4 Tips in Gaining Control of the Bloggers Bulge

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Gaining control of the bloggers bulge was kindly contributed by Kathy Barber

If you are just starting out with a blogging, or online business, you will be experiencing a whole new world soon…especially if you are working from home. Perhaps you are a writer, online marketer, or build WordPress websites, it really doesn’t matter. You will be enjoying some of the many perks that go along with working from home.

Being able to set my own hours was a huge draw for me to start my writing career. I knew it would give me the flexibility to spend time with my son, and attend school activities that I might not otherwise be able to do. My parents managed to attend all our events when we were kids. But, it was hard work managing that, as they did not have the flexibility that I do now.

However, with it also came a drawback that I was not anticipating. I really wasn’t expecting weight gain, but it reared its ugly head anyway. It took me a while to figure out why, because I wasn’t eating more. In fact, I wasn’t eating as much, to be honest. Then it dawned on me…MAYBE I wasn’t eating the right things, or possibly not enough to keep my metabolism up.

I also realized that my physical activities seemed to slow down significantly, and practically came to a standstill before I said ‘enough’. And, I realize that I am not the only one this happens to either. So, I am going to share with you 4 tips that helped me get back on track.

1. Lifestyle Change not a Diet

One of the first things I realized is that if I want this to be a permanent ‘fix’, then I need a permanent solution. In other words, a lifestyle change, not a diet. If I didn’t make the changes permanent, then I would eventually find myself right back to trouble.

So, the last thing I wanted to do was find a diet that prohibited me from indulging in some ‘sinful foods occasionally. I didn’t want to be on something so restrictive that I would end up on some binge, ruining all my efforts. No, I wanted something where I wouldn’t feel deprived.

We all hear about the simplicity of just eating right, and I tried it. Eh, is how I can best sum up the results. I then took a look at what I eat the most, because I realized that what I eat the most of is probably the culprit. For me, it was carbs. But simply cutting back didn’t really help.

I then took a look at the Atkins plan. Many people have had great success on it, and so I thought I would give it a try. One reason is because you can slowly add carbs back into your day when you get to the maintenance level. Personally, I have never felt better in my life and didn’t miss the items that I had craved before. It was as if an addiction was broken.

Now, for you it might be completely different. You will have to take a look at your daily intake to get an idea of what it is you ‘crave’. If it turns out to be carbs, then I believe it’s one of the easiest things to conquer, as there are many tasty things you can replace it with, and that is just in the beginning. The Atkins diet plan updates their program all the time with a variety of options.

2. Purge the Temptation

The next step for me to do was to purge my surroundings of the things that tempted me the most. I got rid of the carbs that I didn’t need. If I wasn’t going to use it and could donate it, I did. Why have stuff around that tempts you so badly?

I know I said that I didn’t miss it after a while. But, I would be lying if that was an immediate response. It probably took a good 2-3 weeks before I no longer craved the sugars and carbs that once dragged me down. So, if I had a wonderful loaf of homemade bread sitting there in the beginning, I might not have been able to say ‘no’ to it.

3. Replace the Purged

Of course, if you remove something that is tempting, it will leave a void. So, you might want to replace it with something that is good for you, which may, or may not be food. Here are some ideas:

•     Crunchy protein snacks to boost energy, rather than zap it
•     Foods that are acceptable on your new plan
•     Water, even flavored if it’s not ladled with calories
•     A menu for the week
•     A walk

By controlling our food intake, it will no longer control us. That is vital to any lifestyle change, and anything less than that will be short term at best.

4. Technology to the Rescue

For those of you who want to go high-tech with your new lifestyle, there are a few phone apps you might be interested in for both food and exercise. I suggest you check them out, but there are few worth the time.

For example, ‘Low Carb Diet Assistant’ and ‘Edibles’ are both great for helping you keep track of nutrition for food intake and what you can find at restaurants as well. ‘Atkins Diet Recipes’ will also provide a variety of recipes for you to try. All are compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and, iPad, with prices in a very reasonable range of $1.99-4.99.

Now, for those who want a little help and incentive with exercise, try the ‘iTreadmill’ that can be used on iPhone and iPod Touch, which gives you a pedometer on your device. It tells you the pace, distance, and calories burned on your run or walk.

