Small Changes

My small changes thus far have proven to be successful the past 2 weeks. No, I have not weighed myself because I was never a faithful weigh-er to begin with so why should I now? I have decided to eat more whole grains and choosing better snacks to eat. I am counting points (hint, hint) but I did not join the program. I still am able to eat my chocolate fixes but my favorite treat is EXTRA gum. Strawberry Shortcake to be exact. It gives me that sugar rush that I crave and satisfies my urge to eat something else not so good.

My husband and I bought and elliptical from a local classified ad. It was only $75 and 2 years old. GOOD DEAL! The first week was horrible! I only made it 3 miles that whole week! I guess 3 miles is better than none. I would get on it for 20 minutes Monday-Saturday. By Thursday I thought I was going to die! I knew this wasn't going to be and easy task. I kept going. I just got done with week 2 and I am noticing things changing. My size 16 pants don't stay up anymore. I am constantly pulling them up. I don't get tired in the afternoons, I feel better and I don't have an excuse not to exercise.

As soon as my kids are off to school I jump on our elliptical for 25 minutes. I get .90 miles each day, six days a week. A big improvement from the 1st week! Our stake started doing Zumba for our women's sports nights. It has been a huge success! Every Thursday night I go Zumba . Let's just say on Friday and Saturday its hard for me to get on the elliptical. Zumba kicks my butt!!

I made a homemade honey wheat bread. It is soooo good. The best part about it is that it has no preservatives like the store brands do and its a lot cheaper. The recipe is really easy too. From start to finish it takes about 3 hours. I get 2 large loaves and 1 small loaf. Mmmmm...and its healthy too!

I know, to some people these may not be considered small changes. Lets think about it for a minute. If you sit around and are bored, eating and reading the latest celebrity gossip your not going to lose weight. Exercising: Its a small sacrifice. Taking 25 minutes out of my day is nothing! Just remember I am getting 5 miles in a week and your getting nothing.
Eating better foods and watching portions: Its a big deal! If you are filling your gut with potato chips, chocolate, ice cream and hamburgers then you will be fat FOREVER! These foods are high in fat and calories. The saying "you are what you eat" is true. Think of how light whole grains are in weight compared to a potato. If you eat heavy food you will be heavy! For me, watching portions is key. I am starting to feel myself being satisfied more quickly. My cravings have gone away. I am feeling better because I don't have the heavy food.
These changes are small, but my rewards will be big! You have to give up something to make a change.