Tag Archives: lose weight

{Monday Motivator} Erica’s inpirational transformation

Posted in Monday Motivators, Motivation & Happiness by

By Emily McLaughlin

In 2006 I was morbidly obese, smoked a pack of cigarettes a day, hadn’t exercised in years and lived off a diet of overly processed ‘Frankenstein’ foods. I was depressed, lethargic, sickly and ashamed of my appearance. After I turned 21 I gained an excess amount of weight through constant drinking and horrible eating habits. I began to see how differently people treated me based on my appearance and it drove me to recess further into alcohol and unhealthy behaviors. For the years I was overweight I felt like I was wearing a fat suit – I was in there, hidden, but became lost trying to find my way back out again. -Erica D. House

This week’s {Monday Motivator} has endured quite the transformation over the past several years. After struggling with weight as a teen and young adult, Erica decided to make some big changes to help lose the weight and keep it off.

Since 2006, Erica has lost 50 lbs, become a non-smoker and taken on a vegetarian lifestyle. Learn more about Erica’s transformation here, and read our interview below to learn what keeps her motivated.

August6

From EricaDHouse.com

You went through quite the transformation over the past couple years. What kept you dedicated and focused as your worked towards your goal?

 Knowing that I want to be around, and healthy, for a very long time in life is one of the best motivators I have to get my butt, out of bed, and to workout in the morning. I also know exactly how it feels to be morbidly obese and not wanting to struggle with that again is a great push for me to stay on the healthy track!

What diet/healthy eating advice do you have for a person looking to undergo a similar transformation?

 Eat colors, don’t drink calories and exercise 5 days a week. It’s so, so simple but finding the motivation is what most people will struggle with. List all of the reasons why you want to be healthy and refer to it often. Think of a specific goal you want to reach and create a plan of attack for how to get there. Don’t just say, “I want to lose weight.” That’s to vague! Set a specific number, then make mini-goals for how to get there.

Do you have a go-to workout or method of exercise for a day when you really, really want to sweat?

 Running! After giving up smoking 2 years ago (I smoked a pack a day for almost 10 years), I started running and it has changed my  life. It’s the best way to burn calories and relieve stress. It has helped flatten my stomach like nothing else has (combine with core strengthening workouts!) and the natural high I get off a good run is better than anything else I’ve tried to manage my anxiety.

What made you want to organize a month-long, plank-a-day challenge?

 I love the plank because it requires zero equipment, can be done anywhere, and is accessible for all range of athletic abilities. It’s amazing for getting buff arms and a tight mid-section! I decided to do a one month challenge because I noticed so many readers deciding to incorporate planks into their normal workouts and I wanted to find a way to help keep them motivated by committing to a challenge.

What the best piece of advice you have every received?

 My old boss used to say –  ”Improve or Approve.” If you don’t like something change it or get used to it. I’ve found that I’ve virtually stopped all complaining over the last few years in my life since I’ll now either do something about it or realize I don’t have the right to complain!

Be sure to follow Erica’s journey to fit on her website, EricaDHouse.com, on Twitter @Erica_D_House and on Facebook. Thanks again for the great interview, Erica!

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Trying to lose? Lose the fork.

Posted in Food & Diet by

By Emily McLaughlin

Okay, so the title might seem a little harsh… but I swear this post contains nothing but good vibes. Are you trying to lose weight? Well, do as I say… and get rid of your forks.

For those of us who have struggled or are struggling with our weight, eating right and exercising more often are easier said than done. Once we do get into a regular exercise routine and change our diets for the better–the weight, oftentimes, still hangs on.

For me, the problem has never been exercise. I absolutely love to drip sweat at the gym. Also, I change my gym routine quite often, mostly out of boredom. My problem is not  eating right. I love cooking, eating vegetables and making even the most decadent of dishes as healthy as possible.

My problem then, you ask? I eat too much. I tend to get really excited about food, then I shovel it into my mouth like coal in a furnace. I pounce on food like it’s going to disappear if I don’t eat it quickly.

A solution for this? CHOPSTICKS. Obviously, my chopstick-use is highly influenced by my love for sushi, obsession with Asian dishes and my friendship with Ryo. I recently acquired a couple of pairs of chopsticks after Ryo’s trip to Japan and, as you could have guessed, I’m using them all the time whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Yesterday’s lunch

Chopsticks force me to slow down, first because my skills are lacking, then because they can’t pick up as much as my fork. Once you figure our how to use them, you’ll realize that you find yourself chewing more as you struggle to pick up your next bite. You’ll also realize you are full before you finish that entire plate of food.

How could I not use these every day!?

There you have it. Chopsticks are the answer. Haha, of course… if you are trying to lose weight, don’t go tell you friends that all you have to do it buy some chopsticks. Don’t go into your parents’ house and tell them, “Emily said to get rid of our forks!” Eating slower (therefore consuming a little less per day) is a major component of weight-loss, but your priority should be getting into a regular exercise routine and making your diet as clean as can be… then invest in some chopsticks. ;)

Happy eating, happy exercising and happy chopping.