How it Started
In high school, I could eat what I wanted and then go to
cheer practice or softball practice and never gain a pound. Then I went to college and worked in the gym,
so I was able to workout 5-6 days a week and continue to eat and drink as I
pleased. Yes, I gained a little weight
my freshman year as I adjusted to being away from home, but I was able to lose
it once I got into my routine.
However after I graduated and started working full-time I
wasn’t eating as healthy and my workout days decreased to 3-4 days a week. And then I got married and had kids and
things REALLY changed. MY workout days
were non-existent. I walked outside or
went to the gym on the weekends, but that was it. My hips and waist had completely changed from
pregnancies and none of my clothes fit….although I only had 10-15 pounds that I
wanted to lose. I needed to find a way
to add in exercise and be accountable to my eating.
Choose a challenging
workout
First I needed a challenging workout that I could do in
limited time from my home. I wanted something
with variety and that I wouldn’t get bored with. I liked the idea of the 21 Day Fix because
the workouts are only 30 minutes short and there is a different workout for
each day of the week! I’m not a huge fan of cardio, so only having to do it 2
days a week and then incorporating in arms, legs, Pilates and Yoga sounded
perfect! At first I could barely make it
through the cardio workouts and I followed the modified moves, but each week I
got stronger and could hold planks longer and raise my leg more times. The equipment needed is minimal….just a yoga
mat, 3, 5, or 8 dumbbells, a water bottle and towel to get started and after a
few rounds you may even want to up the weights for a better challenge.
Mix up the workouts after a few rounds
After several rounds of this program, I decided to mix it up…plus
a new 30 minute workout was introduced and I was really excited to try it. I had lost 10 pounds and 2 pant sizes in 2
months…and maintained the weight loss during football and holiday season. Now it was time to step up my game before my
winter vacation to Mexico! I decided to
try a pure cardio program…even though I know cardio isn’t my favorite…I knew
the results would be amazing!! And I was
right…the cardio did wonders on my core and legs and I even saw some new definition
in my arms…in just 1 month!!
Then another new program was launched…21 Day Fix
Extreme. I was really missing the
trainer, Autumn’s workout style and I wanted to get back to the variety of cardio
and lifting. So I did this
intermediate/advanced workout for 21 Days and followed the meal plan 90% of the
time. My eating habits had improved…I
was trying to eat foods listed in the top 1/3 of the list provided in the meal
guide and I was drinking Shakeology daily.
I noticed cravings decreased…especially since I started making desserts
like Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies and Ice Cream with Shakeology.
Create and follow
weekly meal plans
Before I started this journey, my husband and I ate somewhat
healthy and followed Weight Watchers. We
ate healthy and low fat foods, but I ate way too many pretzels and goldfish
instead of fruits and veggies.
Unfortunately the results don’t appear by just working out…you also have
to follow a meal guide and make a weekly meal plan to ensure you are eating the
right foods and fueling your body with dense nutrients so it is ready to “go
hard” with each workout.
Plus I had to be committed to following the meal plan at
least 90-95% of the time to see quick results that I knew I wanted. I incorporated Shakeology as my daily
breakfast because it’s quick and easy…and it refuels my body after morning workouts…and
it provides a boost of energy.
The last 10 pounds take dedication, commitment and
sacrifice. It’s really best to not even
focus on the pounds lost, but to focus on strength and confidence gained. I stepped off the scale and took pictures weekly
and measurements each month to track my progress. I took a good look at what I was eating and
strived to eat better foods each week.
Join a Support Group
I found the accountability group made me think about my meal
plan and eating choices throughout the day.
When others posted in the group it made me think twice about eating
candy or going off my meal plan. I enjoy
meeting other people in the groups and reading that they go through the same
struggles. We are able to help each
other and give positive advice. The
groups are always full of positivity and great ideas…not only able fitness, but
also about time management, budgeting and working out.
Stay Accountable and
Share On
Several friends asked me about the groups and suggested I
create them on my own, so I did. I became a coach to pass on my experiences and
knowledge in hopes of inspiring and motivating others. I share my experiences daily through posts on
social media including my personal Facebook page, business page and support
groups. I also blog….although not as
often as I would like. And of course I
share in person my love and passion for these programs and products.
As I share, others ask to join my groups and I invite them
as well. I have a friend that sends me a
text each morning that she is pushing play and I message her right back. As success partners, we keep each other accountable
to the plan and goals I have shared in the group. I couldn’t do this alone and
no one should…everyone should help each other and grow together…it’s just more
fun that way!!
Continue On
Now that I have reached my goal weight, I continue with the
daily workouts and meal plans because this is a lifestyle change I have made
for myself. It’s not a diet or a
fad. It’s something you have to
continue, which is why when you create the meal plans you must include you
favorite foods…both health and a few cheats.
Don’t deprive yourself, enjoy food when you eat it but know that you
have to have a certain amount of dense nutrients for your body to refuel after
workouts to maintain the energy level you and your family need.
For more information about the programs and meal planning,
check out other areas of my blog, “like” my Facebook page and message me! You can also join the “What is a Challenge
Group” sneak peek event that will better explain the 21 Day Fix workout program
and meal plan.
If you want to lose those last 10 pounds, I’d love to help
you start and complete a program and help you find a healthier, happier lifestyle like I have found!! Complete the below application. Then send me a private message on Facebook or email me at atabb01@gmail.com.
The easy to use Wufoo form builder helps you make forms easy, fast, and fun.
Comments
Post a Comment