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Back to Monday already! I hope everyone is continuing to conquer their goals and make strides in their weight-loss programs.

Getting that initial motivation is probably one of the toughest things to do. Sure, we all pin those pictures of the insanely in-shape women on our Pinterest boards, get a gym membership or bought that swimsuit one size smaller because you’ll “fit into by next week." When I was searching for my motivation it took one look at the picture above for me to say “alright, let’s do this." That picture is of me only two summers ago, competing in the Miss Florida USA 2011 swimsuit competition when I finished as 4th runner-up. So what did I do with this picture? You bet I stuck it directly to the refrigerator door. Unlike seeing someone else on my fridge, like a fitness model or a Victoria’s Secret Angel, every time I walk over to the bad boy I see myself. A self that had discipline and a drive to obtain the healthiest physique I’ve ever had. It reminds me that I CAN do what I’ve set out to do because I’ve done it before!

Now, this method may not work for everyone, so finding what motivates you is so important. Maybe it’s something more serious like high blood pressure. I promise you, reading articles on Heart.org by the American Heart Association will be motivation enough. Or maybe you want to be able to move around better and weight loss will do it for you? Youtube some videos regarding complications that come along with obesity. When you SEE (told you, totally a visual person) a healthy former you, how scary heart disease can be, or the challenges that come with obesity, it can help you make that change not tomorrow, or next week, but TODAY.

After you’ve found your motivation, set some realistic goals for yourself. If you’ve never been a size zero in your life (outside of infancy), chances are, you aren’t going to be. And that’s ok! It doesn’t mean you can’t be a smaller and healthier size! Try setting weekly goals (like drinking water, losing 1-2 pounds a week, or progress from walking 15 minutes into jogging for 15 minutes a day) first. After you’ve narrowed down those, set out for two BIG goals. Mine? Lose 27 pounds by next February and compete in Disney’s Princess half marathon (my first ever!), also in February of next year. Remember to not try and do too much at once though. Studies have shown that people who try to do too much from the start lose their motivation and burn out.

Finally, plan how you’re going to exercise. Sit down and write out a schedule. Maybe on Mondays hit the gym and then on Tuesdays take the dog for an extra long walk/jog. Whatever you choose to do, write it out to give yourself some accountability. One of the things I really like about Flex + Fit is that you can sign up for classes each week, which really helps to push you to go (and also makes you feel super guilty when you have to cancel). Working out with a friend helps too! Since starting this journey, my fiancé has begun to make some changes in both his diet and exercise routine (he’s been doing the Insanity with me). Having a buddy helps on those days when you really just don’t feel like exercising to have someone else there to do it alongside you. Maybe Mom wants to get in shape for the wedding too?

Happy week four!

World peace and skinny jeans,

Sheri xo

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