It takes work!

Sometimes I get discouraged about this journey of weight loss.  Just now I read something that, for some reason, made me feel pretty motivated to keep going.  It is found here and it is by the actress Scarlett Johansson.  You may have seen her recently looking like this:

yeah, she looks good!

Her words were actually in response to some allegations made in tabloids about her weight loss.  But some of what she said really struck a cord with my recently-distracted-and-somewhat-discouraged heart.  She said:

"While training for an upcoming film, I've come to this conclusion: chin ups are near impossible and lunges suck. There is no magic wand to wave over oneself to look good in a latex catsuit. Eating healthy and getting fit is about commitment, determination, consistency and the dedication to self-preservation. While I've never been considered a gym rat, I have, in fact, worked up a sweat in the name of cardio before, and although I enjoy a grilled cheese as much as the next person, I combine the not-so-good foods I crave with an all-around balanced diet.

People come in all shapes and sizes and everyone has the capability to meet their maximum potential. Once filming is completed, I'll no longer need to rehash the 50 ways to lift a dumbbell, but I'll commit to working out at least 30 minutes a day and eating a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables and lean proteins. Pull ups, crunches, lunges, squats, jumping jacks, planks, walking, jogging and push ups are all exercises that can be performed without fancy trainers or gym memberships. I've realized through this process that no matter how busy my life may be, I feel better when I take a little time to focus on staying active. We can all pledge to have healthy bodies no matter how diverse our lifestyles may be."

This is the mind set I have been hoping to be able to establish and maintain for the rest of my life.  I know that it is true.  I know that working out is not fun and that everyone wants to eat what they want to eat whenever they want and maintain their goal weight, but it just isn't feasible.   So we must continue in healthy habits and love ourselves for what and who we are.  I hope these words help you girls maintain a healthy mindset as it has done for me.  Enjoy your weekend!