Modern Flavor Magazine 1/2015 Modern Flavor Magazine 1/2015 | Page 18

calories you’re really burning in that work out. Use an app like
MyFitnessPal or Lose It! to track your food intake. Find people – in
person or online – that share your interest in health& fitness and will
be there to support you and hold you accountable. Develop a positive
perspective on your ability to succeed by feeing yourself with tips and
inspiration daily. Following me on Twitter @FitnessTamara or liking
‘Tamara Jackson Fitness Expert’ on Facebook is one place to start.
The 5 P’s – Patience, Persistence, Perspective, People and Prayer –
are the keys to success.
How does your family feel about the lifestyle change?
My family congratulated me on my accomplishment and encouraged
me to stay the course.
My mom responded particularly well, so much so that she was
inspired to start her own journey. She was in her 50’s and realized
that life was only getting more not less complicated. She knew she
needed to make some changes if she wanted to be healthy and she
did it! To date, she’s lost almost 100 pounds and has gone from a
size 24 to a size 10. Her knees don’t hurt any more. She can go up
multiple flights of steps without grasping for air. Her blood pressure
medication was cut in half and now she can walk 4-5 miles with no
pain. Hearing her say that having me as a coach is one of the best
gifts a daughter could ever hope to receive. It’s been amazing to
watch her transformation and I’m excited to have been a part of it.
Do you have a plan?
Looking back, one of the biggest mistakes I made with previous
weight loss attempts was not having a plan. I winged it way too much
with food and exercise and as a result consistently made poor
choices.
When I decided to begin again, I knew I had to do things differently.
First, I knew I wouldn’t be consistent if I tried to create a plan in which
I would be deprived of all of my favorite treats or made going to social
events awkward. I decided that I would make room for higher calorie
foods in my diet on occasion so I that I didn’t have to order a salad
with grilled chicken and skip dessert every time. I live by an 80/20
system (80% focus, 20% freedom) and I’ve maintained my weight for
six years using that approach. In terms of exercise, I look at my