I am a Mormon stay-at-home-mom of six. Yeah, I know, "that's a lot of kids"! Sometimes it truly is A LOT. Most of the time it's not. It's simply put...our normal. On my page you'll find spiritual thoughts, tales of trials, happy moments, recipes, funny stories, and more. Enjoy!!






Tuesday, January 19, 2016

3 Elements of Weight Loss

When people make blanket statements like: When you exercise for 5 days a week at 30 minutes each day, you will lose weight.  And you don't have to change your eating habits...

I know it won't work for everyone.  For some metabolisms, merely exercising daily can cause weight loss.  But I think that flew out the window along with my 20's.

I've learned a lot over the years.  And I'm going to continue to learn more all the time.  What I've learned about weight loss is you can't have weight loss with only exercise.  There are 3 important elements of healthy weight loss:

#1- Sleep
#2- Exercise
#3- Eating healthy

Number 1:
Don't expect to be able to endure a vigorous workout if you're tired.  We need sleep.  And I believe each person is a little different.  I need about 8 hours each night to feel my best. My husband can get 6 hours and be just fine.  After a couple of nights trying to function with only 6 hours of sleep...I crash...hard.

Make sure you go to bed early.  And set your alarm.  Too much sleep can have negative effects on your body similar to that of sleep deprivation. What are some of those effects you ask? Moodiness, irritability, quick to anger, sadness, tiredness, etc.  There are a lot of them.  A lack of sleep can lead to health problems as well.

Why is sleep so important? According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute...

"Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.
The way you feel while you're awake depends in part on what happens while you're sleeping. During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. In children and teens, sleep also helps support growth and development.
The damage from sleep deficiency can occur in an instant (such as a car crash), or it can harm you over time. For example, ongoing sleep deficiency can raise your risk for some chronic health problems. It also can affect how well you think, react, work, learn, and get along with others."

So, take care of yourself and make sure you get your ZZZZ's!
Kids are so good a this!

Number 2: 
Exercise! If you expect to see changes in your body, exercise is necessary.  Not only does it boost your mood, but it decreases risks of health problems too.  Exercise strengthens your muscles....not just your thighs and your tummy, but also your heart and lungs.  

It's so important to do an exercise routine that increases your heart rate and makes you sweat.  But remember...listen to your body.  Find something that you enjoy and start moving! 

Number 3:
Eat healthy.  I have had to learn a great amount about foods and what is and is not healthy.  Most Americans simply don't care.  If it tastes good, they'll eat it.  I used to do the same thing.  Due to the food intolerances and allergies in my family I spent a lot of time researching foods.  I've only scratched the surface!  

Eat fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables every day.  Add in lean meats, fish and nuts.  Try eating raw nuts.  They're yummy!  I know some people can't stand them.  If you need the ones with salt, find ones that contain nuts and salt.  You don't need or want all the other junk in there.  

Eat as healthy as you can.  As you learn more about foods you can adjust your diet accordingly.  

Oh. I said that nasty word. Diet.  It has such a negative reputation.  But all creatures have a "diet". Your diet is simply what you consume.  And it's great and wonderful when we can adjust them to help us get healthier.  

Combining these elements will help you lose weight in a healthy way.   And you will feel great while you're doing it.  

#3elementsofweightloss
#loseweight
#getenoughsleep
#eatinghealthy
#exercise
#iloveexercise
#fitandhealthy




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