A lot of people comment on my weight loss at school since most of them remember me as a chubby fourth grader or an overweight teen. I wish I had some magic trick to give them on how they could do it too but really it just took a lot of eating right and working out. Surprising right? I totally understand how hard it is as a teacher to lose weight. Long days, busy schedules and cupcakes for every birthday party are
Tip #1: Use Technology
You are on your smartphones and computers all the time anyway right? There are hundreds of sites that track your calories, fitness, goals and steps for you. I use myfitnesspal every day to keep track of how many calories I consume and how many I work off. There are lots of other teachers on Myfitnesspal to help cheer you on. I also use my wii fit for exercise. I know it sounds silly but watching your mii get all dumpy looking can be great motivation. Lastly, just look up healthy stuff online. I cook very healthy and have found all sorts of fun workouts and that would never have been possible without the help of my best friend internet.
Tip #2: Do What You Enjoy
Not everyone is going to enjoy going to the gym or running. Being around a lot of other people is really intimating, especially if you have body issues. I like to run on my treadmill or wii fit at home. That way I can watch episodes of Community and Orange is the New Black while working out. Also look into fitness programs for your school. Our weight room and track is open to teachers before and after school and they also offer yoga, water aerobic and my personal favorite Zumba. Find what you enjoy most and do it as often as you can.
Tip #3: Stay Positive
You wont see results right away and it can be very discouraging. It is also hard not to be embarrassed when you are over weight and trying to be healthier because it feels like everyone is judging you. Try to make friends who are working on the same goal as you or just make working out “you time”. My friends make me feel lame sometimes for counting my calories but I try not to let it bother me and just eat less chicken finger pizza than I would have before.
Tip #4: Treat Yo Self
Don’t give up the foods you love or going playing around online because you feel lazy. I still eat the sweets I love in moderation and sit for hours on pinterest after a hard workout. Rewards are also great motivation. I only watch shows I love while running and I eat a fresh baked cookie after I accomplish all my plans for the day. Also, get yourself some awesome workout clothes and gear so you can be excited to use them.
Tip #5: Remember There are So Many Better Things About You then How Much You Weigh
Be interesting, be creative, be fun, be helpful, be ACTIVE. Do not worry about being skinny or pretty or like other people. Be you. I say this knowing that I break this tip often. But the world is frustrating and even having people tell me how good I look after losing weight is upsetting sometimes. More people should tell you how good you look when you’re working hard or smiling. They should say, “You look amazing now that you are doing that thing you enjoy without worrying what other people think about it.” but they wont so just stop caring what they think. Tell yourself instead.
Cause if you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you ganna love somebody else?
