This is Emily Abbate’s story. Weighing at 204 pounds, she really did not know how she got there. But, she knew, she had to do something about it. She didn’t want to live like that anymore. From that moment, she promised herself she was going to turn her life around. She lost 70 pounds and kept it off. She has even run 2 marathons back to back in different continents. Old Emily never imagined this would be the new her.

A Daily Commitment, A Lifelong Journey

Emily knew that maintaining weight loss and a healthy active lifestyle is a daily commitment and a lifelong journey. There are no shortcuts. You can’t just stop when you’re done because there is no finishing line. If you stop, you’re just going to go back to where you were. It really is about making a lifestyle change, and making this healthy lifestyle your new way of life.

#1 Never Completely Give Up Anything

Fad diets are no good for you. You start labeling all your favourite food as bad – that brownie, or chocolate chip cookie! If you’ve had one cookie, that guilt consumes you. You feel like you’re a failure. And then, you decide you’ll start again next Monday, in the meantime, you’re just going to eat all the cookies you want. Diet starts on Monday! Does this sound all too familiar?

Advertisement

Our body craves the safety of familiarity. Change is difficult – especially when you are overwhelming your body with a whole bunch of extreme changes. It can start to feel like a struggle and ultimately you give in to your old effortless habits – because it’s easier. Instead, remember everything in moderation. Instead of having a pint of ice-cream, have just one scoop. A healthy lifestyle is not a short-term goal!

#2 Do Something That You Enjoy

If you hate running, don’t make yourself run every day. Pick a different sport to help you get in shape. Go kickboxing, or hiking, or swimming or even hit the badminton courts. If you’re doing something that you enjoy, exercising won’t feel like a chore. Instead, you’ll start to anticipate it every day. You can’t wait to do your favorite sport, you may even find yourself doing it every day. It will start to become an addiction.

#3 Surround Yourself With A Solid Support System

Surround yourself with the right kind of people. Don’t hang out with people who would make fun of you for not wanting to down that whiskey or leaving before happy hour ends. There is nothing wrong with you wanting to leave early for your early morning workout the next day! Don’t let your friends give you crap about it! True supportive friends know how important this is for you and would be there for you all the way!

Source: Emily Abbate On Popsugar

Photo Credits: Emily Abbate

2 COMMENTS

  1. Hi Emily!
    My goal is to run to first base after not playing softball for the last 25 years. I joined a senior team but run so slow to get to the base. So far, I’ve lost 30 pounds and I’m with you on fun movement and lifestyle changes. I have a countdown calendar and running plans I’m looking at. I want to stay healthy and increase my speed. Any thoughts on how the approach for training non-marathon running? You are an inspiration! Thanks for any words of wisdom.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here