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Measuring weight gain. (photo- Siora Photography)
We hear conflicting advice every day about what it takes to be fit. A while back eggs were supposed to be bad for you and butter was a big no-no.  And when I was a little girl doing sit-ups was all the craze. Now I’m told that those very sit-ups my PE teacher forced me to do are the reason I have a little bulge on the lower part of my tummy. Good, I can blame those pesky sit-ups for that bit of extra fat and resume eating that delicious cookie.
Evaluating your needs.

Sit down and evaluate. (photo-Kalen Emsley)

I think the secret to keeping fit doesn’t depend so much on not doing sit-ups or not eating eggs.  Have you ever noticed before you go shopping if you sit down and think about what you need and write it all down that even if you forget the list at home, you are more likely to get everything on the list though you left the list at home? True, there is always one item that is forgotten even with a list. But in general, the act of evaluating your needs at home before you shop is a big help towards the goal of buying what you need. Likewise, evaluation can help with fitness.
Plan out what you need.

Think about your needs. (photo-Catheryn Lavery)

I think that self-evaluation is essential in any effort to keep fit. I know the mind plays tricks on us, we think one thing, but the reality is the opposite. Like the time I prepared popcorn for a family movie night, and while I was waiting for my dawdling kids, I ate most of it. Or when I took to the internet to look up that one bit of information for an article a whole hour went by in a jiffy. Or how about the time I was using leggings for a week and when I decided to put jeans on, they’re too tight. And no, the jeans weren’t tight because they had just been washed. You see I hadn’t intended to eat all that popcorn or be on the internet for an hour or for my waist to expand. But all those things happened because I didn’t think. And evaluation can help me plan so it won’t happen again. Now, for example, I only get the popcorn ready when everyone is already there. If I want to write an article and need research, I either put a timer on via my phone and just allow myself a fixed time, or I make a note to myself and do the research later. And I limit the amount of time I wear leggings because they stretch so much, it’s just too easy to eat one more bite. Pants and skirts that don’t stretch are my best friends now.
A fitness tracker is like a compass.

A fitness tracker can point you in the right direction. (photo-Christopher Rusev)

I have found that a fitness tracker can be a big help to keeping fit. I’m referring to tracking fitness on paper and not tracking on a wristband. I know it’s quaint but effective. You see it allows you to write down what you ate, and how much physical activity you did for that day.  And the best part is, there is a place to write down how you felt after eating and after physical activity. By writing down a word or two, you can have a record of what worked for you and what didn’t. While it isn’t important to write down your weight every day, it is good to have a record of initial weight and body measurement so that after a few days you can have something to compare to.
Leggings show gained inches.

No more leggings for me. (photo-Averie Woodard)

A fitness tracker can help you see where you stand. By knowing where you stand you know how to move forward. I know I don’t want to be caught in my leggings again oblivious to the fact that my waist expanded. I have made a printable fitness tracker to help me avoid that, and I’d love to share it with you. This tracker can help you combat weight gain. No need to fear. Grab your Fitness Tracker Here