Let Go of the Old Rules

Workout today: P90X shoulders/arms
Workout Monday: 40 min BFBM (cardio)
Workout Sunday: 50 min NMTZ (Circuit weights)

A few years ago I ordered Jillian Michaels DVD set called The Biggest Winner. I think it was a 5 workout set but I hated them and gave them away. Just didn't like her personality/instruction on the DVD's at all, thought the workouts were boring, not cued well. I've purposely stayed away from her workouts since then. However, recently I've seen some good things about her newer workouts and thought I'd give them a try.

I ordered No More Trouble Zones (NMTZ) and Banish Fat Boost Metabolism (BFBM)and have to say I really like them! I've always liked circuit training and compound movements and these deliver a great workout. I learned some new moves and I am still sore today. I'll definitely be incorporating these into my routine.

As I talk to people about my weight loss and keeping the pounds off, I seem to come back and reflect on unwritten rules I used to live by and believe.

Rules I USED to live by:

1. Eat whatever I want, when I want; finish all the food on my plate (because I paid for it/don't want to be wasteful/etc.)

2. If I didn't have an hour to exercise then why bother at all; everyone knows you have to exercise for an hour a day to get results.

3. If I couldn't complete a DVD workout/routine I was a failure.

4. If I had one bite of "bad" food then the rest of the day didn't matter--I was a failure, I should eat whatever and exercise wouldn't make a difference (and beat myself up for it; repeat cycle).

5. Strict dieting and extreme exercise is the only way to lose weight.

6. Each new fad diet book had the secret answer and must be followed exactly to get results.

7. All other women can eat whatever they want and stay slim--why not me?

Where did these "rules" get me? For years they got me fat, miserable, unhealthy, mentally and emotionally stuck, and VERY unhappy. I was not in control of my life, food, negative emotions and these unwritten rules were controlling me.

Rules I live by now:

1. Pay attention to what I eat and put in my body. Log my food, keep track of what I eat, look at food labels, portions and measure. I understand my "trigger" foods-- foods that I can't stop eating if I start--and avoid them.

2. Eat smaller meals throughout the day, striving for a balance of good carbs/fat/protein at each meal. Stop eating when I start to feel satisfied--much better to leave the food on the plate then for it to go on my hips and thighs!

3. If I only have 20 minutes to exercise, make it count and go for intensity. Consistency is key and some days I only have 20 minutes, which can be a GREAT workout. Rest is also important and I take 1-2 days off from scheduled exercise each week.

4. Some days I do only a portion of a DVD workout, there are no rules that say you have to do the whole thing! Do what you can and modify as needed--no shame in that! Keep track of progress and improvement.

5. One treat a day (as long as it's not a trigger food) is a great way to stop me from feeling deprived and binging later on in the day/week.

6. If I do over-indulge one day, it does not make me a bad person nor does it mean I will gain back weight. I stop the negative cycle, I get back on track immediately and go from there. I don't get stuck in unhealthy behaviors.

7. The majority of women who are thin work hard to stay that way, either through good diet, exercise or both.

8. No diet has the "answer". There is no secret pill or magic potion for weight loss. It's calories in v. calories out. Everyone is different and may need a little different breakdown of macronutrients. Everyone's lifestyle and schedule are different. I found what works for me. What "program" works for a 20 year old going to school will probably not work for a 40 something mother of 4 that works full time. Embrace your situation and what you CAN do.

What old rules are you living by that you need to kick to the curb in order to reach your goals?