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 Linda is a 43
years old, single parent. She writes, "Over the past few
years, I have gone through so much and the weight
continues to pile on. I can't afford a
personal trainer nor afford to
go
to the gym. What can I do? I haven't dated in 5 years
and I'm tired of myself." (Related:
Excuses for not
working out)
Indeed,
it is difficult to be a single mother. With all the
emotional and
financial pressures you must be having, it is hard to
think of your body and your love life, but
life must go on. To
put
your life back on track, I would suggest that you
nurture both your body and soul. And if it sounds
overwhelming, start with small steps. Every little thing
that you do will help. Personally I have found that having
a role model or an inspiration is helpful. Pick someone
who inspires you - you don't have to know this person; it
could even be a
celebrity that you admire. Here are a few tips to be
YOU again. |
- Write a
diary of gratitude,
preferably everyday. This way you will be more
optimistic and will also realize how much you have
to be
thankful about.
- You do not need a gym or expensive
meal plans to lose weight.
Oprah Winfrey lost a lot of weight by following some
very
simple rules:
- No white stuff. Meaning no white
flour and no added sugar. This eliminates some of most
popular foods like breads, sodas, white pasta and
desserts.
- While this may look difficult, once
you start, it becomes easy. And it does not mean
that you can never eat those foods - you can have
everything in moderation once in a while.
- Eat less. Use smaller dishes and
serve smaller sizes.
- Drink a lot of water and avoid
supermarket juices (if you like fruit juices, make
your own fresh juice at home and do not add sugar) and
sodas. This way you can
cut a lot of sugar.
- Eat salads, but make your own low
fat dressing. A great way to
cut fat.
- Use olive oil and avoid margarine.
- Eat 2 snacks a day. You may choose
yogurt, fruits,
salads,
small sandwich, etc.
-
Start moving,
even if you only can walk fast for 5 minutes.
Start where you are but do it 5 times a week.
Once you reach 40 minutes of fast walking you
can buy
Bob Greene's Get with the Program or other
weight training books and add 20 minutes
weight training to your routine 3 times a week.
You do not need special equipment - only
weights. But if you can afford even one lesson
with a personal trainer it is worthwhile.
-
Make time for
yourself - you are worthy. You can indulge by
doing a
facial at home or
soaking in a bathtub with your favorite
bath
salts or cooking a gourmet (healthy) meal with
your child.
-
Think positive -
you can do it and you are worthy.
(Related:
Life after divorce)
-
Very soon you
will notice that guys are all over you.
(Related:
Dating for single parents and
Single mom cannot find date)
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What to do after
getting a divorce? |
