Heart Choices: Motivation and Habits -->

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Motivation and Habits


Motivation and habit are the two requirements I need to achieve my goal.

Here is my motivation that gets me going:
  • I want to lose some weight
  • I want to have more energy
  • I want to fit back into my 'good clothes'
  • I want to feel comfortable again in my clothes
  • I was tired of trying on three outfits before deciding on one for work
  • I'm getting older and know that the risk of heart related problems increases 
  • I have a family history of heart disease
  • I want to stay healthy
Since habit is what will get me to my goal, I decided to return to the habit of eating healthier and exercising regularly.  I used to be in good shape.  I also knew what it felt like to have more energy and feel and look good in my clothes.

So I began.  I agreed to participate in a private Facebook group, a place where we encourage and motivate one another. We are presented with a weekly challenge in addition to our regular exercise and healthy eating.  The challenge for this past week was to drink at least 48 ounces of water every day and do at least two planks per day.  

I have to admit that I had to 'Google' what a plank was.  Once I realized what it was, I decided to participate.  

I was showing them to Heidi at work and as you can see, I had an audience of little children from our class.  What was Miss Debbie doing?  Miss Debbie is working on getting back in shape!

I may never have the flexibility like the children but I can certainly work at it.  After all, being more flexible helps to prevent injuries.

As for drinking increasing amounts of water, I had to measure out how much 48 ounces was.  Because I'm busy all day, I had to place reminders for myself.  I also gave up the Diet Coke I enjoyed at lunch and replaced it with water.  I feel good about that decision but it was hard at first.  

So I'm sticking to my plan.  So far, I've only lost four pounds but that's OK.  I realize it takes time and I'm in this for the long haul. It's not about losing a bunch of weight on a diet and eventually gaining it all back and then some.  I have to be able to live long term with this plan of healthy eating and regular exercise.

I'm motivated and I'm establishing healthy habits.  And I'm linking up with Kim of At Home with Kim for Weigh-In Wednesdays.  It's not too late for you to join us. 



Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
17 Comments
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17 comments:

  1. Keep it going, Debbie! I prayed for you this morning by name. :)

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  2. I LOVE your motivation and I LOVE that you've been consistent and lost four pounds!! I believe it's better to take it slow and steady than to go fast but then crash and burn!!! So happy for you!!! Thanks for linking up and being a part of this community!!!

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  3. Yay, Debbie, love this! Keep up the good work! And I love the quote, it is soooo true. :)

    Linda from WIW

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  4. Four pounds is a great start, as long as you continue to make positive changes you will be there in no time!

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  5. Healthy eating and exercises.... good habits to have! I gave up diet Coke for years now and much later, I remember trying to sip again and I couldn't believe how I hated the
    taste and wondered why I let myself get into that habit of drinking a useless stuff? So here's praying that I know you can do everything because of Christ Who will give you the strength you need!!!

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  6. Dear Debbie,
    You will get there for sure you will.
    One should stay away from diet Coke and other stuff containing artificial sweetener anyway. Water is good. I love the taste of cold water from our fridge.
    I have water to every meal. I guess I cannot eat as little as I'd like to.
    The shameful problem of the rich world, overeating.
    I like eating, even like preparing food for my family and gather around the kitchen table.
    I need to be even more aware of not making to large portions. Once it's made it will disappear. Both Gunnar and I like a late night snack. They say late meals are the worst. They add weight swiftly.
    I wish you luck and I wish me some inspiration too.
    I will not / cannot be working out like you do, but I am definitely aware of what food I'm buying, and I try to move as much as possible.
    The good think about using ones body is that natural serotinin are released in the brain. One becomes naturally happy.
    I'll drink a glass of water to that!

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  7. I am in agreement... I need to change my habits for the same reasons as you mention above! This could be my post! lol

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  8. I've been motivated for years - I am now learning to change my habits. We can receive all the motivation in the world but if we don't change our habits we will not become healthy. Thank you for the reminder. Congrats on the 4 lbs!

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  9. Well I could ditto your entire post except the planks and joining the group and loosing the four lbs...oh well, most of it anyway.....You have really encouraged me today to get with it....maybe by the spring we will all feel and look better because of changed habits......

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  10. I think 4 lbs. is excellent. These are definitely "heart" choices, Debbie, not only for you but for your readers. I'm in when it comes to the water. Love the photo of you and that cute little cheerleader! Makes me smile!!!

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  11. I started saying...what is a plank and then laughed when you had to look it up also I am trying the water also

    You go girl...I am trying the same and probably need the accountability...your four pounds are great!!!

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  12. I have been exercising for 3 1/2 weeks now. I don't think I have lost much, but I do feel better. I have cut down on my sweets,pastas, and sodas. I feel a lot better without all that in me. I wish I was as flexible as I once was,but not going to happen I don't think ha!

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  13. So proud of you..........this was really an encouragement--thank you!

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  14. I too am tired of trying on three outfits before I am out the door. This morning, case in point. I'm in for the long haul with ya! Love this post, friend.

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  15. Way to go on already taking action toward a healthier you! This posts motivates me to make sure that I keep taking those steps toward what will be my long term wellness, because that is really what I want it to be about. Long term. ^_^

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  16. Dear Debbie
    I am soooo proud of you! I always say I am addicted to clear mineral water and I drink about 2 liters a day, sometimes more! I don't have a weight problem, but I think that should be the norm for everyone!
    Much love
    Mia

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  17. Great post! As a long time Weight Watchers lifetime member, I've come to realize that slow and steady is the best way to lose weight. And you are so right, it comes by changing our habits. Drinking water and adding planks is such a great place to start.

    Found you through Weigh-In Wednesdays and I'm so glad I did.

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I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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