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Lessons From 1000 Consecutive Days of Tracking



Today is my 1,000 straight day of logging. Over the past 3 years, I've dropped 50 lbs. and at 51 years old I can honestly say I'm in the best shape of my life...by far.  Here are some lessons I've learned that might be of help to others on your journey.

1) You can do it! I promise. Just don't ever give up. You can win this war, but the war is made up of 1000 battles. Win each battle and you will win the war. It's inevitable!

2) It's at least 80% psychology. Once we have some basic knowledge about nutrition, the rest is a mind game. My line is, "We don't need to know we shouldn't eat the cookie, we need to learn how NOT to eat the cookie." Face the fact that if you've overeaten as I have, it's a psychology problem.

3) Food Is Fuel! Yup. It took me 49 years to get that one in my head. Please learn that one earlier than I did. Food is not there for emotional comfort. It's not there to cheer you up when you're down. It's not there for "self-sympathy". It's fuel for the body. Choose wisely.

4) Build Your Army. Who's support do you need? Who do you admire that you would want to learn from? People want to help you on your journey, ask them for advice. Interview people who are fit about their 'mindset' as well as their diet and exercise plan.

5) Don't Set A Date. If you set a goal to lose 10 pounds by a certain date, your body may have other plans. Set up a plan that's sustainable and follow the plan. Let nature take care of the timeframe. Otherwise, you'll lose the 10 and think...I'm finished and then gain 15 back. The question I ask myself is "What decision do I make now will make me fitter tomorrow?"

6) Log BEFORE you eat. Especially when eating out, enter what you're going to eat before you eat it. You'll be shocked at some of the calorie counts of foods when you eat out.

7) Streaking is fun! (No that kind of streaking) I never set out to log for 1000 straight days, but once I saw the streak counter, it became a game to keep it up. Side note, at one point I set out to exercise for 7 straight days (something I'd never done). I ended the streak at 321 consecutive days.

I have so, so many more lessons I've learned. I can't wait to share in the hopes it helps others get there faster and easier than me!


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