7 Things I’m Doing To Get Back To My Weight Loss Journey
“I think I’ve seen this film before…” but this time I’m changing the ending. I’m tired of restarting this weight loss journey, as I’m sure you all are tired of hearing me talk about restarting this journey. I turned 30 last month and I don’t want this decade to be a repeat of my twenties. A bunch of empty promises to myself and unfulfilled hopes.
Right before I started writing this article something inside me knew that October would be the month I get back on track. So that is what I’m going to do. In this post I’m laying out my plans. If you’re also trying to make a healthy lifestyle change I invite you to join me, consult a doctor first of course.
7 Things I’m Doing To Get Back To My Weight Loss Journey
Being More Intentional, Ahead of Time
I always say that I’ll be more intentional with my time, but what does that really mean? I feel like intentionality gets you nowhere if you aren’t putting in the work all the way through. I plan out all the things I’ll do to meet my goals. I’m very intentional about my planning process. Then I start and it’s like everything has been erased.
So to ensure I’m staying intentional throughout the month, I’m making weekly checkpoints that me, my family, and any accountability partners will use to make sure I’m staying true to my goals. I know this may seem like a lot, but I think it’s what I need to get me started and back on track.
Planning My Workouts For The Month, While Also Having Backup
Like any workout challenge that I’ve done in the past, I plan on creating a workout calendar. This way I know what to expect, save time later on, and have things to look forward to. Knowing how my mood fluctuates I am anticipating there will be days I don’t want to do what’s scheduled. In this case I’m creating a few bonus workouts that will serve as backup should I need them.
Journaling Often
As much as I love writing, I haven’t been journaling very often. I think that journaling about trying to get back on track with my weight loss journey will be key in making me successful. Journaling is a time where I can check-in with myself and see what needs to change, while also celebrating what went right. I don’t want to overcommit and say I’ll journal every night, but a couple times a week is for sure manageable.
Sticky Notes Everywhere
As I create new routines I need help breaking out of old ones. Putting a sticky note near my phone at night that says “Go workout before picking up your phone” and one near my Bible that says “Have you read the Word today?” will hopefully give me the reminders I need. The idea is that they will help me redirect my thoughts and actions. Then, one day, I won’t need them.
Keeping Meals Simple
I’ll be honest and say that I’ve gotten lazy when it comes to cooking meals. Which means I eat a lot of junk most days. Where I’ve gone wrong in previous weight loss attempts is trying to do a complete 180. Going from barely cooking meals to trying to cook every meal was a hard feat to accomplish. Of course I crumbled most times, other times I ended up barely even trying when it came to bettering my nutrition.
This time my approach is to keep it simple. This means I may not be eating the healthiest items, but I’m choosing the healthier choice. For example, making sandwiches for lunch instead of cooking something, but I’ll pile on the lettuce and pickles. I may have some oreo cookies for a snack, but I’ll be sure I’ll stick to portions.
These are just a few examples off the top of my head. Hopefully you get what I’m trying to go for. While I’m doing this I’d like to slowly start incorporating new meal ideas as well.
Celebrating Small Wins
By focusing more on what I’m doing well I’ll be more inclined to keep going because I’ll feel good. My approach here is to have a Win of the Week that I celebrate each Monday by doing something small. It can be a face mask, reading for 30 minutes, watching a show, etc..
Strengthening My Faith
I used to feel so much closer to God and stronger in my faith. It’s like the more I’ve let myself go the more I’ve felt myself slipping away from God as well. This is the last thing I wanted. So I’m also going to be reading a weight loss related devotional and completing an October Bible reading plan. By bringing back a dedicated quiet time in my life I’m praying it will change my life from the soul outwards.
I feel more at ease and ready than I have in a long time. Hopefully at the end of the year I’ll have a great update to share with you about my progress. Until then follow my journey on Instagram.
