The After Trigger

This video is one resource I have watched over and over again to help myself understand how to make small forward progress.

When I was about 2 months into my weight loss, I was asked by lots of people how I was doing it. I didn't know how to respond because I would say "It's because I run." No I would second guess, "It's because of my portion control." No, "It's because I get a drink of water when I first wake up." I got frustrated with my answers, so I made a list for those that really wanted to know what I was doing.

The list came to about 29 things, and I think it keeps growing. All these things are seamingly small, but as this video will explain- THATS THE POINT.  (Understanding the principles in this video is another thing on that list.)

Highlights from this video will include:
1. Motivation is short-term. So what do you do when you want a long term effect?
2. Creating tiny habits requires little to no motivation.
3. Using an after trigger allows your tiny habits to actually get done.

 He says it way better than I can so please enjoy this great video.

Cut it in Half

If I were to give two reason why I was able to loose weight I would say it is these:
1. Portion control
2. Running at a Fat burning rate.

More to come on number 2, and I'll go in depth more about number 1 later as well, but here is a quick tip and visual about portion control.

Just cut it in half:
A good first step to better and more conscious eating is to keep eating what you always have been but just cut it in half.  Don't be afraid to throw the rest away or save for latter.

Example:

I served up myself a plate of some homemade chili and baked potatoes with corn. 

Remembering that my stomach isn't actually that big (its about as big as my fist); I cut it in half.

 I put the extra half in a container to save for lunch for the next day.  

I left the dinner table feeling very content and not so-bloated-I-couldn't-do-anything-else-for-an-hour (like usual).

So remember portion control.

Hello World,

I took advantage of good old New Years to apply several exercise and eating ideas that I had been learning about over the past few years.  I was up to 183 lbs on Christmas day 2014; feeling bloated out of shape and tired.   Now today I weigh 143 lbs!!  I love running around with my kids, I feel fabulous and I can now ware my 7th grade Little League Baseball Shirt because it finally fits!

When I was 14 I remember weighing 190 lbs and in 6th grade I remember being embaressed when I found out I weighed 10 more pounds than my friend-down-the-street's mom, I've always struggled loosing weight, looking back its something I've always wanted to do.  (Man I look awkward.)

I've been itching to share some of the things I've been doing to lose that weight and feel great.  I hope that the suggestions that I put in this blog will help others to also feel great and loose the weight they have always wanted to loose.