In Closing

Hopefully I have provided some advice that can help you stay on track, or at least get back on track with your goals for a higher quality lifestyle. Just find a plan that works with you, not just for you… and make it a routine, not a diet.

As a freelance writer, Kathy Barber writes on many topics such as health, home improvement, and entertaining. She was reading through http://www.atkins-diet-advisor.com/ when she realized that others might benefit from what she had learned, which inspired her latest series. Kathy and her husband are parents to a young son who keeps them active. They enjoy camping, sports, entertaining, and concerts.

39 Comments

1. 

   Lauren

   October 11, 2012 at 11:02 am

   Hi Mitz,
   I am totally with this article & specially 100% agree with to “change Lifestyle a Diet” Lifestyle is Changed while there is need to change but changing Diet…I personally don’t think for changing Diet. It is believed that same & continue Diet help in lot of ways so I am against to change Diet but agree to change Lifestyle.

   Reply
2. 

   Lee

   October 1, 2012 at 9:45 am

   Hi mitz I don’t have a problem with the bulge mainly I think because I find exercising before I start work gets my body and mind fired up and I am much more productive this way. Than if I just get up and start straight away. Really helps me de stress as well.

   Thanks lee
   Lee recently posted..New customer discount on insurance

   Reply
   • 

     mitz

     October 2, 2012 at 12:47 am

     You are lucky then Lee! I get stuck in my internet world and have to snap out of it!!!

     Reply
3. 

   Clara

   September 28, 2012 at 2:17 am

   Yeah, if you work from home it’s vitally important to have healthy snacks. I don’t work from home usually, but occasionally I do. I try to plan ahead and have something healthy to munch on.
   Clara recently posted..Goals and Obstacles

   Reply
4. 

   Shane

   September 26, 2012 at 7:44 pm

   Hi Mitz,

   I started reading all your post because I just love it. You’re sharing great tips and everything is very clear. You’re making my work easier. Thanks again.
   Shane recently posted..Cirebon FM 89.2 Indonesia Radio Online

   Reply
5. 

   Lorna

   September 24, 2012 at 1:53 pm

   Yeah, it is a huge change in lifestyle and I think we don’t realize that. I know when I started I’d be picking at food because the day was long, because I was by myself and because I needed to concentrate. I’ve used computers, blogs, tablets – you name it and I’ve used to blog. Always with a snack on hand. I found that purging the temptation really worked for me and replaced my pringles with raisins. Those are part of your five a day, right?

   Reply
   • 

     mitz

     September 26, 2012 at 5:44 am

     ha ha I have raisins too!!! maybe some nuts too! I actually like them better!
     mitz recently posted..18 Ways to Turn Your Ordinary Blog into A Million Dollar Business (dofollow)

     Reply
6. 

   Asher

   September 22, 2012 at 7:33 pm

   To get good success with wealth you need good health. Heath is foundation of all type of success.

   Reply
7. 

   Cristian Stan

   September 20, 2012 at 10:12 pm

   Whenever I want to change something, I find it very hard to do the necessary change that I need. Maybe it\’s because of my attitude that I do what I want rather than do what I need. So my commitment level isn\’t that outstanding compared to others.
   Cristian Stan recently posted..Best Steam Mop Reviews 2012

   Reply
8. 

   erda

   September 18, 2012 at 2:22 pm

   I love to see this page, the topic you share in here was really important to me I appreciate this one…You gave some great tips here and I will definitely be trying the apps to help me keep track of my progress.Thanks Mitz for great showing.
   erda recently posted..Some Great Twists on Lemonade

   Reply
9. 

   Vijayraj Reddy

   September 17, 2012 at 7:14 pm

   Hi Mitz,

   An eye opener for many who just pay a blind eye to the realities of their own world. I fortunately never fell a victim to this but always am on my toes as obesity is in my maternal genes. If you ignore this danger you will end up a loser one fine day after looking at yourself in the mirror.

   Regards,
   Vijay
   Vijayraj Reddy recently posted..5 Effective Tips that Ensure Quick Weight Loss

   Reply
10. 

