Many thanks to the publisher for the complimentary review copy; however, these are solely my thoughts and opinions.
The No More Excuses Diet by Maria Kang
Published by Harmony Books
On March 10th, 2015
Genre: Non-Fiction, Wellness
Pages: 224
Source: complimentary review copy
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Excuses validate our choices. They let us off the hook and give us permission to fail. While psychologically soothing, excuses limit our ability to create opportunities to progress toward personal health. ~Maria Kang
Somehow I have ended up with a couple of books this month that are all about motivation, habits and the dreaded {by me at least} exercise! The first one of the month is with the From Left to Write virtual book club. Not a typical review – more my thought process while reading the book! Do share your tips in the comments cause I need all the help I can get!
My top 5 exercise excuses of the moment
1. I don’t have time. . .or like what happened tonight: I’m going to be late to yoga class, and I don’t want to disturb the others. Then I tell myself I’m being considerate which validates my justification for turning the car around to head home!
2. I’m too tired. {but why am I tired? is it tired from the day or is it from the multiple sclerosis? With the first, I should push through; with the second, only legitimate rest helps – which leads back to the question of why am I tired? It’s an awful loop!}
3. I’m too sore. {same as above. Am I sore from the previous day’s walk or is it the multiple sclerosis?} notice how I snuck in there that it was “from the previous day’s walk” meaning that yes, yes I did get my exercise {hopefully} it could also be that I’ve told myself the next one ~
4. There’s always tomorrow. . . .also known as the Scarlett O’Hara syndrome. A very bad bad syndrome to get caught up in and one that has a habit of drawing me into its’ clutches!
5. Play the justification game ~ “well, everything I read says it’s 30% exercise and 70% nutrition…I’ll just eat {insert either less or better depending on the moment!}
Now, my top 5 get pumped up resources
1. Loud music. Typically the first few songs on the Pink channel of Pandora are enough to get me moving. Once I turn the music up it’s impossible to not move.
2. Listen to motivational podcasts. Michael Hyatt and Chalene Johnson are my current go-to’s for motivation. In fact, Chalene Johnson has one podcast just for me that gets my behind in gear! {I’m happy to share it with you though if you’re in need of a motivation boost as well}
3. Five minute rule. I can do anything for 5 minutes. Typically once I start {usually it’s walking} then by the time 5 minutes is over I tell myself I can at least walk 1 mile; hopefully once I reach 1 mile I’ve talked myself into going for that full 30 minutes . .my short-term goal is to get in 30 minutes of exercise daily. I’m only focusing on the short-term goal at the moment and not that long, far away goal of total health!
Photo Credit: David Niblack
4. Pay attention to my self-talk ~ it usually goes something like “why didn’t you. . .” Once I recognize that I’m in a negative loop I change my self-talk. This month’s mantra is “I am enough.” Believe me, I’ve said those three words a hundred million times and we are only on Day 11 for March!
5. To keep myself motivated, I’m following several fitness experts and fitness junkies on social media ~ I’ve always told my children that who surround yourself with is what will motivate your actions – it’s no different for adults. Seeing certain fitness folks who are also motivating is incredibly helpful to me. I’ve also unfollowed some because their feeds were counter-productive.
What is your go-to resource or idea that gets you pumped up to exercise {or tackle any task you’ve been procrastinating?}
This post was inspired by The No More Excuses Diet by Maria Kang who shares her no-excuses philosophy that motivated her to become more fit. Join From Left to Write on March 12th as we discuss The No More Excuses Diet. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.
