Weight Loss Tips For Way Too Busy Moms

You've got the kids, the house, the job - how are you supposed to take care of yourself, let alone drop a few pounds? The truth is that if you don't take care of yourself, you'll be no good to anyone. And if you look in the mirror every day and feel negative about the extra ten pounds you're carrying, your grouchy mood will ripple throughout your family. Use these practical tips to get back on the health and fitness wagon.

Cut the Excuses

Yeah, it's hard. We all know that. The sooner you accept the fact that maintaining your physical health is harder work, the sooner you'll get in shape. Stop fighting the facts and use that energy instead to get moving! The top three ways to get started are:

• Wake up earlier so you can workout before anyone else wakes up.
• Join a gym with daycare. Enough said.
• Buy home gym equipment. (Bonus: Watch daytime TV guilt free!)

Set Goals

Make sure your goals are SMART, that is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed. A general goal like lose 25 pounds overwhelming and likely you'll quit before you really get going. Break big goals down into small, attainable, short-term goals and write down exactly how you plan to do it. Lose 1 pound this week by cutting out soda, drinking 8 glasses of water daily, and doing a total of 100 minutes of cardio. Success this week leads to confidence for next week.

Have Fun

Finding an exercise you like is crucial. Running may be awesome for weight loss, but if you hate running, what's the point? You'll quit after a week (trust me on this!). Take into account your schedule as well as the shape you're in right now.

Make Menus and Appointments

There's nothing so powerful as the written word. Plan ahead. Once a week, plan out in as great of detail as possible all your meals and exercise for the week. Make yourself and your health a priority. Treat your exercise appointments just as you would any other commitment you make to someone else. Be realistic about your meals, taking into account social occasions and dining with others.

Get Dressed

Whenever you can, get dressed in your workout clothes. This sends a strong message to yourself that you are serious about this working out thing. Whether it's first thing in the morning, or what you change into after work, lacing up those tennis shoes sets your workout into action.

Suck It Up

When all seems hopeless, remember you're creating habits. When you do something consistently each day, even for a very short period of time, you get used to it. Experts are always saying that it takes 30 days for a new habit to stick. Suck it up for 30 days and then your efforts will pay off, putting your healthy eating and exercise on auto pilot!