    Alicia

    September 17, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    I think everyone needs to eat healthy and do more exercise, that will help us be healthy and keep in shape. Thanks for your tips, Mitz.
    Alicia recently posted..Tips to choose a Responsive WordPress theme

    Reply
11. 

    Sudha

    September 15, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    It is the common problem nowadays and it has become mandatory for us to take necessary steps to control our weight in these conditions. It is really inspiring to read your story and it sure will help others to follow your steps.

    Reply
12. 

    puck

    September 15, 2012 at 7:49 am

    Hi Mitz

    Great article!Actually i like the funny picture very much!LOL!But anyway,these are useful tips for me!
    Thanks for your sharing!Keep it up!

    Puck
    puck recently posted..iPhone 4/4S Smart Choo Choo Cat Case -Sweet Cat

    Reply
13. 

    Chloe Louise

    September 15, 2012 at 2:19 am

    I wonder if people who have never been fat think we just sit around crying all the time wishing to God or anyone who will listen that we would please wake up Not Fat and making excuses for ourselves all day while stuffing our faces full of crappy food and refusing to believe that this is all our fault.
    Chloe Louise recently posted..Commercial Litigation Funding

    Reply
14. 

    Joe

    September 14, 2012 at 6:22 pm

    Hey Mitz,

    I figured I’d stop by to see what great info you have for me and after reading this all I can say is, Oh no, that is me. I just started blogging and I find myself in front of the computer more and more each day. Thanks for this, this has to stop. I am becoming a couch potato. Not good!

    Need a schedule.
    Joe recently posted..Are you ready for some football? Is your car ready???

    Reply
    • 

      mitz

      September 26, 2012 at 5:50 am

      Hi joe
      Yes when you first start blogging you get stuck there and do not even realise you are.. I like to get up and do some housework in between even though I hate housework…!!!
      mitz recently posted..20 Often Forgotten Website Traffic Tips (dofollow)

      Reply
15. 

    Joven Agno

    September 14, 2012 at 10:29 am

    Hi! Health is Wealth, this is one of my problems as I started working from home. I didn’t noticed it from that start but as time goes, my friends notice that I was getting fat. Then I decided to find ways how can I lose some weight. I found some website before but it I like your tips more than their tips.
    Joven Agno recently posted..The Mentalist Movie Review

    Reply
16. 

    Maja

    September 14, 2012 at 12:39 am

    One of the best article. you have related the nature with the online media and I think these are in constant proportion.
    Maja recently posted..News about Fantastic Sams

    Reply
17. 

    Denis marcekl

    September 13, 2012 at 10:08 pm

    Thank you for a very informative and useful post. If you want to work from home you must have
    Self-discipline. Otherwise it will not work. When I started my online business and quit my job
    I gained 10 kg in three weeks.It took me month to return my previous weight. If you don’t know how to schedule your time you will not succeed.remember it before you start, that’s my advice.
    Denis marcekl recently posted..Home Electrolysis

    Reply
18. 

    Azam

    September 13, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    Extra weight can create problem of health and can also disturb blogging process. Heath is foundation of all type of success.
    Azam recently posted..Shopping with Silpada

    Reply
19. 

    Mike Dawson

    September 13, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    Very useful information. Bloggers tend to become couch potatoes given the time they spend in front of the screens, and weight becomes a big issue. Like the article says, controlling your diet, or simply exercising isnt very helpful, keeping yourself in shape requires a change in lifestyle – which is something that a lot of people, let alone bloggers, are not willing to do. My advice: make sure you get ample amounts of outdoor exercise. Joining a gym helps too. As for technology, I use the Workouts Pro series of apps on my iPhone. Great workouts for abs, arms, stretching, and the like.
    Mike Dawson recently posted..How to Make Visitors Respond to Your Call to Action and Increase Conversions

    Reply
    • 

      mitz

      September 26, 2012 at 5:52 am

      Another one is when watching a video or webinar, stand up and do something and watch at the same time…
      mitz recently posted..How to Write Awesome SEO Content (dofollow)

      Reply
20. 

