EXERCISE!! I know most people dread having to talk about exercise, let alone doing it!
I have been married almost 5 years to my husband, Michael. It is safe to say that I have put on a "few" pounds since I have been married. I don't want to be one who lets myself "go" because I am married. Several months back, I noticed myself getting a little "fuller" so to speak. I am short and have a tiny frame, so just a few extra pound shows on me. I probably have put on 10 to 15 pounds since I said "I do." I decided to do something about it! Not only did I want to lose some weight, but I wanted to be healthier.
I believe eating healthy and exercising should be a life style. I never have liked the word "diet", because I don't like feeling limited and bound to something. Back in late summer, I decided to change my life style. I started walking 2 to 3 miles 3 to 4 days a week with my sister-in-law, Julie. I also decided to change the way I ate. I have never been one to "pig out" on a regular basis, but I definitely struggle with having a sweet tooth. Most women like chocolate, I enjoy a good piece of chocolate now and then, but I am sucker for skittles and sour patch kids. My family teases me, because they say my candy choices are like a child's! :)
I never really had to monitor what I ate until recent. I have become more aware of what I put in my body and have started to monitor my portion sizes. By doing this, I have lost 9lbs since September. I am close to my pre-wedding weight!
I know most women struggle with feeling secure in their body. How couldn't we with all the garbage out there in magazines and on television! It is also important to point out, that we have to be careful not to make our beauty our idol. It is easy for us to become consumed with our weight and appearance. It is important to remember that God looks at the heart!
Psalm 139:14
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.1 Peter 3:1-6
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, ...It is important to remember that we are made in God's image, and He does not make junk! With that being said, it is also important to be good stewards of what God has given us. Our body is a holy temple. I want to live a long and healthy life. I believe by being consistent with exercise and monitoring what I eat, I can help keep my body healthy. I believe it comes down to consistency and discipline. I allow myself to enjoy my "guilty pleasure foods", but I try to keep it in check.
Hope this inspires some of you out there! You don't have to torture yourself with unrealistic diets. Be consistent in exercise and make better food choices. It is as simple as that! Now go outside and put on your running shoes and enjoy this beautiful day!!
