Cleansing the Spirit...and the Body!

So, the current goal that I have set for myself is the goal of losing weight and being healthier. Although it may seem like a shallow goal, and in some sense it is, I am already learning that this goal has an impact on more than just my waistline. I am currently on day two of my "diet" if you will, haha whoa big accomplishment right? Not! But even still, after only being on it for two days, I am already noticing differences. All of the differences so far are internal, but they might prove to be more important than any external differences that will eventually show! One of the differences that I have noticed is my level of energy. After eating unhealthy and being inactive, I started to develop a sloppy, slow, grumpy way of going about.....everything. But now, I have more energy, my attitude is more positive and I am willing to take on more. In a sense, treating my body like the temple it is, is bringing me closer to God. I am no longer worrying about how I look, or how "fat" I feel, because I am improving my situation and I know that eventually, things will change both inside and out! Until then, some of the superficial fog and negativity is going away fast, and I have more energy and spunk to embrace everything I am blessed with, as well as challenge myself when I start complaining for no reason. I really feel like my choice to change my lifestyle is a choice that will leave me feeling cleansed physically and spiritually. Don't get me wrong, this new change is not a replacement for prayer, study, and fellowship, or anything else involving my relationship with God, but it is something that is getting me off of my lazy butt and helping me to be more positive and grateful about my surroundings. I look at it this way, taking care of myself=better attitude and energy level=less reasons to complain=less stupid junk for me to use to distract myself from the lord=respecting the lord more=more gratefulness=more praise towards God=stronger relationship with him!....haha I am not sure if that progression makes sense to anyone but myself, but hopefully it gives you some idea of where I am coming from on this.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV 

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV 

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.



Just in case anyone else has had the urge to take better care of themselves, here are some things that I have done so far that are really helping me out! (Just so you know, I am horrible at staying consistent and motivated on things like this, I usually stop after a day! Seriously! So the things that are motivating me are really working!!!)

Here is a list of things I am doing or using in my efforts to take better care of myself:

1) Just Dance! (or Just Sweat)...but seriously, this is a good workout if you do it full out and on the intense level....whatever form of activity it is that you enjoy, use it to your advantage and incorporate it into you workouts!

 

2. George Foreman Grill...this thing is epic! I just cut chicken breasts in half, tenderize them, bag them for the week, and then when I am home from a busy day and have a bunch more to do, I just season the chicken, pop it on the grill, mix a salad and my dinner is ready in less than 20 minutes...maybe even less than 15. And it is yummy and good for me! Love it!

3. Carnation Instant Breakfast...these little packets of amazingness mixed with low fat milk really help me out in the morning! They have important nutrients for the day, and make a great start for the day as far as food and nutrition go. They also have pre-mixed bottles, a little more expensive, but way more convenient. Either way, love love love.

4. The boyfee-haha yep. The boyfriend. His knowledge from going to school to be a personal trainer really helps when I don't know what to eat or do...I know not everyone has this, but way before him google and other friends who had similar majors or passions worked just as well!

5. Thin-spiration....here is the way shallow aspect of this whole process...but thinking about the fact that if I work on my body, I will be able to pull off any outfit, or fit in to anything more comfortably...and look good...it helps. And looking up fitness pins on pinterest, mixed with Marilyn Monroe pictures helps motivate me. She seems to have a similar body type...except WAY better. Haha I am aiming for that goal. I think that setting myself up to go after a shape that is similar to mine, and not unrealistic as far as looking like a skeleton is a good way to go about it. Who knows, I could be wrong lol. It just works for me for now.

6. MyNetDiary...This is an iphone app that helps you count calories, track exercise, and it even gives you a specific amount of calories to consume depending on your weight loss goal.

7. 30 Day photo challenge, fitness version!!!

 

8. Admitting that I am not as healthy as I should be! It seems simple, but over the years I have convinced myself that I am just "medium" or average...which led to excuses. I have finally admitted to myself that I am not just having a "fat day", or that I am in the middle, or whatever else denial leads to. I finally admit that I could treat my body better. It is already motivating me 10X more!