast" food! Every Sunday I shop, and then spend about 2 hours preparing foods for the week. From BBQing chicken tenders and petit sirloins (freeze in portions and label so I don't have to weigh anything) to hardboiling a dozen eggs for snacks and quick protein, cutting broccoli and cauliflour in meal size portions, cooking/freezing portions of barley, brown rice, making my lunches for the week in ziploc "to go" paks - make possible nutritious "fast" food build your own meals!!!

HAVE FUN and Burn 700-1500 calories in just 2-3 hours!

Did you know that in a single 2-3 hour indoor rollerskating session, you can burn anywhere from 700-1500 calories? The best part is, you don't even realize it when when you're having fun skating to the music! If you're bored with your exercise routine, drag a friend or one of your kids along, and give it a try! Its CHEAP, healthy fun and burns a LOT of calories!!!

Use SparkPeople for your LIFE goals, too, and Dare to DREAM!!!

Use SparkPeople for more than just your health and fitness goals - use it for your LIFE goals!!! It's an exciting way to stay focused, excited, and see results! Use the Other Goals option write out 5 goals you haven't committed to writing yet, and review everyday!

Use SparkPeople for ALL your goals and SOAR!!!!

For most of you, logging into SparkPeople is already a habit or it's quickly becoming a habit. Use SparkPeople for more than just your health and fitness goals - use it for your LIFE!!! Use the Other Goals option write out 5 goals you haven't committed to writing yet, and review everyday!

Be Your Own Motivational Speaker!!!

Wayne Dyer and Deepok Chopra have nothing over YOU baby!!! Make your own homemade motivational pep-talk that covers all your current gratitudes and goals with or without background music. Listen on your commute to/from work, grocery store, etc. Keeps the mind focused and excited!