Exercise/Weight Loss Lesson #1 - Listen to your body!

So, as some of you may know, I struggled with my weight as a child/teen and then decided I wanted to do something about it. For me this meant a permanent life change. But to be completely honest, I can summarize all of my changes into one category: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Sometimes this is easier said than done, but I promise you, doing so can make a world of difference to your health and your overall happiness.

Before I chose to make health a life goal, I was a yo-yo dieter. You name it, I tried it. But they all yielded the same results, lose about 10 pounds, gain back about 15. When you yo-yo diet (like I did) you end up confusing your body, and damaging your metabolism. Thankfully I didn't hurt mine to the point of no return, but it is a slow battle for me to regain my ability to eat a normal amount on a daily basis.

This week I am focusing on listen to my body. After 3 days of listening, this is what I am hearing:

- You are doing too much (graduate student, full time teacher, working out hard 6 days a week) and we need a break
- The foods you are eating (sugar overload) are causing us to feel tired, burnt out, and lazy

What I plan to do about it:

- This week I will focus on reducing my sugar intake, and increasing my protein and veggie intake.
- Staying hydrated
- Taking Sunday's and Friday's off from working out. I will allow myself to do something mild (like go for a walk along the beach, or walk the stairs near my house) but nothing big.

Here are some protein packed recipes I will be trying this week!

Tonight:

Quinoa, Edamame, Avacado and Egg salad!

This recipe looks AMAZING!! I found it here. I will let you know how it is in the coming week :]

Tomorrow: (as a side dish)

Sesame "Noodles"

Although I do not endorse, nor partake in the Paleo Diet, this is a Paleo friendly recipe that looks amazing and therefore I will try :]

I found the recipe here.

* Note: this woman (website writer) also has a cookbook that looks AMAZING and I highly encourage you to try here recipes and see if it is something that you would like. Her recipes seem very creative, healthy, and easy and I am all about that :]

Staying Hydrated

Silly I know, but it always helps me stay hydrated if I have a cute water bottle that I am happy to carry around! This specific one is from Lululemon and I love it :] 

I'll share some more water tricks next time :]

That is all for today! I will give you some more recipes soon :]