WEIGHT MANAGEMENT TIPS

By: Chat Mills

Another holiday season has come and gone and if you're like me it's followed by the feeling that you've maybe overindulged. 

For years I looked at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day, hell, even Flag Day (which coincidently happens to be my son's birthday) as an opportunity to throw caution to the wind, let loose, and eat whatever I wanted. I would think to myself, "I'll get back after it tomorrow!"

The thing is though that I didn't get back after it the next day. I didn't plan or portion my plate. I ate whatever I wanted and I paid for it with bloat, indigestion, and an upset stomach.

Over time this had done a number on my waistline and my mindset. I had convinced myself that I would always be this way - fat and sassy. You know what I'm talking about, the "I'm not losing any weight anyway so I might as well eat whatever (but secretly inside I'm so wanting to make a change I could cry and most likely will when the button on my pants blows a hole through the living room window when I go to sit on the couch later)." 

You know, that feeling?

And during this time I realized that being bloated and my desire to live a long healthy life became so much stronger than the comfortability after overeating (which actually isn't all that comfortable) that I made a change. There is hope folks and below I share my top for tips for working through the overindulgence AND how to not repeat it!

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT TIPS

By: Chat Mills

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

There's something about this cliched phrase that gets me right into the holiday spirit. I have such great memories of my childhood holidays and both my husband and I are working hard at creating new memories with our children. 

Part of this evolving tradition includes creating healthier holidays. Now, before you sigh heavily at the prospect that this going to be yet another post from another blogger basically telling you in a fancy way that you can't have any fun because you'll just be unhealthy and overweight, then rest assured that you can remain calm and carry on!

Why you ask?

Because 1) I'm really not that fancy and 2) I'm about balance.

I have come to terms with the fact that a lot of the foods that I loved (notice the past tense there) to eat are full of additives, preservatives, and sugar that don't provide me any nutritional value and may contribute negatively to my overall health. I've also made the realization that I don't have to stop enjoying my life and delicious food. I have other options. 

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT TIPS

By: Chat Mills
updated: 27 June 2022

"After this weekend I am going to get back on track with eating healthy."

Famous last words before diving into a plate full of potato salad and corn on the cob lathered in butter and salt. 

When did I get to a place in my life where I decided being happy AND healthy were mutually exclusive? Shouldn't they go hand-in-hand? 

Here's the reality: you want to be healthy and happy but you have to make significant sacrifices to be both.

This fixed-mindset can seem like reality and make it feel almost impossible to manage your weight, feel fit, have more energy, and have an overall sense of calm about your life. 

Our world is filled with instant gratification that we easily forget that CONSISTENCY is the key to each and every success out there, including that healthy lifestyle we so desperately want to live. I know I have had to come to terms with the idea that there is no magic pill and if I am going to make my healthy lifestyle a reality I'm going to need to put in the work!

Putting in the work doesn't have to mean drastic changes either. It is entirely possible to stay on track with your healthy goals and enjoy all that summer has to offer, not just the BBQ!

Here are four ways you can stay consistent with your goals without feeling like you have to sacrifice the fun of the family cookout! 

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT TIPS

By Chat Mills

In August of 2020 I went through one of the most difficult mental road blocks of my life to date. The Covid-19 pandemic was in full force and I was forced to make some serious life decisions regarding my career and my children's schooling. Of course the questions started popping up (I'm sure you can relate!):
Do I need to resign my position?
Are my children going to be safe if I send them to school?
What does school look like if they are home?
Am I going to be safe at work?
What happens if we reduce our income?
Are we going to have to stop seeing people in our bubble?

I was finally faced with making a decision - I was asked to either show up to work or resign. I had never felt such stress before in my life. I was hurt that I was just being let go of; not one hint of "let's see what we can do." I became terrified that the loss of income would hurt us badly and that their ultimatum was forcing me to make a decision I didn't want to make. For the first time in my life I experienced real anxiety. I had my first sleepless nights and my first ever weight gain that didn't include growing a human. 

After everything was said and done and I had come to terms with my situation I decided to trust that what I was about to embark upon was a blessing in disguise and that I wouldn't be in the situation in the first place if I couldn't handle it. 

As time passed and our schedules and routines became consistent I was finally able to take a moment and recognize that I had done some damage to my body and that it was time for a reset. Now the question I needed to answer was how was going to go about doing that? There are so many programs, coaches, and systems out there. You've probably asked yourself these questions before: How do I know that the investment I am about to make is going to work? What makes one program better than another? Should I just choose based on the price? On the reviews? The answer isn't as black and white as "yes" and "no," creating a situation where you overthink and analyze and then nothing happens.