Final thoughts from a Fit Girl graduate!
Well, unfortunately the time has come, my fine fit folks. I will be bidding you all adieu as this is my last "Fit Girl" installation. Now, now folks, dry your tears, this is only the beginning! But like any good graduation ceremony, I shall reflect on what I've learned and look only towards the future. Even if I'm not exactly where I want to be, I've definitely learned a whole lot along the way.
For now, I'll share with you my top three lessons.
Feel Great, Lose Weight: The moment you decide to make a change in your life for the better might not be the most body-positive moment, but that doesn't mean you need to hide under a burlap sack until you reach your goal. Like in the sordid tale I shared with you about my one-time loose fitting, now skin-tight jeans, it may suck to have to go up a size or pack away the skinny jeans for another day, but feeling good in your clothes is worth more than being in a smaller size. For me, food is a comfort, like I'm sure it is for so many of you. But if I'm feeling good, looking good in my clothes and getting lots of compliments - - the logic is simple, one less thing to need comfort for. Celebrate your declaration of Fit-apendence with a fierce new outfit that fits.
Friends Always Fit: My friends mean well, but more often than not they're the ones responsible for encouraging my cupcake binges and trips to less-than health conscious eating establishments. But I was careful not to lose faith in the power of sympathetic pals who just want to see you at your happiest, not necessarily your thinnest. One of the problems with the dreaded D-word, (diets) is that while they're nerve-wracking for you, they could be downright TERRIFYING for the folks around you. No one wants to have a side of guilt with their meal and it could just add tension if you're ordering light and they're chowing down on burgers and fries. You certainly shouldn't stop yourself from doing right by your own fitness plan, but keep this in mind when planning your nights out. For me, sushi is a safe bet for all so if I'm doing dinner with my bestie, that's usually where I'll suggest, no mention of figure-friendly fare needed. Trust me, while your friends aren't always your best influences, they're usually your biggest supporters so keep 'em close.
Live A Little: The number one thing you MUST keep in mind in your get fit plan is to live your life. In this short time I've had with you all, I've been to my fair share of graduation parties and special events, but never did I let my plan get ruined - - and I didn't have to ruin my night to do that. If you don't treat yourself every once in awhile, you'll be more likely to one day just throw your hands up in the air and go for broke - - trust me. If you feel like having pizza one night, have a slice, it won't make or break you. If you're at a party, nibble the cake. Giving in to temptation just a little bit makes it surprisingly easy to reel yourself back in. It's hard work - - and it pays off - - but you have to find ways to enjoy yourself. One thing I've definitely learned about events - - which in my family usually means hoards of good food - - is to not let these events BE about the food. Instead, focus on all the people you get to see or the milestone you're celebrating. And like I do with my picture-taking - - keep busy.
It's been awesome, Fit friends. I hope I've inspired you a little or at least shown you that you're not alone in your mishaps! Best of luck to all of you!
