Is anyone else tired out there? Here in Ontario we’re in the midst of Winter where the daylight is less and so is my level of activity. This is a time when I can easily find myself loafing on the couch far too much. Ok so I have been loafing around too much and I feel horrible because of it. The very last thing I’ve felt like doing is exercising and my aches and pains have returned and my waist line is growing. It’s time for me to change these old patterns I tend to turn to…time to get up and take a leap at being more active.
By the end of February so many of us have made and broken the New Year’s resolution to get moving more…but we can’t just give up. The reality is that I’m someone who isn’t naturally inclined to exercise. All of my life I’ve fought the behaviours which see me avoiding exercise, promising myself that I’ll do more tomorrow. I am capable of coming up with some very creative excuses but in the end that’s what they are.
Today I’m here, writing to you all…thinking to myself “What If”. What if I decided to ignore that instinct to avoid exercising…if I just got up and got moving. What could happen? Well it’s straightforward really…eventually if I just got up often enough I’d be in the physical shape I really want to be in. The shape that I’ve achieved so many times in my life and have just let go…
What if I didn’t give up?
What if I actually took the leap to believing that I’m capable of being a healthy weight, fitness level and allowed myself to set a routine towards this?
Today I’ve decided to fake it until I make it. This is how I faced my recovery from alcoholism. Each and every day I did the next “right thing” until I built myself a foundation where being sober finally felt somewhat natural. Right now I’m committing to doing the same with my eating and exercise habits.
Today I’m dropping the self-image of a lazy fat girl and dammit I’m clutching onto the belief that I AM FIERCE!
God didn’t create me to fall short of my potential and each and every day I’m going to do my very best to achieve it. I’ve encouraged others to move just a bit more each day and yes I’ve done it myself in the past. My vow now is that I will work to embrace a healthy lifestyle long-term; not just to lose weight. No more will I become depressed when my pants don’t fit right…I’m DONE with lowering my expectations.
The Tools I’m Using
I’m dusting off my FitBit Charge (poor thing was lonely) and have a FitBit Aria WiFi Smart Scale all ready to go. The scale isn’t just about the weight, it tells me body fat %age and BMI which will help me to see the positive changes as I go. This technology is fantastic, I’ve had a learning session with the experts at the Telus Learning Centre who helped me to choose the right gear to help me on my journey. I laid out my goals (to lose weight, be more active and be able to see my progress) and they offered up many wearable devices to help. They spent the time to show me the features of the products I’ve chosen and now I feel more empowered on my quest.
To book a session with a Learning Centre Expert, visit www.telus.com/betteryou.
Commit with ME – WIN a FitBit Charge
To honor people willing to #TakeTheLeap my friends at Telus have given me a FitBit Charge to give away to one lucky Canadian reader. As an added bonus, Telus will also help the winner set up a 1:1 session with a TELUS Learning Centre Expert near them to get the full TELUS experience. Finally I’ll offer for the winner to write a blog post on their experience here on SoberJulie.com!!!
It’s easy to enter, just tell me what you’re committing to change in your life in the comments below and fill in the form below for a chance to win. Good luck!
I won’t join in, because that would be cheating…I’m in training for a half marathon lol. But you are for sure on the right path. A LOT of the time I just plain don’t feel like working out…but I do it anyway. WHY? Because I want to be healthy and strong. And I never regret having done it.
I commit to walking/running two times a week and hitting the gym two times on weekends. My 7yo has told me that since the weather is better, he will scooter with me during the week and then I’m not cancelling around my husband’s sporadic schedule… which has really taken the wind out of my sails!
My goal was to lose 40 pounds before my 40th birthday last November. I met and exceeded my goal, but then the holidays happened. Now, a few months later my bad habits are sneaking back and I’ve plateaued. This week I started up again. I’m hitting the dreaded treadmill and eating healthier. I’m ready to #TakeTheLeap I want to embrace the treadmill and not dread it! I want to stick to my plan and stop making excuses!
I’m determined to get more exercise than I have been getting, walking is my thing :-)
Im trying to change my carreer path and find something meaningful
I’m trying not to be so hard on myself for every darn thing. It’s not easy!
I am committed to changing my eating habits. To stop reaching for junk food, instead I’ll reach for healthier options (hummus, fruits, etc)
eating healthier
I’m committed to get through this separation and not let his cruelty defeat me no matter how my heart is breaking.
Iam committing to change my exercising habits!
I am hoping to commit to changing my walking. I love to walk and need to do it more often! Thank you!
my goal has been to lose at least 15lbs, get into better shape and drink more water, I love to walk but it has been winter so I have not been taking long walks, still getting out just not long (I hate cold)
I am committing to eat more fruits and veggies
I am committing to snacking less on home made baking & walking a little more everyday!
