Our Journey
Our Journey. We live in a world where “normal” is different for all of us. Where and how we grew up plays a big role in determining what “our normal” is. As an adult, I now realize that just because your normal wouldn’t be my normal doesn’t make me right and you wrong or vice versa. Life experiences and circumstances have molded us into who we are and what might work for my family may not work for your family. So, we must all discover what works for us and create our journey. Join me today as I share “Our Journey” with you.
Our Journey
People start health journeys all the time. They get on strict food regimens and exercise programs with a short term goal in mind. That’s great but once they reach their goals they get off these programs because they are so strict. Yes, they see super fast results but they don’t last because who can live the rest of their lives on these strict programs.
Throughout the years, my husband and I have discovered that if we don’t feel deprived or like it is a chore we will stick to it. We have found our success in making the journey enjoyable! So, we find ways to do the things we need to do in a way that is enjoyable and easy to turn into a lifestyle.
Two of those things are eating and exercising. We have both struggled with weight all our lives. Dieting and exercising are words that bring back painful memories for both of us. I think the biggest factor has been the mean words of well-intentioned people. You know words such as, “You have such a pretty face if you only had a body to match it”. Those are words I have never forgotten. Can you relate?
We Hate Exercise!
Hearing the word exercise has always brought forth negative feelings for my husband and I. The thought of getting on a treadmill or walking around the neighborhood will never be something that will make us run out the door. We realize there are people who love the treadmill and walking but not in our household. We need something fun and those do not bring forth the idea of fun for us.
Zumba is the perfect fit for me. I never feel like I am working out and that is a BIG PLUS for me. I have been doing Zumba for 5 months and LOVE IT!! Yesterday, my instructors had Zumba in the park (picture above) and it didn’t matter that it was cold outside. I was there with my daughter dancing away. When you find something you enjoy, you are able to make it part of your life.
On the other hand, my hubby doesn’t like Zumba. Not only because he has a herniated disk but because dancing isn’t his thing. He is still on his journey to discover what he enjoys. Right now he has physical therapy so he can’t exercise yet, but he is melting away the pounds 🙂 I am so proud of him.
We Love Food!
There is nothing worst than feeling food deprived. Personally, we can’t handle that kind of weight loss journey. Give us a list of foods we can’t eat and that is the beginning to the end for us. We love to eat good food. In order to be able to do that, we have found ways to eat healthy food that is tasty.
Weight Watchers is the perfect fit for our lives. We love that nothing is off limits! With 3 small children it would be very difficult if we had to prepare separate meals. The kids actually love all the food and eat without complaining. Meanwhile, we continue to lose weight, the family is eating healthy, and we are all learning how to eat healthy without feeling deprived.
We love finding delicious, healthy recipes. Our favorite website for finding great and healthy recipes is is www.skinnytaste.com. Not only are the recipes delicious but the WW points are already calculated for you. Last week I made Slow Cooker Chicken Black Bean Tacos, threw in some veggies, and made some yellow rice from Brown Rice and everybody was happy. In lieu of crunchy tacos, I used Carb Chopper Flour Tortillas. It was delicious and we had leftovers to use for burritos the next day! Check out this amazing recipe HERE!
What Does Your Health Journey Look Like?
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I found the same to be true with exercising, I found that the most I can stay to on an exercise programs was one year because it was boreing and not fun. When I tried Zumba I found out that I I truly enjoyed it. Now, Iam going on my 3rd year exercising with Zumba and now incorporate weights. I believe you’ll find the same to be true for you. Weight Watchers has an active link you can use to monitor your exercise progress and tell you how much points you have earned. –It is a work in progress–
wishing you success. : )
Thanks for sharing your story! A lot of people feel your pain when it comes to this subject! Me included at this point in my life! Reading your journey has added to my own motivation to lose weight and to be healthier! Thanks for the added inspiration and keep up the good work! Also thanks for sharing the link to Skinnytaste! 🙂