As 2012 comes to a close, I take the opportunity to reflect on the past year and all that I have accomplished. In December 2012, I decided that enough was enough. I told myself that I was going to get this weight off no matter what it took. I set a goal of 45 lbs and I created a plan. I hired and trainer and changed my eating habits. I exceeded my goal and lost more than 50 lbs. The road wasn't easy, and I didn't always eat the right thing or workout as much as I should have, otherwise I would be sitting here in a bikini posting pictures of my abs on instagram. Instead I'm in my sports bra and basketball shorts resting from my yoga practice while drafting my goals for 2013.
Before I give you all the list for next year, I want to tell you all the things that I learned from this past year as it relates to my weight loss journey.
1. Goal setting is important
Long term goals are great when they are realistic and paired with a plan. I also found that small mini goals each month or week really helped me stay focused, and make a big task seem much more reasonable.
2. Share your journey
Studies show that those that share their goals with others, including on social media, are more likely to accomplish them. This holds you accountable. When I was heavy into my weight loss, I was constantly tweeting, blogging, and posting pictures of my workouts. Not only did this show people what I was doing, it inspired others. When I realized how many people were reading my blogs and rooting me on to succeed, I didn't want to let them down. It kept me motivated. ( I plan to continue this in 2013)
3. Do it for yourself
I started this blog in 2009 or 2010. It is almost 2013. It took me years to realize that I had to want to lose weight for myself, not anyone else. Of course the male attention I get now is great, but I didn't decide to lose weight because of it. I wanted to be healthy and I wanted to make a lifestyle change.
Which leads me to my last lesson...
4. Make a lifestyle change
Dieting and exercise are great, but fad diets and attending some Zumba classes just isn't enough. You have to make a lifestyle change. This is something that I am still working on. I will talk about this a little later in my new goals.
Now for 2013. I am dedicating this year to discipline. I saw success in 2012, but I didn't discipline myself to the level at which I needed to. I really want to go to some more extreme measures to create a lifestyle change. I know people that make exercise a part of their regular routine and do not miss it. They think of exercise like sleep and eating, and that's what I want my life to look like.
1. 30-20-6
I still have 30 more lbs to lose in order to meet my goal of 20 percent body fat. At this weight, I should be in a size 6 jeans. The thought of single digits brings joy to my heart.
2. Complete the Tough Mudder
This isn't your average marathon. It is a military style race with obstacles, mud, water, and fire. Yes I said fire. I am going to be competing with my trainer and a group of other fitness gurus so I need to start training ASAP. I might just be the only female in the group.
Visit toughmudder.com to see what I will be getting into.
3. Transition into vegan
As most of you know I gave up meat 2 years ago and it has really changed my life and helped me in this journey. I felt as if I really wanted to discipline myself I needed to go completely vegan. Now I already avoid dairy since I am lactose intolerant, but I still eat yogurt and eggs. Being vegan will help my with my sweet tooth cravings. No more cookies or cake. :(
4. No alcohol
This might be the toughest goal of them all. If you know me, you know I like a stiff drink, or a brew during the game. Honestly, there is nothing positive about alcohol. It has empty calories with no nutritional value. It slows down your metabolism and I also crave some unhealthy foods after a night of drinking. Plus, being hungover or sluggish makes it very difficult to hit the gym the next morning.
I understand that my last two goals are more like my plan to get to my actual #1 goal, but I felt the need to list them anyways. I can now be held accountable for 2013. If you see me, please feel free to ask me about my goals and how they are going. I hope that you set some attainable goals for 2013 in health and fitness as well.
Tiffany
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