    Anton Koekemoer

    September 13, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    Hi Mitz,Great post , And even better image. Thanks for sharing. The image made for a big smile on my behalf….
    Anton Koekemoer recently posted..How to build relationships with magnetic content online

    Reply
21. 

    Nawaz

    September 13, 2012 at 6:10 am

    It is impossible to do blogging without good metabolism. For good metabolism it is necessary to all those foods that are very helpful in this regard.Do exercise daily just as you post on blog each day.

    Reply
22. 

    Link Building Services

    September 13, 2012 at 2:40 am

    Keeping your body in balance is the key and planning is making the right choices. You should function the way you want and maintain your weight.
    Link Building Services recently posted..How Easy is it for Competitors to Tank Your Site Post-Penguin?

    Reply
23. 

    John

    September 13, 2012 at 1:43 am

    Yeah, blogging can definitely help you put some pounds on. I try to run for atleast 30 minutes 3 times each week to help keep the extra weight off. Great idea on using apps. I am going to look into using the ‘iTreadmill’ on my iPhone next time I go running. Thanks for sharing.
    John recently posted..3 Tips To Help You Get Bettter at Strumming Your Guitar

    Reply
24. 

    Owen

    September 13, 2012 at 1:04 am

    Great article. Yes, definitely a healthy lifestyle is better than a diet. I just stay off sugar and whole wheat products and exercise 20 minutes a day on my stationery bike. It seems to do the trick.
    Owen recently posted..Inspiring Lawn Care Business Startup

    Reply
25. 

    Elena

    September 12, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Your article is right to the point! Most bloggers work extended hours on the computer and don’t have much time for exercise and it’s easy to lose control and gain a lot of weight. I heard about Atkins diet plan before and sounds like it can be really beneficial to a lot of us. Thanks for sharing!
    Elena recently posted..What You Need to Know About Kratom

    Reply
26. 

    Sameer

    September 12, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    Lovely post. I agree with the first point i.e. lifestyle change not diet. Thanks for sharing valuable insights.
    Sameer recently posted..How Did the Universe Begin

    Reply
27. 

    Pavel

    September 12, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    Great article Kathy. We all struggle with our weight at one point or another and though some of us were able to succeed dieting, most of us will have to admit to breaking the diet prematurely. You gave some great tips here and I will definitely be trying the apps to help me keep track of my progress.

    Reply
28. 

    Sauna99

    September 12, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    What a fun picture! Do you think there really was a “Ruth the Artist” back in the day?

    Reply
29. 

    Kanu

    September 12, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    Many sit and stare at a computer screen result in my weight increased, yep this is what I feel. I always drink mineral water and exercising every morning reduce my weight.

    Reply
30. 

    Laura

    September 12, 2012 at 11:41 am

    Not feeling good in your own skin should be enough to motivate you to change your eating habits and exercise more.
    Laura recently posted..FeedRoller Portable

    Reply
31. 

    Jack

    September 12, 2012 at 10:06 am

    I like #2.Rectify can be good solution for temptation.Creative mind can purge and make a rescue point.
    Thanks Mitz for great showing.
    Jack recently posted..Travel Software Development api integration (dofollow)

    Reply
32. 

    Aditya

    September 12, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Hi Mitz,
    I think if someone is thinking of being a full time blogger after quiting the day job he has to take take of the diet.Because a blogger has to sit and think and then write some great posts to publish.So proper diet with a good environment is really going to change the way of writing.
    Aditya recently posted..Mobile Recharge Software with API Delhi (dofollow)

    Reply
33. 

    Mahesh Verma

    September 12, 2012 at 9:08 am

    really nice information thanks for sharing valuable post me agree with you . ya you All point right about blogging
    Mahesh Verma recently posted..Rachel’s Dream [1992]

    Reply
34. 

    Brenda Macalino

    September 12, 2012 at 8:36 am

    I love to see this page, the topic you share in here was really important to me I appreciate this one…
    Brenda Macalino recently posted..rifle accessories

    Reply
35. 

    Candice Michelle

    September 12, 2012 at 4:42 am

    Incredible article! You really give the reader the ability to think more among your writing , again thanks a lot . You absolutely did a great job in here!
    Candice Michelle recently posted..יועצות שינה

    Reply

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