I made the resolution a month ago that I was going to look GREAT for my next birthday in November. Since I’m not in my 20s or 30s anymore (surprised? I am – I still feel 37!), I figured it would take me 5 or 6 months to get there.
I now sleep 8 hours every night and exercise almost daily – the secret to this is to find something you don’t hate (aka something you like). While on vacation in Florida last month, I discovered a Zumba class at the Y. I thought I had died and gone to heaven! Because of my growing up in Venezuela and Martinique, I have rhythm in my bones and love to dance. I also miss the days of aerobics from the ‘80s when we used to jump around and sweat with Jane Fonda. This Zumba class is a mix of both. I work out with a trainer twice a week and try to find fun classes at my gym. I also decided I am going to use the treadmill I have at home. It was convenient using it as a clothes rack, but it would behoove me to use it for its original purpose. My trick to using the treadmill is turning on CNN, muting it, and playing disco music. This way I feel like I am multitasking and staying in touch with the outside world!
As to eating better, I’m not eliminating (which would be punishment) as much as adding! I’m adding lots of fruit, plain yogurt with fresh fruit, a few more salads and another secret: I think before I put something in my mouth! I am known for having binging contests with my co-workers when I was in Corporate. We’d see who could eat a whole bag of Hershey kisses the fastest. I would also purchase boxes of Girl Scout cookies to “support” my co-workers’ daughters and would demolish a whole box of Thin Mints at my desk without anyone knowing (I think).
Now that I look back, I must have always had a great metabolism. I never really had a weight problem and always out-ate the men I was with! I could lose 3 to 5 lbs. in a few days if I had a special slinky dress I wanted to wear to go dancing.
I am still blessed with a good metabolism (for my age, as they say) but I have noticed that eliminating some of the junk has not only flattened my stomach but made me feel good. My clothes fit just right around my waist and I’ve been in a real good mood lately! Would it all be due to taking care of myself? I know it’s not due to that birthday lurking around the corner!
Please feel free to share any self-improvement measures you’ve taken lately and let me know how they work for you.