12 STEPS I FOLLOW

I have lost 33 pounds so far.

People often ask me how I am losing weight. This blog is my journey to lose weight, get back into my former dancer's shape and make a difference in the world by sponsoring a charity with every ten pounds I lose. To accomplish all of this is taking a tremendous amount of hard work and determination. In between picking and planning which charities I will assist, comes the day to day work. The dieting, the exercise, finding my zen and my mind and body connection. Every now and then some fun comes up and I am challenged, but the hard work never takes a break or a vacation. It has been an incredible, adventurous journey and I am loving the ride.

With all of that said, my wonderful friend Melissa Bender at MelissaBenderfitness. com has suggested I share what I am doing to be successful. She said even though this is a journey blog and not an instructional blog, that I should still share what I am doing to get to where I am now and where I am going. So here goes. These are the 12 steps I follow to be a success with my plans. I have many more steps but these are the ones I follow consistently.

http://www.benderfitness.com/

#1. I drink 16 oz of water upon waking and when retiring at the end of the evening. I drink water all day long, I try to never let myself become dehydrated. I also drink pure coconut water daily. 

#2 I Eat tons of produce, fruits and vegetables. I do not omit certain ones, I eat them all. First thing every morning is a banana with my water. 

#3 I never skip my morning meal. I probably should eat more than I do in the am, but at 6 am I eat what my stomach can handle. I am obsessed with Think Thin protein bars. They are gluten and sugar free and offer 20 grams of protein. They taste amazing with coffee, and they are what I have been eating since July every morning along with my fruit.

#4. I eat with moderation in mind. No food is off limits, but with that said I cannot tell you the last time I indulged on a big fatty meal. My portions are in check and I use the 90% rule. The majority of what I eat is clean and good for my body.

Everything in moderation, including moderation.” Oscar Wilde

#5. We rarely eat out because it is challenging, but when I do I am still in check. When I order salads I always request oil and vinegar instead of dressing. I eat egg white omelettes at brunch with tons of veggies, and the only cheese I will have is feta and just a bit. I love greek omelettes. I make my health a priority and I do not undo my weekday hard work at one weekend meal.

#6. I exercise 5-6 times a week. Twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays I work out with my Trainer Mike. I do yoga 3-5 times a week and I walk/run as much as I can. I stretch every morning and every evening. Movement is key to my success, but it helps living in this mild California climate.

#7. I am now following Weight Watchers online, it helps me keep in check. I joined after Christmas because I found I was being too strict with my food.  I needed this to slow down and breathe. I have a history of eating disorders and doing Weight Watchers helps remind me that food is not the enemy. I love that I can eat what I want and lose weight. I believe nutrition is healing.

#8. I know there is often a carb and sugar backlash, but I enjoy those things in moderation as well. I use real raw sugar in my morning two cups of coffee, and I eat a few servings of delicious whole grain foods. I love Ezekial Bread when it is toasted, and so does my husband James. It is a spelt bread, so full of natural wonders for the body. I rarely eat white flour, but when I do I do not beat myself up.

#9. I follow a routine Monday through Friday. It keeps me on track and truthful even though it can be hectic. I am up at 6 or 7 am daily and I go to sleep no later than 10 pm.

#10. I never touch artificial sweeteners. I believe they are poison to our livers and our bodies. If for some reason I want a soda, I drink the real deal, bottled with real cane sugar. They call them Mexican Cokes here because in Mexico they still make the sodas the pure, old fashioned way. When I am out with friends I drink sparking water with lime.

#11. I weigh myself every week, same time, same place and then I move on until next week. My diet is healthy, I watch my sodium and eat as many pure foods as I can find. 

#12. I spend as much time outdoors as I can. I believe nature is healing. I work out with my Trainer Mike outdoors, and I walk/run outdoors. I try to make "play" time and make it to the beach to go walking even if it is chilly. I spend time in the sun and under the stars.