Do you want to lose that extra fluff forever? I know I do!
75 Hard has taught me a few things. These lessons have been uncovered during the overall journey including the self-improvement books I have been reading.
The original goal of doing 75 Hard was to lose a few pounds even though this is not the goal of the challenge. You learn to be diligent and consistent. You prioritize your own personal goals throughout each day. If you download the app, you have to check each task to move onto the next day. You will NOT put off until tomorrow for what you NEED to do TODAY.
Here are the lessons:
Sugar = Weight Gain
I cut out all processed sugars and anything with it. This includes all condiments, beverages, snacks, and desserts. The average person (including children) in the U.S. eats 17 teaspoons of sugar a day. This is 2 – 3 times the recommended daily amount. Annually, this looks like 60 lbs of sugar!!!
Sugar is an accepted addiction in society. If you eat a donut with a mocha latte, no one will look at your funny. Try pulling out some illegal drug out at a coffee shop…the police will be called immediately. Our brain associate pleasure and good feelings with sugar. Have you ever been stressed out and reached for a sugary treat? I know I have.
Processed Foods = Weight Gain
I cut out most processed foods. Growing up, my pediatrician was NOT a fan of anything made with white floor, white sugar, or dairy.
These were my TWO main diet changes that have contributed to an automatic 10–15-pound weight loss.
MOVE
That’s it, that’s all. Do something intentional every day. This will keep the lymphatic system moving to help eliminate all the bad things we come in contact with EVERY DAY. This keeps your inner pathways clear and ready to heal itself automatically.
MINDSET CHANGES EVERYTHING
When you’re tired, burnt out yet not willing to give up in a challenge, you drag yourself up out of the bed and get it done. Why can’t we do this EVERY DAY? EMPHASIZE: EVERY DAY! Show up for yourself and then others with the BEST you every day.
You need a COACH. I don’t care who it is. It could be me (wink…wink) or anyone else who will help you stay accountable, give solid advice and recommendations, and provide a listening ear when things get rough.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
We have this all wrong. Most people create New Years resolutions on January 1st. Where I live this is the WORST time ever to start anything. Hear me out.
It’s cold
It’s dark
It’s dreary
There are no fresh fruit or vegetables growing naturally locally.
You have just ended with three months of sugary, carb, and alcohol induced holidays and celebrations.
This is a set up for FAILURE!!!!
Back in the day, when I was not married with no children and pets, I would ramp up my work outs between September and December. The crowds were thinner and easier to navigate through the gym. I would use January as a BREAK. I would wait at least 3 weeks before coming back because I knew people would fall off the wagon. I could go back and work out amongst the regulars.
NEW WAY OF THINKING!
Why don’t you ebb and flow more with nature. It is the path of the least resistance. Let’s break it down.
The beginning of the year is really Spring. Everything is waking up from being dormant. The snow is melting and prepping us for green grass, spring flowers, longer and warmer days. This is the time to get outside. Add workouts outside and watch the leaves come back on the trees and the transition of nature. Prep your gardens. Open up the windows to your home. Detox!!!! Detox your home, your body, your spirit.
During summer, load up on the sunshine and natural vitamin D. Take advantage of the all the fresh locally grown produce. Be outside, stay outside, play outside, work outside. Go bananas.
In the fall, the produce changes. The root and hearty vegetables are abundant. This is a good time to reduce your fruit sugars. Berries, apples, and pears are in abundance. The leaves are changing again. This is the perfect time to visit areas where you can pick your own apples and watch nature change.
Winter is the dark, cold, gloomy timeframe especially in the north. This is the time when heavy, calorie dense foods are rampant. There is no shortage of celebrations and holiday parties.
IMPORTANT TIP: EAT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE. This will curb the temptations to over indulge on all the wrong things. This is another good timeframe to fast and detox.
IMPORTANT TIP: FAST! If you know that you are going to eat like a crazy person on Thanksgiving Day, fast for the day and make that meal your one and only meal. Enjoy that meal, the desserts, and the drinks. Drink plenty of water!
Hope you find all of this helpful! Use these last couple of months to make some changes to build a stronger body and mind. Nature is supporting this effort! This will help you from rebounding over the winter.
Hugs and Love!
Ms. April Danielle, The Naturopathic Momma