Weight Loss Journey... Take 4? LOL

My weight loss journey has been an uphill battle. From working two jobs after graduation to starting grad school, I haven't found much time to invest in myself. However, with the motivation from friends, family, and classmates; I am ready to make something shake. I've come to the realization that it is okay to stay busy, but you've got to make time for yourself. 

The person who motivated me the most was a fellow classmate who would "check-in" and tag someone in her Instagram story every time she went to the gym. I took notice and started checking in with her too. After a few days of checking in, another friend of mine started checking in as well. It's a form of accountability and I'm grateful to have accountability partners! It pushes me to stay active even when I don't want to. I also think that checking in to my Instagram story, where everyone can see, could possibly be a silent motivator for others. 

I am not much of a gym person, so I made an effort to exercise outside or at home. I invested in a few things such as a jump rope, resistance bands, medicine ball, and weights. Although I do not have as much equipment as a gym, I am still able to get a meaningful workout by combining weight/resistance training with cardio. For cardio, I walk/jog at the nearest park. I use the app "Running." It offers a free 7-day trial and can either be used as a free version or a premium version, which is $9.99 a month. Although that may be a little expensive for some, it is cheaper than a gym membership. It includes virtual personal trainers, playlists, different level and style workouts, recipes, shopping lists and more. I also go to classes at the LSU UREC since its free (for now lol). My favorite group class is spin!

I have also been using J.J. Smith's green smoothie recipes to help with my journey. I would recommend purchasing her books: The 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse and Green Smoothies for Life. I also joined her Facebook group. Since the beginning of the year, I've lost 12 pounds. However, I have only been consistently exercising for about 2-3 weeks. 

For anyone trying to lose weight, my biggest tips would be:

1. Do what makes you comfortable! If you do not like working out at a gym in front of a bunch of people, then don't. Do whatever works for you, as long as you stay active.
2. Don't start your journey alone. Having an accountability partner or a person to keep you motivated helps. Whether it is your mom or boyfriend or someone you check-in with on social media, find that person.
3. "Cheating" is okay. If you try to eliminate everything at once, it'll be easier to backslide. Instead, find healthier alternatives and incorporate cheat meal, but don't overdo it. 
4. Follow workout pages on social media for motivation and tips!

In the meantime, we'll see how "Take 4" goes. Wish me luck and keep checking in!