I am committed to getting in shape and feeling great. A few weeks ago I got back on my elliptical to work off my 13 lbs left of baby weight, wanting to look smokin hot for summer, and drinking lots more water, less snacking (which was harder than I thought) so far so good
One of my current goals is to demand my mind and body to be away from routine. Instead of allowing a day of computer time, I must find times for quiet and nature and screen-free conversation, and just general ‘mixing it up’. I think it helps all areas of life. Exercise, mental wellness, rest, posture.
I’m committed to trying to get back into shape via a healthy diet and exercise!
This year I’m committed to getting my weight under control and getting back down to where I was years ago, pre-divorce! 10 pounds down so far, maybe 15 to go – we will see!
I’m committed to exercising more. I try to work out 3x a week.
I need to walk more and drink more water!
I am committing to getting off my butt and walking more to pick up the kids to and from school.
I am committing to getting outdoors more frequently.
I am committing to be more active ! I need to drink more water as well I want to be more active so I can feel good !
I’m going for broke this year. I am trying to quit smoking and I am changing my diet and working out!
2016 will be my make or break year.
I am trying to have a more balanced diet and exercise more often in order to make myself more healthy
I am trying to eat healthier. Slowly cutting out all the horrible stuff. Watching my snacking. Winter is never kind to my weight as I am not as active since I pretty much hibernate!
I’m committed to cutting down on the amount of white sugar I consume.
Trying to be more patient with the kids – it’s a work in progress!
I commit to getting more/enough sleep and to continue to eliminate artificial sugar from my diet.
I’m cutting out all junk food and sodas and working out more!
I am committing to get off my butt and get in shape this year!! I plan on turning my life around in 2016 :)
To get moving more!
Being more mindful about time
trying to change my sleeping schedule
I am committed to getting a better sleep and walking more.
I am committing to drinking more water!
I seriously need to stop snacking..
I have committed to change my eating habits by eating more fruits and vegetables and staying away from pasta and anything fried, so far in the past 6 wks I have lost 25 lbs
I am committed to living a healthier life . I have quit smoking and now I am working on exercising and eating better
I`m commiting to get in shape and excercising regularl;y/
I am committed to eating better and exercising more.
This year I’m committed to taking my fitness to a much higher and more focused level. I want to get very fit and active.
My new goal now is to cut down on my sugar intake.
I wish you the best on your journeys as I battle dysphagia, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. I fight everyday, for it to not be my last.
I exercise at least three times a week and 90% of my meals are homemade.
I am committed to stop making excuses to myself its time for change and starting with changing my eating habits.
I am committed to going for a daily walk, I have been really good apart from the last couple of days as I have been sick!
I am committed to changing my eating habits and nutrition
Let’s do it
I am committing to a healthier lifestyle. I am learning to cook healthier meals for my family and getting out to get at least 1 hour of fresh air and exercise.
I want to walk more
I am committed to having more swim days with the kids & taking family walks so that we’re all getting exercise together.
I am making a commitment to give up sugar and diet soda out of my diet
I am committing to more exercise and eating healtjy.
I Commit to get more sleep! Tax season busyness has begun and I’m already running on empty. More sleep is so important. And, the 18th is my birthday so as a present to myself – I’m setting my alarm – to go to bed! Thanks for the chance AND the motivation!
I’m changing my eating habits and trying to move more, but I need more motivation to get off my butt!1
I am committed to changing my life as my three little girls are getting older and it’s time I focus on myself and my health. I need to eat better, exercise more, and encourage my entire family to do the same!
I am going to commit to saying yes more. I always say no out of fear..I am going to change that
i’m committed to changing my eating habits
I’m committed to turning flab to muscle.
Try to control my anxieties with thinking positive and walking in the great outdoors.
I am committed to getting in shape and removing negativity from my life.
I am committing to change my fitness level. I have been lazy do to having a muscle disorder and not pushing my body more to keep fit so I am now trying to make sure I get an hour walk on the treadmill each day.
I would love to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating right and exercise at least 5x a week!
I commit to taking better care of my shoulder
I’m trying to move more through the day. Since “sitting is the new smoking” I’m trying to ensure I get up from my desk every 30 minutes or so. It shouldn’t be hard, but it is.
I commit to eating less processed foods. Less or no more takeouts, chips and pop which can be a challenge at times.
I am committed to change the amount of sugar I eat, and increase the number of active minutes I have each day
I’m taking a walk each day and committed to getting rid of the clutter this year.
I’m working on improving my cardio this year
Getting rid of sugared drinks,
I’m committing to drinking more water.
I need to exercise more and eat better.
I’m committed to getting back on the exercise train and taking off the 10 pounds that have crept on over the past two years so that I feel comfortable and healthy again.
Besides being physically active, I need to create healthier diet habits.
