Small Changes Big Results

     

      How many times have we heard this? I can say that I have heard and/or read that phrase plenty of times throughout my life. However, It was not until today that I really took a minute to really think and internalize the meaning of it. I have never really been a full out all or nothing person, I guess I fall somewhere in the middle. Actually, I am one whenever its convenient for me. That would be the more honest answer ha! 

     All these years of continued weight gain and uncontrolled food issues, I would always think that the only way to lose weight was to make changes so huge I knew I wouldn't stick to it. By that logic, I rationalized, why try when I know I will fail. I look back now and think: What a defeated and stupid way of thinking! Kind of in the same vein where we tend to forget to enjoy small victories over the big ones. Non scale victories or scale related ones. 

      If way back when, I had started making small changes, my current journey may have started at a different point and in some ways may or may not have been easier. I say this, not because I am stuck in the past ( what I did/didn't do is water under the bridge) but because one should learn from it and do better in the present.

      I may not be shedding 5-10 pounds a week at this point (or ever),but I have found that having tweaked my diet to allow for more veggies, fruits, nuts and protein and kicking out all sugar and most grains (maybe 90% as of now), is doing wonders for my energy, mood and overall wellbeing. I think it has helped clear my acne a whole lot as well. My skin is looking better than it has in a while. Because I feel better, I move more. I can't run but I will walk walk walk! 

       Today, I had to tweet this pic, because my old self would have NEVER done this:

                             

Rocking the parking deck steps up and down for fun! And then Walking up to the top floor, round and round the levels, to get my daily workout in during lunch. Can someone give me a virtual high five please? :)

      

     On rough days at work, I am still exhausted just like any normal person would be regardless of their size. However, I still go up the stairs to my car ( even if its 9 degress outside and I parked on the 6th floor) I continue to walk part of my lunch break, I am sticking to preparing and taking my lunch daily, I wake up early and try to meditate or have some quiet time to start my day right... I continue to work hard. If I do that for my professional life why wouldn't I do it for my personal benefit? 

     

      I also try to keep my attitude towards this journey as positive as possible. Some would think ( or message me ;)) that I am trying too hard or think I am doing things perfectly and will fall flat on my face). "They" would be wrong. I am far from perfect. I am still a newbie and fully aware of it. I am continuously learning, tweaking, assessing, adjusting and doing what I need to do for ME. Writing about my changes and my way of trying to create good habits, helps ME stay commited. Reminds ME of what I need to continue to do for myself. On those days I struggle ( yes, I do have those contrary to what you may think), it helps ME bring myself back to a better frame of mind. It helps tremendously and I enjoy it immensely. I have always said and continue to say, find what works for YOU even if no else one gets it.

       You know this long rambling would not be complete without my LUNCHBOX OF THE NEXT DAY:

         

  

I have a spinach and feta salad with lemon juice for dressing. 2oz of cooked chicken breast ( boiled with some salt is my fave way...yes, I know that is weird/yuck to many). 1oz of pineapple and a cup of grapefruit as a snack. Wohoo my "Friday" is almost here! 

Anything we want or need to change is not impossible unless we refuse to even give it a try. Make a small change whenever you can, life may surprise when you see the big results that those changes may bring later on.