My Story, Part Four: Five Golden Rules

Previously:
Part One
Part Two
Part Three

So far in this series I have talked a bit about how I started my journey, what I did, and where I am now. Sheesh! That's a lot of info! Are you still with me? Ok. Let's try something a little different this time. In this closing post, I want to keep it simple. Here is a quick look at the general framework I used to skinny-fy my life. Ready, set, go!

My Top Five Golden Rules

1. Eat Well.

Whole grains, fruit and veggies, lean protein... a healthy diet is about so much more than just counting calories (or Weight Watchers points, for that matter). Sure, a diet coke may have zero calories, but so does water... and water doesn't have "Potassium Benzoate" in its ingredients list. A bowl of Raisin Bran with skim milk may sound like a decent breakfast, but is it really? Nutritionally, it pales in comparison to a bowl of hot steel-cut oats topped with walnuts, banana slices, and a drizzle of honey. Don't just eat less, eat better!

2. Don't Eat If You're Not Hungry. 

Reasons for eating come in many shapes and sizes: it's a stress reliever; it's social; it's delicious; it's mindless... and it can be excessive! Learning to distinguish hunger from just plain boredom and practicing eating smaller portion sizes are huge steps in the right direction. Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food and Food Rules, was on to something when he asked this question: are you hungry enough to eat an apple? If not, move along. If you are, eat an apple.  

3. Work-In Working Out. 

Eating the right foods is only half of the equation when it comes to actually losing weight. If you want to get rid of fat, you're going to have to burn it off! Even if you can only fit in a quick 30-minute exercise three times a week, you're on the right track. Take the stairs. Do squats while you brush your teeth. Make fitness a priority and you will find the time to do it.

4. Record. Reflect. Repeat. 

Did you know people who journal daily about something they find meaningful weigh less on average than those who do not? Take a few minutes each day to write about how you're doing. Likewise, write down all the details: what you eat each day, what exercise you did, what your weight and measurements are, etc. Keeping a record of all these things not only holds you accountable, but also gives you a chance to look back and see all the progress you've made. 

And finally...

5. Have a cookie. Okay, two. 

Deprivation does not inspire motivation. Allowing yourself a little treat every now and then will help keep you from getting discouraged and giving up. Enjoy your favorite foods in moderation!