How I plan to get fit again in 2017

Like everyone else, I also have some goals for the new year that some call resolutions. In the past, I would already be halfway into the month of January, so now I no longer call them “New Year’s Resolutions.”  They’re my “goals” and I can start them anytime of the year. This year really has to be different though, or I’ll start feeling like a fitness-failure and give up, buy a bigger size dress… NOT!

My 2017 health goals

Two of my long-time goals have been to 1) Get Fit and 2) Loose Weight (again). Long-time, because I’m really bad at sticking to a diet, any diet, and I never follow trendy diets. My problem could also be some form of self-sabotage, because as soon as I noticed some weight loss, I would stop with my program.

They say you have to put it out “there,” share with others so you may better stick to your plan. So…, here I am. Putting it out to anyone who finds their way to this blog. I plan on sharing regularly how I get through the process, struggles and all, and what my results are.

The main reasons for wanting to get fit and loose weight are common, but for me it’s very important to stop a path that may get more difficult by the day, causing too many health issues that will be harder to overcome. While 177 lbs is not too bad, I’ve never been this heavy in my life and I have to turn around now. My goal is 155 lbs for my 5.5 height and being able to walk or dance for an hour without being short of breath

How will I solve this problem? Well after reading a lot on diets, exercise programs and the psychology behind everything, I decided a couple of weeks ago to go for it again, by creating my own program!

Diets

The problem with diets is that I have to follow what someone else decides for me. Taking out all carbs or meat don’t work for me because 1) I’m bad at sticking to routine, boring stuff and 2) I love food and all its variations too much to deprive myself. So I’m going to mix things up a bit.

I drastically reduced sugar intake, limiting myself to 1 sweet drink a day, only using 1 tsp of sugar in my tea or coffee. Sometimes I drink half a glass of juice at dinner or lunch, but mostly I drink water, going for 8-10 glasses a day.

Did I mention that I love to cook? It helps to have tasty, low cal home-cooked meals.  I’m a firm believer that too much of anything is never good, so balance and moderation are important.  Being part Asian, means I eat rice almost everyday, but that too had to be trimmed down to 1/2 cup per hot meal.

Luckily I love vegetables and don’t eat a lot of meat. I also avoid greasy, fried food and usually cook with some olive oil or (real) butter. I’m okay eating healthy snacks like fruit, carrots, celery sticks, and nuts, instead of cookies and chips. I love potato chips, but most chips are too salty for me any way (gotta watch that blood pressure). I will admit that sometimes I indulge in chips (sorry, I’m only human). I found the Cape Cod brand with 40% less fat and the lowest sodium than any other. I fully understand, that the occasional “sinful treat” of 10 chips (not bags), requires more exercise time so I do the work!

Exercise

Yeah, that is the big get-fit part: exercise. Not only will it help to loose weight, it will also strengthen muscles and avoid those annoying pains and aches. I read somewhere that choosing something you REALLY like, will increase your chances of sticking to a routine. My favorite form is dance exercise because it’s fun and creative. I also like yoga and although walking is not my favorite, I know it’s one of the best forms of exercise. In November last year, I completed my first 5K for a breast cancer walk. It was inspiring and not as painful as I feared. If you can walk 2 hours in the mall, you can do a 5K in 1 hour, it’s true! Just practice and wear good shoes and socks.

So what does my regiment look like? I decided to start with a minimum of 20 minutes each day, building up to 30-45 minutes. Since I do not like routine stuff, I  mix things up. I’m an exercise video junkie and now is a good time to use all those DVDs! From Hip-Hop Abs to Zumba, Yoga to T-Tap, I’m doing something different each day. It may not the best strategy, but my goal is to get fit, and feel great again, while doing something fun!

Tracking results

How will I know it this works? I use the Lose it! app to track my food intake and exercise. After entering some data, the app calculates your consumption to reach your goal by a certain date. You can log your meals and exercise each day using the app’s database of food and exercises. You could  register and become part of the community, but I just use the app to track what I’m doing. I also use a tape measure to keep an eye on my waist and hips.

Results

Guess what? I’m happy to report that I lost 2 lbs since I started a few weeks ago. Jippy!! Something must be working and now I just have to stay the course!

Want to join me? Enter your comments below.