Erik has been writing this series on motivating people to get fit. I mean, that’s what we’re about here at Strong Figure–getting Strong. If you’ve missed any of them, find tip 1 HERE and tip 2 HERE. But we’re also known for eating well too–or at least trying to as much as possible–because let’s face it, anyone can get strong, but it’s REALLY hard to get strong, lose fat, lean up, and look fabulous. (That’s my goal–100% of the time.)
And we all know that every single person is different when it comes to eating, lifting, and what works for each individual. Some people’s bodies handle carbs better, some people handle fasting better, some people struggle with sugar addictions, and some with nuts/nut butters–i.e. me.
Some of my friends carb back load and some eat clean. Some don’t even worry about what they eat and let their workout take precedence over food. Some are strict paleo, some gluten free, and some–like me–obssess over every little morsel. Man, I love food.
And though we’re all different–in our body type, the way we process food, the way we exercise, and the way we carry our weight–one thing is for sure: Some days, it’s just really REALLY hard to stick to your nutritional goals. That’s why I’ve decided to come up with my top five motivators, and hopefully they’ll be able to help you as well.
Motivation Tip 1: Put a picture on your fridge.
I know that most people put really fit models or athletes on their fridge–like my friend Reagan for example. She has Andrea Ager on her fridge. I see it, love it, get depressed that I’ll never look that way, and want to binge on donuts. So putting a super fit person on a fridge is not realistic for me. What does work is the opposite. And before you start saying I’m cruel–listen up. I used to be fat. And sometimes, all I need for motivation is to see those pics again. So what works for me? A picture–of what I NEVER want to look like. I KNOW what food does to me. Find something that just disgusts you, and put it on your fridge. I guarentee you’ll think twice about opening the door.
Photo by Ed Yourdon.
And after watching this video of Andrea, I’m even MORE motivated to work hard and eat cleaner. Abs are made in the kitchen, and DAMN this girl has the abs of my dreams!! Ok, so maybe I’ll put both pictures on my fridge. Hey, whatever works, right?!
Motivation Tip 2: Put on a pair of really tight jeans.
This past weekend I wanted to wear jeans to a football game and I went through about four pair before I found some that fit me just right. I hate jeans. I’m five foot tall and have huge quads and wide hips. I have a short midsection too–even low waisted jeans look like high belly jeans. I hate it. If there’s fat to be pinched, my jeans find it. I actually thought about starting a “jeans burning” movement but decided to order some Lululemon workout pants instead. Back to the motivation–if you want to eat healthy, put on your tightest jeans. Even add a belt. One guy I read said to sit down at your dinner table in your tightest pants and no shirt. That’ll stop you from gorging. It might cause a lot of other things to happen, but I bet you won’t over-indulge on food.
Motivation Tip 3: Watch sports.
I don’t care what sport it is, odds are, there will be some fit-ass people on your screen. I actually watched the 2011 CrossFit Games on ESPN when I had gotten out of crossfitting, and it inspired me to get back into it. There really aren’t many other sports that produce such great results for chicks like me–my short-ass build. So watching people on TV pick up heavy objects, climb ropes, and perform unbelieveable acts of fitness–all in super cute shorts and sports bras–that’s such motivation for me to eat cleaner and train even harder.
Tell me this isn’t motivational and that these athletes aren’t hot.
Motivation Tip 4: Log your food.
And do it for others to see! Last February I took a 40+ day Paleo challenge and it changed my life. And I stayed true to it because people followed my progress. I’ve slipped off of it here and there but I think it’s because the only person holding me accountable is–ME. After I went through four pair of jeans this past weekend, I decided to take a serious look at what I was eating and go back to logging my food. I’m on a serious plan and I have big goals. I’m even thinking of doing a 100-Day Paleo Challenge…just not sure when to start it. Any takers?
Motivation Tip 5: Get your friends involved.
Speaking of people joining in on my Paleo challenge, sometimes the biggest motivators for eating better are the people around me. When my friends eat healthy and my beau cooks low-carb paleo crockpot meals, IT HELPS. And when my friends need an extra push, I’m always there. One of my favorite sights is a room full of people eating HEALTHY snacks. The first cookout I ever went to at my CrossFit box, every single meal was either Paleo-friendly or low carb. I was in heaven…I couldn’t believe it! There was even a “bunless pork BBQ!” I’ve never felt so at home. Find people who take value in your goals and steer clear of those who tempt you of the crap food. They’re probably just jealous their will power isn’t as freakin’ awesome as yours!
Stay true to your goals and just say NO to bad-for-you foods! Do it once and it gets way easier, I swear. I think I’ve even told people that I’m allergic to sugar. Hey, whatever works, right?! Temptation surrounds us in life, but it never has to get the best of us!!
Stay tuned for the rest of Erik’s Fitness Motivation Tips by making sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and sign up (over to the right) for email updates in order to stay fresh, fit, and STRONG! –Steph 🙂
Feature image by Felipe Skroski.
I think I am with Reagan, I am more motivated with the fit person on the fridge. Speaking of, please don’t put those milk shake people on the fridge.
Concerning the jeans not fitting, that is because you are not “average” — you are ABOVE average. Clothing companies make clothes for the masses. Most women don’t have quads (sadly). Even men’s clothes suck in this regard — if your waste is 32 then you must have skinny legs; if your neck is 16.5 then you must be overweight. I credit the success of Lululemon to the fact they know women with athletic bodies cannot find clothes that fit them properly — so they essentially have a monopoly. I just wish a clothing company could make more affordable clothes for athletic people. How many crossfitters are there? Maybe strongfigure should start a clothing line.
Erik, I would LOVE to start a Strong Figure jeans line!! Know anyone who can financially back that project?? 😀 And thank you for calling me “above average.” That is too sweet. I promise I won’t put the milkshake people on the fridge. Oh and did you see the Andrea Ager video?? Reagan may have changed my mind too.