Gee, are you writing a book, Bootsie?
Well, I think you already know my answer to your querie -- that is a good description of my own plan ... a mish-mash of several plans all congealed into one ... one that suits me; one that fits my lifestyle; and one that works for me too!!! I think that for many people, a successful plan has to be tailor-made to some extent; but for some others, they are able to follow a pre-made plan that they somehow adapt to their lives. There may be others that do a bit of both.
I think what is more important & relevant is that GOD is in the center of our lives, rather than just a diet or exercise plan. We must be careful to realize that our "diet" or eating style is just one small part of our total selves; it doesn't define us or our spirituality at all. Just like the mouth is only one part of the body; not more important than any other ie the brain or heart.
We definitely need to enjoy how we eat; and that was GOD's intent when he created all the food that is available to us now. If you look at some of the food-related scriptures that I put in my last two posts in the "encouraging scriptures thread", you see how important it was to GOD that we enjoy some of life's pleasures and food is one of them.
Sure, we need some self-discipline; and some limitations, but not to the point that we take all the JOY out of life. I have cut some stuff out of my life and replaced them with healthier, yet just as yummy alternatives. My pita pizza tastes just as good to me as the other; the main difference is that the crust is thinner and that's OK with me, becuz I save 100's of calories that I don't need or want.
I think we have to be careful about being too self-sacrificing in the dieting & exercise part of our lives. We have to keep perspective -- it is only one or two facets of our whole life. As PAUL said, exercise has a little value to the body ... but GODLINESS is much more important for our lives here and the next one as well (condensed; 1Timothy4:8).
I think it is great if you can find an exercise or activity that you love, so that you will want to do that for the rest of your life. Is there a sport that you particularly love? Golf, biking, trekking, weights, soccer, basketball, hockey, jogging, or swimming ... which one is your favorite?
I am doing toning exercises each AM that are relatively easy, yet quick and effective for me -- plus I do hand-weights; stretchie band work; walking from spring to fall indoors & out; and ski-walking in the winter. We have also taken up fishing which is a fun activity that gets us outdoors, walking around, and burning up calories.
I like the term "MY FOREVER DIET" ... becuz I really think that is what we really have to accept if we want this weight off and to keep it off. We have to get to a place where we accept that we cannot go back to unhealthy eating and lifestyle choices ever again. If you do, then you are choosing to sabotage yourself; and then you need to ask yourself another question -- WHY don't you want to lose the weight for good?
I think PLANNING is one big key to success; I find that I stay on my plan when I have my day planned out well, esp my meals & exercise: what I am having and when; plus what I am doing & when. Now, my AM (upon wakening) toning exercises have become automatic -- after thanking GOD for each new day, I immediately start into my regimen. It has become MY NEW BEST HABIT!
As for GOALS -- of course that was one of them; to make these changes permanent. I made small changes over time; adding and tweaking as I went along. My main goal is to be a certain size first and foremost; and then weight is secondary for me. I always did it this way in the past and it worked for me; so I am doing it my way!
I believe there is nothing written in stone ... each person is free to find their own plan and structure that works best for them -- one loves the scale while another hates it; and while one likes calorie counting, another doesn't. To each his own. If you want to share your ideas and tips; fine -- but we have to let others choose what works best for them and their lives.
What works for a single person might not work for someone who is married or who has a family; but I think that we can modify our plans to fit them too; and/or work around them, if needs be ie sometimes I have steak and DH has a pork chop or a hamburger -- no problem! Plus I made everything healthier for both of us; and he hasn't complained yet, ie switched to extra lean meats but they are still in our favorite dishes.
My goals right now are to just continue on what I am doing for the longterm and fitting my plan into more situations like holidays and vacations. That is my challenge right now -- not giving myself permission to blow my plan just becuz it's a holiday or a vacation.
As you know, I am doing very well with the EMOTIONAL STRATEGIES using PRAISE & PRAYER & VERSE & SONG to combat that. We have surely been tested over and over. We had some bad news yesterday, and sure enuff, I heard those negative thoughts trying to urge me to go eat some junkies -- but I said "NO WAY, JOSE" ... you aren't trapping me into that again!!!
First I prayed about it, using a new tool -- THE LORD'S PRAYER -- which I will shared in the HEALING EMOTIONAL EATING THREAD. I deliberately did the opposite, and had only protein for my snacks. I counted my calories for the day to make sure that I was still on plan and I was.
It was another victory ... under extreme temptation, but with the LORD's help, I prevailed!!!
Tested & tried, but I overcame! THANK YOU, JESUS! THANK YOU, GOD!!! PTL! AMEN!
Do you recall my first question?
Plans,Goals, Diets?
Just my own personal diet that fits my life style.
Fredricksburg Texas, just roam the streets same in Llano Texas. Love their bridge. I love to carve wood not much exercise to that but just love it. Well best go get the work done C y'all tomorrow, have a great Thursday plan on going to town tomorrow, maybe not sure.
