FitnessSpectrum: Ditch the DIET Mentality

I tried lots of diets and weight loss supplements. But, I never saw any success until I started making better food choices and exercising. I think a lot of people think that in order to lose weight, you have to make DRASTIC changes in what you eat, and exercise for 2 hours a day! When, in reality, sometimes it's the small changes that make all the difference. For me, the one thing I had to change was the "diet mentality" I had. The belief that I needed to be on a "diet" to lose weight.

Instead, I started making small changes. I started reading labels, looking at calories going in versus calories going out. Substituting more healthy choices for things that I really wanted. For example, if I wanted a cheeseburger, I began to think of ways I could still have what I wanted but in a healthier way. So, I would choose a turkey burger, or a veggie burger. I would give up some things to have others. Instead of cheese, mayo, AND a bun...I would allow myself to have 1 of those choices. EITHER cheese, mayo, OR a bun.

I think once I started making better choices, it just started a snowball effect. I began to look at food differently. Instead of seeing it as a craving...I began to see it as fuel for my body. At the same time, I also started exercising - but not for 2 hours per day! I would do 30 minutes, to start off with. Or even 20. And some days, 45 minutes. Occasionally, I would get discouraged if I couldn't do all the "moves" the way they did on the videos (I started with TurboJam), but I realized that if I just kept moving and doing my best, I could build up to what they were doing and become stronger. And I did.

So, I saw this on pinterest the other day, and I really believe unless you change your way of THINKING first, then your way of eating and exercising really isn't going to be as effective as it could be! Ditch the "diet mentality"!