I’m going to just dive right into this post. How are doing as it relates to diet and exercise? Do you have a weekly regimen of exercise and a healthy eating pattern that you follow? Or do you dread working out and pretty much eat what you want? Let me ask one more question…please. Do you work out and eat right, but struggle with consistency? Well in either case, let’s talk about how to take care of your body in a realistic way…a way that works for you.

I believe just about every woman wants to look good! I know that I do! I mean…who likes walking past a mirror knowing that you could lose a few extra pounds? I know when things are getting out of hand for me (like when my stomach starts bulging), or my clothes start getting tighter, or when I have to squeeze into my jeans…I know that it’s time get a handle on things. What do you do when you know things are getting out of hand in your weight?

Real talk…our bodies are not our own. We have been bought with a very high price by Jesus, according to 1 Corinthians 6:19. So we have a responsibility to take care of our temples. And taking care of them can look differently for all of us. But either way, we have to do it. Amen!

Now, for some of you, you may be on a great regimen and I encourage you to keep pressing! Keep up the GREAT work! But on the other hand, some of you reading this may be saying, “But Courtnaye, it’s too hard. You don’t know my situation. You don’t know my struggle.” But I would answer by saying, “Oh yes I know, the struggle is real!”

Personally, I do NOT love working out (and I’m married to a fitness gym owner). However, I LOVE the results when I work out and eat right. My husband’s gym motto is “True Performance, True Results.” Which means you perform, and God will get you the results. And it’s true! We are soooooo not alone in this process of losing weight and maintaining a healthy body. We have help.

There are so many times in the middle of a tough workout, when I want to stop and put up the weights, but then I whisper, “Lord, help me.” He truly gives me the strength to keep going. It also helps that my husband has a huge banner on the gym wall that reads Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” YAY!!!

But REALISTICALLY, eating right and exercising is what we have to do ladies to not only be healthy, fit, obeying the biblical command to take care of our temples, but also to endure this race called life. If you have children (like I do), are busy at work, or active in ministry (like I am), then taking care of your body is going to be essential to endure for the long haul. I don’t know about you, but I NEED energy. And I want to be around for my hubby, kiddos, and YOU.

Listen sis. We’ve got to take care of US. People need us to survive. And it’s going to take self-discipline, purposeful determination, consistency (ouch!), and PRAYER. With that being said, let me give you some practical suggestions and resources that will help you lose weight, live healthy, endure the race, and look good!

It’s all about living a healthy lifestyle (not dieting)…

  • Post your current weight and “goal” weight somewhere to remind you to keep going strong
  • Find a fitness program that works for you (gym membership - personal training, group training, boot camp, etc.)
  • Do a workout video if you can’t get to the gym (NOTE: This will take a lot of self-discipline, but it can be done)
  • Get an accountability partner (someone who will help push you and help you to stay on top of your weight loss)
  • Plan your meals (idea: cook them early and freeze them)
  • Eat 5-6 times a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, snacks, and drink more water)
  • Take a good multi-vitamin
  • ***If you’re in the losing weight phase of eating right and exercise, then eat more meats and veggies, salads, supplemental shakes, and protein (cut out the rice, bread, pasta, sugars, and unhealthy snacks for a while)
  • Try “No Snacks or Sugar” for 21 days (i.e. no chips, cakes, cookies, candy, cheese and crackers, etc.) IT WORKS!!! Oh my goodness, it really works for weight loss! My stomach was FLAT!
  • Run…running or jogging is GREAT for a total body trim. It does wonders!
  • *Don’t keep looking at the scale (it can discourage you if your weight loss isn’t moving as fast as you would like it to move) – Once every 2 weeks is okay
  • Add a second workout if you really want to “Go Hard” or burn more calories on some days
  • Get the books “Look Good, Feel Great” by Joyce Meyer and “Food, Fitness, And Faith for Women” by Choice Books
  • Research some websites with healthy meal plans and recipes
  • And check out my hubby's website for nutritional plans, fitness tips, programs, and more on www.verusstrengthandfitness.com. Also, subscribe to his YouTube Channel for video tips as well!

Realize that being healthy is a lifestyle, not a diet (never forget that). In other words, start eliminating eating fried food throughout the week or sweet stuff 3-4 days a week. You will kill your progress! Instead, start eating more grilled or baked meats and fish/shrimp with veggies on a regular basis, and eat healthy snacks (like nuts, health bars, yogurt, & fruit). Now…it’s okay to have what my hubby calls a “cheat meal” once a week or every once in a while (that’s living). Being too strict on your regimen often causes too many to stop altogether, unfortunately. So be realistic.

ALSO, I need to add this. Set a goal for your weight loss, but don’t go crazy with it all. Don’t become obsessed with the whole idea or action of working out and losing weight. Keep it fun and consistent, but keep it in its proper place. The Bible tell us in 1 Timothy 4:8-9, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.” (NLT) Meaning, don’t let it take first place in your mind and heart. Make sure your devotion to God always has 1st place in your life. Keep it balanced.

You WILL lose the weight. You WILL look good. You’ve just got to put some work into it, plan to succeed in your weight goals, and keep renewing your mind when it gets hard. Again, ask the Lord to help you. He is right there to see you through to success. Let’s get it!

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon. And those who endure unto the end, shall be saved. Let’s be ready from the Inside Out.

~Courtnaye

QUESTION: Do you struggle with weight loss? If so, why do you think it’s such a struggle. Also, if you have a good workout regimen how is it helping you? Share your comments here or in the Facebook comment section. Go for it…

*ALSO TELL OTHER WOMEN about Inside Out with Courtnaye. Invite your friends from Facebook TODAY! Retweet it! Share this post with your circle of friends or women’s group as soon as you finish reading it! Send me an email or comment to let me know how it has helped you. *Also, if you would like to book me as a speaker for your next women’s event, send me an email with all your details @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. It’s all about helping women grow stronger in their walk with Christ from the inside out (from the heart). Jesus is coming back soon, so let’s help populate heaven together! Also, to get more biblical and practical nuggets, (if you haven’t done so already) stay connected through my social media outlets and donate too if it’s helping you (this takes work…LOL!). Also, if you have any questions, need advice, or prayer, you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com! Let’s do this!

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