Motivation Monday

For those of you who do not know, a few years ago I decided to make a serious lifestyle change. I was extremely overweight and very unhealthy. Overall I have done pretty well, with MANY bumps in the road, but I have lost around 60 pounds and I eat as healthy as I can as often as I can and exercise is now a regular part of my life.

Basically I went from looking like this: (July 2007 my 26th birthday)

To this: (July 2011 my 30th birthday)

Me with my super awesome little sister, Hannah

Everyone always asks me what I did to drop the lbs and the bottom line is good old  fashioned exercise and healthy eating!

Here are a few quick and easy tips anyone can adopt to start living a healthier lifestyle:

1. Keep a food journal! I use http://www.myfitnesspal.com/, it is FREE and the calorie tracker is amazing
2. Drink lots of water! I keep water bottles everywhere, in my car, at my desk etc...
3. Eat MORE often! OMG What! I know, I know, but seriously to keep your metabolism running like it should you need to be eating more meals throughout the day. Try to eat smaller meals every 3-4 hours. I usually do 3 300 calorie meals and 2 150 calorie snacks making 5 times a day total!
4. Do not deprive yourself! This is the worst thing you could do, if you are having a craving for chocolate EAT IT, just portion it out and as long as you stay within your calorie allowance for the day you are good!
5. Have a plan to get moving! Of course we all know this one...bla bla we have to excercise but no one wants to. Find an excercise that you enjoy whether it is riding a bike, walking, running or free weights figure it out you have to be into what you are doing to keep doing it...DUH!

I could go on forever with tips but I will stop for now.

I need some motivation this week! I have been super slack the past few weeks with excersice and eating good. I am determined to get back on track this week!

What motivates you to get on track to have a healthy week ahead? I usually need some help when I stray too far, my fiance Sanford or my bff Tiffany usually helps me get back on track. And it also helps if I have something coming up I want to look super good for :-)

What healthy living tips work for you?