I’m committing to eating better this year.
Eating much less processed foods.
I’ve committed to cutting out desserts.
I commit to stick to the healthier food choices that I have been making this year.
being more active and eating healthier. I feel like i’m already active enough but i want to push it a lil more
I’m commited to being happier.
I’m committed to eating healthier
We’re aiming for more family time and less time on devices as we move forward this year and in the future.
I am committing to walking 3o minutes per day.
I am committed to exercise regularly and stopping soda. I joined a gym about a month ago and so far so good. 4 days a week I have been in there. The soda is an up and down thing. Few days good then one bad but I’ll get there.
I’m trying to be more active and do more outdoor activities.
i am committing to walk daily
I am well on my way with my weight loss program but my exercise level is sadly low. So increasing my walking is the next to tackle.
I’m committed to taking care of myself better
Ohmigawd, eating out! We have to do that less! Meal prep not only saves money, but waistlines! :)
Listen actively and be more patient
I’m committing to walking more once the weather warms up :)
I’m committing to being fit by my 40th birthday – I don’t have long to go!!
I am committing to a healthier lifestyle. Healthier eating.
I’m cutting out soda for water
Like you I am getting back into a workout routine. I went threw menopause and breastcancer. I beat both and am still semi sane. I also have a 13yr. old daughter. My 2 other children are 34 and 29. I have been married for 36yrs. So all this explains the SEMI sane. I am glad you are sober. My father never was. Keep up the great work and yes stay active.
I am working on losing weight the right way and on my own pace without negative input from others. Doing this by eating right, work out and walking. I hope having a fitbit will help me reach my goals. Thank you
I am keeping a more positive outlook on life and walking more
I need to stop smoking, I’ll be 60 in less than one month and then lose weight by diet control and more walking
I’m committing to eating healthier and removing more processed foods and sugars from my home.
I’m committed to getting active outside at least 30 minutes a day!
I am committing to being more active. I have gained weight over the past year, and can’t stand it anymore.
I am committed to eating better! No more chips!
to get more active and to eat,cook healthier meals for my family , cutting out soda and chips (that was pretty hard but slowly getting used to grabbing water and a fruit instead of junk)
I am committing to exercise at least twice a week and stop eating chips!
I am committing to change my eating and exercise habits. I can’t stand it anymore, time to get myself back!
I’m trying to eat a little better, but the hardest thing for me is to drink more water. I drink plenty of liquid….very little of it water!!!!
trying to loose weight, down 30 so far
I’m committing to eat healthier and get more exercise.
I’m committing to change through my walking. I walk for at least an hour a day, and run most of my errands on foot. I’ve lost weight, and my endurance and strength have really increased.
Lots of change in store for us this year. My husband is retiring in May and we’ll be moving/downsizing so we’ll have more time to do the things we enjoy. First on the list is to get more exercise followed closely by changing to a healthier lifestyle by planting our own garden.
I’m committing to eat less sugar! It’s hard!
Walking an hour every single day. Drinking at least 10 glasses of water.
I’ve lost 60 libs this past year and am working on losing another 20lbs. I exercise almost every day, alternating between cardio and strength training. I also eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.
I’m committed to getting outside with my family and being active while we explore the beauty of nature.
To add more steps in my day
Starting in January I committed to listen to my body, not every other diet guru out there. I’ve been having trouble though getting into the exercise. So I commit to adding exercise to my health commitment. I also want to start taking care of myself in other ways. I’m an artist but I’ve been neglecting that in favor of concentrating on what I put in my mouth. So, I’m adding a commitment to a full, complete human being, balanced with health, exercise and hobbies.
Being more active and less lazy.
I’m committing to planking and doing squats every day.
I want to be committed to exercising more often
I’m committing to eat and sleep at regular times of day.
doing more walking outside – bad weather is not an excuse. thanks
I’m committing to making exercise part of my daily routine.
My goal is to eat more fruits and veggies.
I would like to commit walking 7 days a week and running at least 2.
I am committing to getting healthier, body and soul, so as to provide a good role model for my daughter. I want to be fit and eat right so she learns how to make healthy choices. I’ve joined a gym and am trying to meal plan appropriately (this seems harder than going to the gym for me). Also trying not to let her see me on my phone so much!
Last April, I made a few major health changes. I took up mountain biking and started eating healthier. We stopped eating out (we still eat out occasionally, once every 5 weeks) and cut out some bad habits that were costing money. We put the saved money from eating out etc. in a box (in monopoly money…easy to keep track of) and the system worked. Really good. I’m clearly a person driven by numbers and stats and I am planning on doing a bike challenge in June to get me motivated. My goal is to work even harder than last year and shed the last extra pounds (those last ones are really hard to get rid of!) Now that I’m much stronger I’m feeling quite confident I can do it, but obviously something that will track my progress would help a great deal!
