Well I don't know why we are the way we are, and as much as I'd love to throw all the lotions and potions into a safe place that will not end up in landfills, while also recycling any bottles into their appropriate... sorry, Austin and it's green movement has gotten to me... anyways, despite what I would love to do, I am one of those girls that gives in to it all. I thrive on new ways to take care of my skin and hair. I haven't quite got to the body yet. Being young and an ex-cross country runner, I'm still game for ice cream for breakfast.
My mom on the other hand has been struggling with her weight for the past few years. Don't get me wrong, she's still beautiful and small. But something about having children changes the way your body looks? Psh... if you ask me, it's just an excuse to blame us kiddos. But who can blame us? We're so cute and innocent.
So while I still think my mother looks amazing for her age, I hate to see her upset about her appearance. Her new year's resolution? To lose weight. And I am choosing to help motivate her. Throughout the year I will be posting little tips to stay motivated or encourage weight loss, and also little workouts for her. Please keep in mind that I am in no way a professional instructor or nutritionist. If no noticeable results become visible, you may not sue me or get your money back, guaranteed. Small children and women who are pregnant should consult a doctor before practicing any workouts. And small children is a separate subject than women who are pregnant. I'm not saying small children who are pregnant and women who are pregnant. Does everyone understand? Good gracious I hope so.
And of course my tips may not work on everyone. In fact, some may sound extremely odd. This is because I am basing what ever I write on my mom. I know her habits and what she needs to change. For instance,
"STAY AWAY FROM THE PEANUT BUTTER!"
may sound totally strange and random to some. However, in my family it is completely reasonable and justified.
No really mom, you need to back up off that jar of peanut butter. And the chocolate icing in the refrigerator that I know you eat like yogurt.
On that note, here's the first tip. Don't diet. By depriving yourself of certain food, you are more liking to binge on that food the second you have a weak moment. My mom, like the rest of our family, has a sweet tooth. By now I should think that the majority of mothers know what foods they should be cutting down on. So do just that. Try cutting down on the fatty, sugary, high sodium foods. And then, allow yourself to indulge. But not overly so. If you are a chocolate junkie, allow yourself to have one Hershey's kiss a day. But stop there! If you are a little less trusting of yourself, try putting a bag of cookies in the freezer. That way after you eat one and decide to go back for another, you'll have time to feel guilty as the excess cookie thaws.
Now with everything else you eat, always keep in mind portion control. Even if the food is to die for, don't go back for seconds. If you cooked it at home, then wrap it up and eat some as leftovers the next day. If you are at a friend's house for dinner, hopefully as your friend they won't mind you mooching a to-go bag for a later meal. At this point I shouldn't have to mention that buffets are off limits.
It's actually more beneficial to eat more meals a day with smaller portions. So always remember: portion control, portion control, portion control.
Don't believe me? Watch Giada de Laurentiis's show 'Giada at Home'. After watching her make such delicious, succulent looking Italian dishes, ask yourself, "How is it possible to be a chef and stay in such great shape?"
Her answer:
"I have to say that this is by far the question I am most frequently asked, and my answer is always the same: genetics, portion control and fresh ingredients. If you’ve ever seen my mother either on the show or in photographs, you’ll notice that she is quite petite, trim. So I have her to thank for getting me off to a good start. In addition, I’ve never been one to sit down to a meal with a large plate of food and eat every morsel until I was uncomfortably full. Rather, I graze – eating small portions of food all day long. And the ingredients are clean and fresh. Yes, I absolutely love chocolate, and I do eat it but just a bite."
- www.giadadelaurentiis.com/about/faq/ -
