There are a few things that I believe have contributed to my weight loss so far. One new habit is planning out my meals for the whole week. By deciding in advance what I will eat everyday during the week I am able to make smart choices from the start. I can guarantee that I will have my required number of fruits and vegetables. I also know the total caloric count for the day and know where I would have room for a drink with a friend. Then again, I can also plan my own healthy snacks!

And I will also add that this cuts down on the grocery bill. I only buy what I know is on my meal plan and shopping list and not extra food that usually ends up as empty and unhealthy calories.

I think about my motivation to live a happy, healthy life fairly often. Changes is difficult and requires work; forced effort. But in the end, the payoffs will be worth it, right?

But what is the big payoff? Why do I take out time to exercise when I could be going out with friends or staying at home with the Husband? Why do I eat fruit and veggies when I could have what I really want - another bag of potato chips? Why do I put in the work?

There really are a few things that motivate me. In no particular order:

1. My Health - Heart problems run a muck on my Dad’s side of the family. Cancer usually attacks my Mom’s side. I don’t want to leave this earth before the age of 80 (which seems to be standard practice in my family), so I need to do something about it now. Eat right and exercising, as well as making other small changes in my life, will give me a fighting chance to see my great-grand-kids!
2. My (yet-to-be-conceived) Children - I was really blessed growing up. My parents were active parents. Not only did they take the church youth group skating, they would play tag with them around the rink. I had a hard time getting dates once I turned 16 because my Dad’s biceps were so huge (they still are pretty big) that they scared off any candidate. I want to be like that for my children. Maybe not the bulging biceps part, but I want to be in my 40’s and able to chase them around the roller skating rink.
3. Myself - This is where the “vanity” in being healthy comes in. All that eating right and exercising usually adds up to a better looking person, doesn’t it? Although I have never considered myself vain, I wouldn’t mind fitting into a size 4 jeans. And I am sure the Husband wouldn’t mind either. On top of that, I strive for self-improvement. So even if I fit in the size 4 jeans, I would sit wonder what I could do to better myself. On the inside or on the outside. I am happy with who I am, but I know that I can be better. So why not?

That is my current motivation to live a happy, healthy life. What is yours?