Secret Diaries of a Tall Girl

8 things I have found helpful when losing weight/toning my body!

It's February and by now most people who made the new years resolution to loose weight have given up. THINKING OF GIVING UP? It's too cold, you're too tired, and there's just not enough time in the day. Well stop right there! Don't make excuses! These are the things that I have found most helpful when training:

1. EATING REGULARLY - this is the best piece of advice that was ever given to me. The most common mistake you can make whilst trying to lose weight is not eating enough. Food is the fuel your body uses to burn off fat and gives you the energy to do your exercises! When I was in high school I used to skip breakfast and often lunch too and although I was thin I couldn't keep it up! I found that I felt very sluggish and run-down and constantly felt hungry. Not to mention that by the time I came home I was so starving that I often ate 3 chocolate bars. As you can imagine I gained quite a lot of weight, but, because it went on slowly I didn't notice just how damaging this was.
2. VARYING EXERCISE -I find it very important to vary my exercises throughout the week in both cardio and weight training. If you're doing the same exercises day in - day out not only will you get extremely bored you will also reach a plateau. I used to follow the same weight training programme everyday for a long time and although it gave me results I found that it wasn't benefiting my whole body. By changing up my exercise routine everyday (abs day Monday, legs day Tuesday, Pilates Wenesday ect) I've found that it is giving me the results I want, although I still have a little bit of toning left to do! 
3. ALLOWING MYSELF ODD TREATS - If I don't have regular treats (I usually eat them once a week) I find myself getting depressed and going on a binge decimating the kitchen leaving no edible thing untouched. (Well maybe not quite but I'm pretty bad haha) Allowing yourself a little treat each week helps to keep you motivated and on track towards your goal! 
4. TAKING A REST DAYS -for me taking a rest day allows my body to recover and re-charges me almost like a battery! The work out the day after is always good. 
5. DRINKING LOTS OF WATER -obviously this is a must for everybody regardless of whether you exercise or not. When you work-out you lose water through sweat so drinking lots of water replenishes the water lost through perspiration. Plus you have great skin!
6. GETTING LOTS OF SLEEP - similarly to rest days getting lots of sleep allows you to recharge,  after a long nights sleep I wake up refreshed and ready to go!
7. NEVER USE THE WORD DIET ` i hate that word. It makes me feel depressed just typing it. I just think of it as my new lifestyle. Thats why I try to make it as enjoyable as I can, that way it will become a permanent change!
8. LASTLY, its far better to get your friends to work out with you. If thats not possible tip I would suggest is being part of a community (such as the fitspo tag on tumblr) so you can share progress and tips. This kept me motivated when I wanted to quit most, that and imagining where I would be in 1 month, 6 months... A year! The progress I have made is amazing and so fulfilling!                         

This was me at prom 2-3 years ago:                      This is me now!

These are all of my progress pictures! I have come a long way since I first made the decision to lose weight! Don't give up, remember if other people can do it you can do it too! K.J. X

Here is another useful website that I uses for people who are interested in toning their bodies, the hosts are very helpful and offer new workouts regularly: BODYROCK TV (you can also download their app from the app store -BodyRock.tv)