Do It TODAY!

by Cindy Gering

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today,” said Thomas Jefferson on the subject of procrastination.  I remind myself of this quote often when it comes to getting motivated to exercise.  It’s something that I’m sure many struggle with, as I have heard numerous jokes about one’s diet or exercise regimen starting “tomorrow."  And, of course, tomorrow never comes.   

When it’s cold and dreary outside, we need an extra nudge to keep us motivated to exercise.  But now that the sun has been shining down on us and has ushered in an early spring, we need to rid ourselves of every excuse, and get moving!  We have been given a gift of some additional beautiful days, which are perfect for a bike ride, walking or gardening.  (I am also including a delicious and healthy recipe below, to help use up the abundance of a yummy vegetable garden.)

In contrast, maybe you take the view of Aaron Burr, “Never do today what you can put off till tomorrow,” when it comes to fitness. While humorous, it’s very easy to take this approach.  I have found that there is and will always be something else that “needs” to be done and will compete for my time and energy.  If exercise is not a priority then I fall prey far too easily to this mindset.   

For me, it comes down to self-discipline and balance.  Balance must be sought after in so many areas of a busy woman’s life, but I encourage you to include some attention to your health and well-being.  It truly is energizing to exercise.  It seems that I get more accomplished when I make time for my work-out than when it gets scratched off the “to-do” list.  I find myself more motivated to get other chores accomplished and also find my mind more clear as well.  These are just a few of the immediate benefits for having a regular maintenance program to stay (or get) in shape.  If you haven’t already begun this spring, give yourself the boost and attention that you need and by all means don’t put it off till tomorrow, because today is all we have.  Determination today leads to success tomorrow!  

 Savory Stuffed Zucchini

2 medium zucchini; halved lengthwise (scoop out seeds & discard then place zucchini on baking sheet)

In skillet:

2 T. butter

½ c. diced red onion

½ c. red pepper, diced

1 yellow squash, seeded & chopped

Saute until veggies begin to get tender.   Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and sauté one more minute.  

Add 1 large or 2 small Roma tomatoes, diced, then turn off heat and add:

¼ c. Italian bread crumbs

¼ c. fresh grated Parmesan

2 T. bacon bits (turkey bacon works well)

½ t. dried oregano

Salt & pepper, to taste

Mix together and stuff into zucchini shells.  Bake for 45 minutes @ 375 or until tender.  Enjoy!!

Stay Motivated for a Healthy New Year!

By Cindy Gering

Hello Ladies and welcome to 2012!  If you’re anything like me, you are experiencing a sense of newness, inspiration and determination as we face this new year!  Maybe, like me, you are making some promises to yourself that you know will last this time. :) The unfortunate news is that research shows around 80% of people who make resolutions will fall off the wagon by Valentine’s Day. I believe some of the reasons are that we set lofty or unrealistic goals that we come to realize are unattainable, we get bored with our new regimen or we allow other “more important” things to take priority on our calendars.  Or it’s possible that we just lack self-discipline.  Studies also suggest that two-thirds of dieters gain back any lost weight within a year.  These disturbing statistics should be enough to help keep us motivated, in order to beat the odds.  Who doesn’t love a good challenge?!  Hopefully I can encourage you to stay motivated and committed each month. 

Even though we had a very mild December, there’s no arguing that we are in the midst of the bleak, cold winter and the goal is to stay warm, and much of the time that means idleness.  I would much rather sit under a soft blanket on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate and watch a great movie than exercise. :)  Now, there’s definitely a time and place for this wonderful indulgence, but there’s also a time, place and need to get up and get moving.  Keeping that blood circulating through exercise is a great way to warm up in these winter months, and even though it’s often hard to get started, I always thank myself for doing it, after a great workout.  It re-energizes me and gives me a lift mentally, emotionally and physically. All of those areas can affect me spiritually, as well!

As I mentioned in last month’s article, I have tried over the years to make small changes that will last a lifetime, without depriving myself of the things that I love to eat, in moderation of course.  It has also been important for me to find ways to stay motivated.  Here are a few ways to stay on track and set realistic and attainable goals:

1.  Find an exercise that is fun and offers variety.  There are so many options these days and each woman needs to find a program or regimen that is right for her and that she enjoys.  On that note, I would like to personally invite you to try the Zumba class that WOW ministry offers every Tuesday night in the Youth Center.  Many women have found that this is a great way to burn calories in a casual and fun atmosphere with other ladies.  If not Zumba, find another option that works for you.  

2.  For me, there is something very motivating about changing into my exercise clothes and driving somewhere else to workout.   At that point, I will give 110%!!   I have talked to numerous women that share this same feeling.  

 

3.  Find a trusted accountability partner that has similar goals and desires for her fitness regimen.  Accountability relationships are important in all aspects of our life and can give us the necessary nudge and encouragement that we need when we begin to lose our excitement and drive, and vice-versa.  

4.  Identify the excuses that you use when you begin to lose momentum in your routine. If you have an accountability partner, go over them with her and come up with ways to counter those excuses.  If you are going solo, then write them down, along with a solution for each excuse.  This will help you to have your answer ready on days when you begin to talk yourself out of it.

5.  Memorize this:  “Eat less, move more!”  That’s a great place to start and a simple concept to making small changes that can last for a lifetime.  Even if you’ve fallen off the wagon, don’t give in to a “failure” mentality.  You can always “eat less, move more” and then get yourself back on track!  Don’t let one bad day lead to two.  The days can lead to weeks, weeks to months, etc.

6.  Last and certainly not least, as a child of our Heavenly Father, pray about the strength and commitment that you lack in sticking to a healthy lifestyle that pleases Him.  He will guide you in how to prioritize your time & commitments. I talk with so many women who feel defeated in the area of self-image, weight issues and lack of energy or drive to do anything about it.  He does not want us to have this unhealthy mentality and will show you if you seek Him.  Sometimes we forget to pray about things such as this.  Ultimately, make it a priority to obey and honor Him in all you do!

My wish and prayer for the new year ahead is that you find health, happiness, peace, joy, strength and energy to accomplish the ordinary tasks of life, as well as the bigger things that might come your way.  I believe that taking care of the body that God gave us is a very important part of managing His property, so that we can in turn take care of all of the things and people that He has entrusted to us!  Have a very blessed and healthy new year!!