2014 Goals...NOT Resolutions!

It’s that time of year where everyone starts thinking about their New Year’s Resolutions!  Well, I have decided that instead of making a list of unrealistic resolutions that I can’t keep – I am going to make a list of goals I can actually achieve. Yes, some of my goals feel unattainable and really scare me, but if I believe in myself enough – I know I can achieve them.  So, without further ado – here’s my list of goals for 2014:

1. Run a Half Marathon:  ZOOMA Texas - April 12th 
2. Wear a bikini without shorts on and feel comfortable
3. Don't skip more than 2 days between workouts
4. Get into a size 4 pair of jeans
5. Eat clean by following my meal plan and allow myself one cheat meal per week

I know the list isn't long, but these are all things that I have wanted to do for a long time.  Let's be real...I will make mistakes, I will want to quit, and I will want to say oh screw it.  But, this year I am holding myself accountable - whatever it takes.  I WILL achieve my goals, and I will NOT quit!  No more excuses!  Life is too short to keep on getting in my own way, and I'm DONE. I know I have what it takes, and I know I can do this.  

What are your goals for 2014?  Are they realistic, do you believe you can achieve them?  Here's some tips to help you reach them:

• Write it down and put it somewhere you will see it every single day.
• Make yourself accountable to your friends and family by sharing your goals with them. 
• Put it on your calendar.  Having a date associated with a goal makes it more real.
• Make a plan.  If you have a huge goal, breaking it up into smaller daily goals will help you get there. 
• Make a commitment to yourself.  

If you believe in yourself and have the determination - you can do anything!

Food Is Fuel, NOT Therapy

I have learned something about myself this week...I have a problem with emotional eating!  When I get bored, I want to munch on Cheez-its.  When I get stressed, I want to eat greasy cheese sticks from Sonic...with an extra-long chili cheese coney...and a dr. pepper with cherry and vanilla...and possibly cheese cake bites.  When I get upset, I want anything chocolate.  I could go on and on, but it all boils down to the fact that I have lived the majority of my life turning to food for comfort.  Instead of dealing with whatever is going on at the moment, I want to grab food to take my mind off of whatever it is so I can feel better for a little while.  Now what does that solve?  NOTHING!

This is a problem I deal with on a daily basis, and I have to seriously stop and think about food decisions all the time.  Like yesterday, I had to go pick up some medicine from Walgreens...and on the way there, I was like OH! I can grab a Snickers while I'm there!  Then I was like wait, I can't do that because I have to run later.  So I avoided the temptation all together and took the drive-through pharmacy window instead.  Then today at lunch, I had to go run errands...passing by Taco Bell, Sonic, Arby's, ALL those tempting fast-food places.  When I thought about swinging in, I thought about how much progress I have made just the past few days, and I thought about running in the freezing cold last night - and I just kept on driving!

My coach and friend said something the other day, "Food is not therapy" - and it has really stuck with me.  I never realized how much I turn to food to make me feel better, and breaking that habit is super hard!  Is this something you struggle with too?  If so, the next time you catch yourself wanting to go to the dreaded drive-through or grab a candy bar, stop and ask yourself these questions:

• Will eating this help me reach my long-term goal?
• Is this even healthy or is it just empty calories?
• Why do I want to eat this all of a sudden?
• Is eating this going to solve what's bothering me?
• What healthy alternative is there instead of eating this?

AND REMEMBER...

Make the Decision

Where did November go?  Oh that's right, I was hibernating!  This is my letting it all out post, sorry not a lot of tips this time - just wanted yall to know what's been going on lately!

Back in February, I started boot camp.  I kicked serious butt.  I was a lean mean machine, and then my membership ran out.  I thought oh it's cool I'll just take a break for a little bit.  So I did...for about 2 months.  I went back to all of my old habits and quit working out...and it shows!  My pants got tighter, my face got fluffier, my butt got wider, and my confidence got smaller.  Things started stressing me out more than usual, I stopped taking time to take care of me, and instead of going to sweat them off - I would go home, put on my pajama pants, and park it on the couch with food.  I didn't give a rip what I ate, and I didn't care about working out.  

I was driving to work one morning, and I realized that I didn't have a goal anymore.  I didn't have a challenge, and I didn't have anything to work toward.  Then it hit me, do the half-marathon (that you backed out of a few months ago because you were scared)!  So, I signed up.  I decided that I would let things slide until December 1, and then it was game on.  I started back on track on Sunday, and I am SO GLAD.  I know the scale isn't always right, but I have lost 3.2 pounds already!  I have been following my meal plan and working out, and what a difference it makes.  

I've learned this year more than anything that if you don't take time to take care of yourself, then you can't love who you are.  It's really easy for me to put everyone and everything else first, and then I'm left on the sidelines like helllllooo?!?!?  Well I didn't lose all that fat and gain all that confidence before by putting myself last, and I'm NOT doing it anymore.  

Yes, I'm scared and there are lots of things that could hold me back, but I want this.  I've made the decision!  I AM running a half-marathon in April, I WILL get back into all of my old clothes, I WILL be confident again, and I WILL RISE ABOVE my failures!