Tips for Healthy Bodies and Healthy Finances

When summer hits, I find myself with a little extra winter fluff hanging on that needs to go. My knees start hurting and I have a hard time handling the heat even without the extra, so it's got to go.

Though I've never been exceptionally overweight by most, average standards, I am considered 30 to 40 pounds over my suggested Body Mass Index. I just carry most of it in my hips, which is an easier area to camouflage.

My biggest problem is a lack of will power. I'm generally not an over-eater, and my extra is hormone related. It just takes a lot of effort to get it to budge and simply cutting portions won't do it. I already eat a lot of vegetables and salads when they're available. I eat a limited amount of carbs and sweets. I usually only drink water, coffee and hot herbal teas.

So, what do I do?

• I have to really work myself up to the idea, mentally and emotionally. I have to make up my mind that I'm going to lose the weight. ...which is definitely not successful on it's own, but if I don't make up my mind, I won't do it at all.
• I stop eating supper on a few days a week, trying not to eat anything after 3-4 in the afternoon.
• I supplement a few meals a week with a meal replacement, high protein shake or bar. I really love them and in summer I tend to not have an appetite for large meals. Especially when I'm busy, this works well.
• When I'm craving ice cream, I try to have a frozen banana smoothie instead. I blend a frozen banana and sometimes frozen strawberries with some milk or cream cheese and enjoy!
• I give myself days to eat normal. Usually Friday and Saturday and then one other day in the midst of the week. This helps keep me from burning out.

As with everything else in life, it takes consistency and flexibility. I also know my body well enough to know, if I get stressed, my body will rebel. So I make sure to get plenty of sleep, rest and happy things going on. I don't usually try to add a workout routine at the same time. I'll stretch a lot and take a walk on pretty days, but I don't push myself beyond what I know I can handle. After the weight is off, it's easier and more comfortable to move about and start the exercises.

I wish I could just stay consistent and keep the weight off. But when winter hits, I always seem to go into hibernation mode with a good book and hot cocoa. I give myself that grace. I'm healthy, and that is what is important. Continuing to get more healthy is always the goal.

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While considering physical health, finances are something to consider as well. We've always struggled through summer. My husband is a contractor and customers tend to not want to pay him until after summer vacation and new school clothes and supplies are purchased for their children. So we tend to be last on the list to pay. We're blessed to have been out of debt for a good while now, but I know a lot are struggling especially with the economy as it is.

My friend Danielle Tate is offering a course. She and her family have had some major financial devastation to work through and she is a financial counselor, so she definitely knows her stuff.
I encourage you to check out her 6 Steps to a Debt Free Lifestyle to help you work toward eliminating the debt you have and live with a new mindset for financial freedom.

A few extras this week:

Cathy Duffy has done a review of the Beyond The Stick Figure drawing course. Cathy is a respected Homeschool icon. I know so many have struggled with teaching their children art. I'm so glad there is such a sweet course now. If that's an area you struggle with, definitely check it out.

Also, there is a Free Trial of Traditional Cooking School. There are so many great homesteading tips and wonderful recipes on the Traditional Cooking School site.

And for Bible study, The Followers of Jesus Christ website is a great place to find topics and teachings of Biblical Prophecy, Freemasonry, Cults, Ritual Abuse, SRA, Fraternities, Healing, PLUS, many more Bible studies and helpful ministry Resources such as Books, CDs, DVDs, Tracts, Poems, and PDFs!

How are you doing so far this summer? I'd love to hear what your plans or goals are for the next few months!