Time management is the most important aspect for busy schedules. I was listening to this Jillian Michaels Podcast recently about setting goals. She suggested that I put my goal up in many different places. My long term goal is to lose 28 lbs by 2014. I have a sheet of paper taped up in my refrigerator and on my calendar at work. She also suggested that I create a calendar. I have to physically write down my goals. It helps me more.
I have been separating my calendar out into weeks. Taking small steps is a lot easier than trying for the end goal. You have to learn how to walk before you can run. Below you can see my calendar. I have notations on it so that my coworkers don't know what I am doing or judge me (they are very judgey!).
The little circle with a upside down T is my version of a martini glass. That means that I drank on those days. I write down my workouts and my rest days. LWO is short for Lunchtime WorkOut. This helps me visualize my progress and to see how much I have done each day. It is a great snapshot of my accomplishments.
This also helps me to manage my time more efficiently. My appointments, trips, class schedule and to-do's are up there. I know that I have to prepare my workout bags ahead of time and prepare my lunches ahead of time. So far since I have been using this method, I have lost 3 lbs! I think that is more than I lost in an entire month last year! My new goal now is 25 lbs!!!
I found this recipe on Set Your Fat On Fire. It sounds delicious!
Avocado and Tomato Salad
4 cups avocados, diced medium
2 cups grape tomatoes or 2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 cups cucumbers, peeled and diced medium
1 cup red onion, diced small
4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
salt
fresh black pepper
Lettuce (if you want)
Toss all ingredients in a bowl and top on a bed of lettuce (if desired)
Makes 8 servings
Calories 201.9 Total Fat 17.9 g Sodium 10.2 mg Total Carbohydrate 11.6 g Dietary Fiber 5.8 g Sugars 1.8 g
Yes, I know this may shock you, but I have not learned how to swim in the 30 years that I have been alive. Ok... I will reword this - I have not learned how to properly swim in my 30 years. This past weekend, I went to my parent's lake house for a mini vacation with my boyfriend. It was an amazing weekend, but my favorite part was that he taught me the techniques of free style swimming!
Since Sunday, I have been hooked. I have actually gotten up early to go swim at the gym before work. I will keep you posted on my progress, but so far so good. I hope that this will really whip me into shape in the next 45 days. I have exactly 45 days before my brother's wedding.
I read this article this morning about what is more important - Diet or Exercise. My immediate reaction was Exercise. Read it for yourself, but I guess I am going to have to rethink my diet.
Diet or Exercise?
