Category: declutter

Doing the Work for Weight Loss

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There is a lot to be said for just doing the work of weight loss. Don’t overthink it, don’t agonize over negative self-talk, and don’t let little things distract you from the big picture – reaching your goal. Strong habits and systems alievate all of that worry and angst. I think that is my big takeaway after a few days of challenge.

I started teaching a four day a week elementary reading and math program. It is a terrific program, and I am already really so fond of my students. I am very happy I signed up and was selected to do this; however, the up front work of planning has been very time consuming. I was worried that this might be the “thing” to derail my systems and habits.

What I’ve come to realize it is that my systems and habits are the “thing” that saved me during a highly stressful time. Everything is so automatic now, I don’t have to think about what to do, I just do it. There are no decisions to make in the day-to-day, other than deciding what to eat or how to workout. The tracking of food and activitiy is embedded into what I do it requires no thought and little effort.

Here are some things that I’ve been doing all week:

  • I kept going and finished the work and I did not sacrifice my fitness goals
  • I took some time to eat foods that I had planned and made sure to keep hydrated.
  • I allowed myself to lean into my habits to help me stay on track during a stressful time.

I have written this before, but still I feel the need to write it again; I am grateful for my weight loss journey because it continues to teach me about myself.

Mix it up

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If only this post’s featured image was my kitchen. It comes from a beautiful blog called, The Spruce. What is it about looking at organized spaces that are so appealing? Perhaps it has something to do with the brain and patterns (the brain LOVES patterns). Maybe it has something to do with exercising control over the environment. Or could it be the appeal of having others think, “Wow, she really has her life all figured out.” Ha!

Whatever the reason, I do love an organized space. Yet, I’m the kind of person who, when she is working, makes a big mess. I pull things out, I make piles, and I don’t always make the best choices for how to store things away. My goal is to declutter one cabinet in my kitchen. I decided on one cabinet because I don’t really want to spend hours doing this, and I don’t want to feel overwhelmed. This is a doable goal for me, and if all goes well, I will do another cabinet tomorrow. Maybe.

Why the kitchen? Since I have been so engaged with my weight loss journey, my kitchen has been taking a beating with all the COOKING I’ve been doing. I actually do like to cook, and I do enjoy the food I make. I enjoy it when I have the time, I’m not too exhausted from working all day, and when I can find everything I need. So mostly, I enjoy cooking on the weekends and during the summer when I work a little less. In the meantime, I still have to cook on all those other days, and if I am a bit more organized I think it will help me.

Why have these daily challenges?

Simply, having small doable goals brings me joy. Small goals also spark momentum. Having a sense of momentum is especially important when you have a lot of weight to lose. I say this because a successful weight-loss journey relies on habits that form a network of predictable systems. I think of these daily challenges as a way to mix it up.

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