|
In the meantime, we curvy
girls need to stop wallowing in pity because our thighs
touch each other!. Health and fashion magazines and
commercials try to make us believe that we should all be
wearing a size two. The happiest and most confident women I
meet are women of all shapes and sizes because they focus on
being healthy and fit… NOT SKINNY!
Is healthy and fit within
your reach? It sure is, but you have to be willing to work
for it. Healthy isn’t created within 30 days, it’s a
long-term day to day, month to month, year to year
commitment. Be prepared to fight for your health for the
rest of your life.
Starting today by mentally
preparing yourself. Have an intimate conversation with
yourself. Ask yourself the hard questions. Do I like what I
see in the mirror? Can I easily climb a flight of stairs?
Can I carry groceries in from the car without feeling
exhausted? When was the last time I went swimming, rode a
bike, ran or walked for a period of time? Do my clothes fit
the way I want them to? Do my knees ache while walking? Do I
slouch when I walk? Am I flexible enough to touch my toes?
Can I go through a full range of motions without injuring
myself? Can I comfortably reach for things overhead or get
into the back seat of a car? I’m eating, so am I hungry or
am I eating because I’m bored? Do I suffer from depression
or anxiety?
All of these questions
should be answered truthfully, no sugar coating your answers
- It is what it is!
Now that you’ve had that
tough conversation, start to take the steps that will make
your today healthier than your yesterday and will pave the
way for your healthier tomorrow!
Are you ready to work to
be healthy and fit? If so, let’s get started:
* Check with
your doctor. Get a physical. Ask questions and speak of any
concerns you may have. Of course during your appointment,
you will have to step on the dreaded weight scale! But,
please don’t obsess over what you weigh! It is what it is
- so either wallow in misery and claim “poor me, there’s
nothing I can do about it” attitude, or claim “I’m ready to
make some changes, I got this.”
* If you’re
struggling with health problems such as diabetes, high blood
pressure, low blood pressure, etc., or addictions such as
alcohol, smoking, etc., partner with your doctor. These
issues are not do-it-yourself issues. Support is available
to you. Ask for help!!!
* How active are
you? Be truthful! The USDHHS (US Department of Health &
Human Services) suggest adults elevate their heart rate at
least 30 minutes most days. Thirty minutes is a minimum, the
more the better!
Ten percent of Something is better than 100% of Nothing…so….walk
with friends, take a group fitness class, jump on a bike and
take a ride! Find a physical activity that you enjoy! Do you
like to dance? Try Zumba or Cardio Dance classes! Find
something fun to do because if its’ not fun, you won’t
continue to do it!
* Start a Food
Diary. Write down or record everything you eat and what time
you eat for a few weeks. Don’t cheat – record everything
(even a stick of chewing gum)! A food diary is helpful in
opening your eyes to what you actually eat, how often you
eat, how much you eat, and even why you eat!
* Plan to
Succeed! Rid your cabinets and refrigerator of the unhealthy
foods and fill them with healthier choices, like fruits and
vegetables. Carry healthy snacks with you so when the snack
monster attacks, you’re prepared!!
* Squash the
Guilt! While changing your eating habits and choosing to
make healthier choices, there will be times that a slice of
cake or pie, pizza or a cookie or two will cross your lips!
Instead of asking yourself why you ate that delicious slice
of whatever…..tell yourself…I wanted it, I ate it, I enjoyed
it, but now I’ m back on track. One slice of cake or a few
cookies won’t add extra pounds, but repeating the same
scenario for a few days will take you completely off track
and stack on the excess pounds. Don’t deprive yourself, eat
the foods you love, but occasionally and in moderation!
Choose to eat mindfully and healthy 80 percent of the time!!
* Manage
Stress!! Check your perspective. Learn How to be Grateful.
When you write down or look over things that you’re thankful
for – it switches your focus to how bless you truly are!
Most stress is caused by wishing things were different than
they are now! Stop worrying! Ask yourself: Will this
matter to me in a month or year? Is this something I truly
have control of? If not, why are you so wound up about it,
Let IT Go!!!
Lastly and
most importantly, stop comparing yourself to others. Be You!
Do You! You aren’t a one-size-fits-all person! We’re all
unique in our own way. There’s no one else like you. Stop
spending money on magazines with thin muscle-less women on
the cover or in the articles faking exercises you know she
can’t do…lol!! Feel good about your curves, muscles, height
and yes even your enormous feet…lol!! Learn how to
compliment yourself on how much stronger you look, or how
much more energy you have or simply what a nice person you
are!
Find your own awesomeness
– BE YOU-NIQUELY YOU!!!
Your Sista In Fitness!!
Angela R. Steward
Owner & Head Instructor of
FABULOUSLY FIT G.E.M.
5425 Southwyck Blvd.
Toledo, Ohio 43614
Email:
FabFitu@yahoo.com
Phone: 419-699-9399
Classes: Mon 9a & 6p, Tues
6p, Wed 6p, Thurs 6p & Sat 9a
|
