I can be a little over the top when it comes to organizing. I like to have control over things. So, it shouldn’t surprise people when they find out I track my eating and exercise routines. Writing things down is another accountability piece that works for me.
What should surprise you (actually you should be worried) is that I write this all down in multiple places. Right now? Three places to be exact.
I know.
1. Right now I am co-hosting a 21 Day challenge group with two of my coaches. We are all following a detailed eating plan of natural, whole foods but with a focus on portion control. It requires some thought and effort to pre-plan meals – but the list of approved foods to choose from (proteins, veggies, fruits, healthy fats, grains, etc) makes it incredibly easy to follow.
Bonus piece is that there are exercise routines to follow so you don’t even have to think about what to do at the gym. This is a HUGE advantage for those with very busy lifestyles.
What I like about these accountability groups is that it forces you to reflect on your day and post to a group of people what you ate and what you did for exercise that day. The thought of fessing up eating a bag of M&M’s or admitting you haven’t worked out in a few days is enough to get your butt off the couch in a heartbeat.
A glimpse inside our Private FB group:
2. In addition to this group, I always keep a planner that I write all my fitness routines in. What is a planner you ask? Well friends… it’s a paper calendar, often times held together by spiral bounding, that requires the use of a real life #2 pencil – or if you are feeling adventurous, a ball point pen. EEK – the commitment!!! I know… you poor technological people might not remember those handy little tools. 🙂
Anyway, I have to plan out my week in weight training, otherwise, I’d get to the gym and forget what it is I am doing OR I just don’t go. I need a visual reminder to keep me on track – so I always plan a week at a time of workouts. Writing it down also helps me to keep track of my teaching schedule at the gym and coordinate cross training workouts around it.
3. I am also doing a private accountability piece with a High School friend. I created a Google Doc that I am having her log her nutrition in addition to her fitness routines. She wanted a little extra help staying on top of her routine, so I am doing it with her.
Below is a snapshot of my week. I won’t be showing you hers for privacy reasons. 🙂
Does this require some time? Sure a little – but it isn’t really that much time to login and type your food and exercise routines. Like, 5 minutes kind of time. Everyone has time for that.
Does it seem a little obsessive? No, it’s being dedicated. It’s my passion. It’s my way of helping myself but more importantly – I am helping others! Two of the three tracking pieces is for others to benefit from.
It’s knowing my end goals and working my ass off towards them. It’s keeping my health at the forefront of my mind. It’s keeping my fitness routine in check.
It works for me. It works for many others. And it could work for you too.
Join me anytime.
