You bought a dress straight off the rack. It's adorable, but you aren't sure it'll fit. But if it does, you're gonna wear it tomorrow.
Besides, it's on sale.
You looked at all the sizes and pulled out the L. Not your normal size. But the M just doesn't look like it's going to work.
You get home and try your new dress on. It's tight. Not just tight, but seems to emphasize your Pear shape, your big thighs and the love handles that landed there sometime in the last week, cause you sure didn't see them before.
Then it happens. The cloud of doubt and shame, the regret. The confidence that was there only thirty seconds ago flies out the window. You pull on a baggy pear of pants and loose fitting shirt and walk slowly to meet the rest of your family to go.
There's a heavy feeling of defeat. You feel like you can't have fun. Like if you do, it will make you fat.
What fun is eating out and celebrating when you are always restricting yourself? Why can everyone else have fun and you can't?
You ask yourself, "Why? Why do I keep doing things that I know are going to make me fat? Why do I keep sabotaging myself? Why is weight loss soooo hard for me?"
Yep, I've been there! The truth is, weight loss is different for everyone. What works for your neighbor or Bestie, probably will not work for you. Why? Because, Beautiful, you are a unique and special individual. We all are!
What makes it more challenging is that what we need changes. As your life changes, the foods that are right for your body change.
Think for a moment of all the different physical demands on your body, those that change through the years.
Some women are very active, others are not. Some have a job that is at a desk all day, some stand on their feet all day. Some women are 20 and are awake 18 out of 24 hours every day, others are nursing mothers and are awake 20 out of 24 hours. Each woman's life demands something different. Each woman's body, is a little different.
How will you know what will work for your body?
Instinctively, we all truly know what we need. Sometimes, we need to slow down to listen and this, my friend, takes practice.
There are so many ways to learn which lifestyle choices nurture and nourish your body. One of my favorite tools is to keep a journal. Not just a food journal and most certainly NOT counting calories or nutrients. Rather a "TUNE IN" Journal. Ask yourself the following questions;
- What/when/ and in what circumstances did you eat?
- How much water and other drinks are you consuming and when?
- How did your food leave you feeling?
- What happened in the day that felt stressful/good?
- How was your sleep?
- Did you leave time to play or meditate?
- How do you end your day feeling? Satisfied or Craving?
- Are you moving during the day? How much and what types of movement are you doing?
Sometimes, this practice of tuning inward and paying close attention is all we need to identify how we are doing the things we are doing that stand in our way of success. It's the simple awareness and plugging back into our selves.
Having the AWARENESS is the first step!
Even I get lost in the day to day demands and tasks, especially as I add new challenges like my little
chickens. Having the right tools in place is what makes the difference between success and sabotage.
I would LOVE to hear from YOU!
Feel free to ask questions, leave comments, and connect for more information about how to take steps to lead a healthier life!
In vibrant health and happiness,
Tammi