I am committing to reducing the amount of prepared foods I eat.
I have already started last year with my fitness goals so far I have loss 10 lbs, I have started eating healthy and drinking more water, including vitamins and active 5 days a week, lifting weights but I have much more to go, sleeping is one of the things I which I could know how much I’m doing. just keep swimming!
I committed to giving up desserts/sugar in the month of March..not trying for longer than that yet lol..
I am committing to not biting my nails!
cutting out processed foods, even small steps all add up into a healthier me.
I’m committing to spending less time watching tv and more time being active.
I am committed to change my fitness level. I am now much more active than I have been since high school I commit to keeping it up!
I’m committing to cutting cream in my coffee. Not an easy feat!!!
I am committed to staying active and challenging myself physically.
I’m committed to changing my eating habits
My goal is to lose 50 pounds
I am committing to a healthier lifestyle. No drinking alcohol, not eating processed foods and exercising. The Fit Bit would be a great help in keeping me active.
To eat more healthier!
I have joined an indoor walking club so when it is nasty out I can still walk=an exercise tracker would be a big help
I am committed to cooking more at home, and eating less fast food.
I am committed to stop making excuses not to exercise. My arsenal includes…too busy, too tired, I’ll double up tomorrow(which I don’t), it’s raining or it’s too hot. Enough is enough! Time to start making my health a priority.
I like to get rid of the flabby belly and gain a stronger core.
I am committing to becoming a more active and healthier person. As well as trying to be more organized.
I’m committing to a vegetarian lifestyle.
I am committed to eating less sugar, more fruits and vegetables, along with drinking more water
I’m trying the same approach as you are! Dec, Jan, and Feb are such cold dark depressing months, so I tell myself to just GET UP, resist the urge to NOT exercise. I’ve never been disappointed yet!
I’m drinking more water. So far so good.
Always trying to participate and make changes and choices that are better for my physical and mental heath.
I could really use this to start my journey!
I’m committing to change my eating habits & to work out more! I want to gain more energy & lose my mommy pooch for good!!
I am committed to healthier eating (cutting down on the fast food). Looking at the mental health of my family and making sure I stay on top of my health not only for myself but, my family as well.
I’m committed to incorporating fitness and movement in my life. I rejoined the gym and loving Zumba and group fitness classes.
I am committed to doing yoga more often
i want to exercise 3 times a week but doing baby steps right now
i’m not buying any more candy!
I am committed to writing.
I’m committing to being braver in my sober journey (almost to my four year mark) and moving my body more. I’m not getting any younger.
I am giving up junk food
I’m committed to getting off the couch and getting things done. More exercise, more playing with my kids, more finishing my to do list, no more excuses!
I’d like to commit to getting more sleep!
I commit to getting more quality sleep, no more late nights reading the entire internet before bed.
I am committing to walk more and going hiking with my husband and dogs this year.
I am committed to becoming more active and eating healthier
I am committing to changing my driving habits, no more lead foot for me!
To increase my physical activity since I am lacking in that department.
I’m committed to drinking more water, eating more veggies and being physically active 3x a week.
My weight
I’m committing to push myself further physically. They say life begins at the end of your comfort zone!
I’m committing to eating healthier.
I am committing to eating healthier
my goal is to eat healthier and exercise
eat less red meat
I’d like to place in the next teir of my cycle racing!
Eating healthier cutting out the sugars and bad carbs.
I need to get off my butt and get moving! That’s my goal. :)
Better eating habits
I am currently committed to eating less sugar and more fruits and vegetables
I’m committing to chance my attitude toward exercise. It is too easy to blow it off instead of buckling down and doing something. I’m doing long walks every day now and am so far sticking too them. Haven’t been tracking them other than time 1 hour every day.
to eating healthier and taking a bit of time just for myself
I’m committing to stop being so negative about myself. I take care of my physical health, but sometimes my mental health gets neglected.
I’m committing to exercise to help lower my of heart disease
I am committed to reduce the amount of salt and sugar in my diet to lower my high blood pressure and maintain better healthy eating.
I am committing to sleeping better… and I hope that results in other positive changes as well!
I’m committed to make sure I live everyday like it’s my last – love others & smile LOTS
I am committed to developing a healthier lifestyle. It is about time!
eating healthier and working out more
I joined the gym in January and I’ve been watching what I have been eating
I am committed to walking when I can instead of taking the car. Yes, the car is easier and faster, but my two legs should be able to get me where I need to go in town. And so far it seems to be working.
I am committed to taking my health back. Last Physical revealed High Blood Pressure & high Cholesterol. I need to get control before permanent damage is done This Fit bit would help keep me on track. Thanks for the chance.
Being more financially aware