33 years ago (when I was 23), I weighed 40 pounds more than I do today. I was in college in 1985 studying to become an Accountant, when I looked around the classroom and had a revelation. I looked at all the girls in the classroom and realized that I looked far older than most of them (like I could be one of their mothers). And the reason I looked so much older was because of all the excess weight I carried. It gave me a double-chin and a matronly look. My clothes were frumpy because nothing cute and chic fit me. It was at that moment that I decided to do something to change my life for good. I went home after class that day and made the changes. I started watching my calorie intake and researching healthy alternatives on the foods I ate. Afterwards, I put some music on and jumped around my bedroom for thirty minutes. I probably looked pretty silly doing jumping jacks and whimsical dance moves, but it got me moving and sweating.
For the next six months, I started eating healthy, nutritious foods and fit in 30 minutes of movement each day. It worked and I lost 40 pounds in those six months! I was a NEW person and looked years younger. My skin changed and my facial features became more defined. I even realized that I had a dimple in my right cheek which had been covered by fat before I lost the weight ☺️
Long story short, I continue to exercise everyday for the last 33 years. Most days it is a morning walk in my neighborhood with my husband or my sister. But, the key is to make exercise a HABIT and do it EVERYDAY (or most days), rain or shine! You don't need a fancy gym or fancy equipment. You just need some walking shoes and an umbrella for when it rains.
I found that once exercise becomes a habit, you crave it......everyday