~Self Love & Weight Loss?~
Because the only weight loss I can talk about without sacrificing my newfound healthy relationship with food and my character is a form of weight loss that operates on self-love not self loathing.
I don't know if it's possible to loose weight without losing a sense of self love. I don't know if one can lose weight while counting blessings rather than calories or macros. But with your help, that's what I'd like to find out today.
~Setting Goals Without Clenching Control~
- making certain foods off limits
- creating "rules" about what time to eat instead of eating intuitively
- going along with the previous one, not eating when you're hungry if it's not the right time
- not eating when you're hungry if you're "out of calories" or "out of macros"
- not eating when you're hungry. period.
- avoiding social situations for fear of eating (or drinking)
5 Flexible Goals
When I buy fresh vegetables, whether it's from the farmers market or the produce section of my market, I'll use them throughout the week. If I don't have them on hand I'm more likely to eat processed, pre-packaged foods instead of making my own. My favorite veggies are zucchini and spinach because they take five minutes to sautée in olive oil and eat like that or mix with eggs or pasta. I also love making spaghetti squash with turkey sauce and baking sweet potato rounds.
2) Continue choosing sugar over 0 calorie sweeteners
I will not sacrifice my digestive health. I once abused diet drinks, diet cheese, diet chips, you name it. And because of my poor choices in this area I deal with stomach issues every day. I have to monitor my stomach constantly because now even super nutritious foods like raw vegetables, dairy, etc. irritate it. I will never put 0 calorie chemicals into my body again. It's so not worth it.
3) Be aware of sugar I'm consuming daily (that is not naturally occurring in fruits etc. )
I've got a sweet tooth, and I'm never going to deprive myself of things I love like chocolate, cookies, candy, etc. That being said, I do want to be more aware of how much of these things I'm putting into my body, not only for weight loss reasons, but for my overall energy and wellness. I will still enjoy my favorite treats, but I will try to have most of my sugar come from fruits and vegetables - unprocessed sources.
4) Add more 20 minute cardio sessions to workouts
I don't plan on doing cardio every day, nor do I think that's necessarily healthy, but I'd like to increase my cardio from where it's at now on a weekly basis. Why 20 minutes? I don't want to get bored or over-exert my body. I feel like 20 minute sessions are a great way to get my heart rate up whether it be a HIIT session, a jog outside, or spin. And then it's over and I can move on with my day.
5) Remember that all I do, I do with self love
It should go without saying that this is the most important number on the list. It's the only one that's not flexible. For me, self love is non-negotiable. With every added veggie, spoon of sugar in my coffee, bite of ice cream after dinner, and cardio session I will remember that I love my body and it does not determine my self worth, now or ever.