Four Months and Counting

Four months of my fitness and nutritional regime, already? This is a very important milestone, apparently. Why? It has been said this is about the time a lot of people who are involved in infant stages of their fitness and nutrition plans either make it or jump off the wagon.

Although throughout 2011, I have exercised and 'dieted' here and there, it wasn't until November that I decided to really start focusing on my goals. It was when I said and did what I set out to do that I really started seeing any sort of results and it all started with, "I want to go for a run today." I've been running, working out, and eating better every since.

From that moment to the present: I have dropped four dress sizes; 39 lbs have been shed (average of the ups and downs); and down 3.7% of body fat.

Not all of the weight loss, the toning up and the nutritional plan were the only things to keep me going, but it was when I haven't been to my massage therapist for a while and she commented on how my body had been different from the last time she saw me which was about two months prior to my visit. You see, I didn't feel that I had any progress because in the past, I just haven't had any luck. No matter how much I watched what I ate, or how many days a week I exercised. I found myself giving up and regaining the weight that I had dropped.

In these four months, I have done a few other things that have helped me with my journey.

1. Quit Smoking- In doing this one act, (I used an e-cigarette) it helped me be able to do my trail runs quicker, with less effort, and helped me be able to run for longer distances. 
2. Cut Down Soda Consumption- Although I would like to cut this out completely, I haven't. But I did go down from drinking 2 cans of Coke Zero/Diet Coke a day to 3-4 cans a week. 
3. Source of Carbs- I have not 'sworn off' gluten, mainly wheat, but I have cut down so drastically, it almost seems I do not really eat wheat products. The wheat spiked my insulin levels so much, I would end up not losing any weight but in fact gaining it. I have switched to sources like quinoa, hemp, etc to replace the wheat.
4. Green Tea- A drink I already loved. I switched to replace some of the Coke Zero's I have been consuming. It's been shown that green tea helps you burn fat when you are on a workout regimen.
5. Journal- Like this blog, I journal most of what I eat throughout a day. I find that it helps me really focus on my habits, and helps my trainer see where we can even improve. My Fitness Pal is an amazing site and great app for your smart phone to help you journal your food, exercise and water.
6. Stay Positive- It is always said that nothing worth having comes easy. At times it may be hard but look at the benefits of your efforts before you look at the seemingly slow results.

In 2007, I was diagnosed with PCOS and because of it, I gained weight as high as 65 lbs prior to my diagnosis. Since then, with my medications and the sheer fact that I just got depressed and lazy about my condition, I never lost the added weight.  I had the wrong attitude and outlook on my challenge. Instead of fighting it, I let it beat me.

When I made the conscious effort in November to focus on my health and my fitness, I managed to stay on track. In doing so, I feel better, I smile more, and my clothes get bigger and bigger. I hired a trainer who is a perfect match for me to keep teaching me about new exercises, better ways of combining different exercises and finding ways to get better in all aspects of fitness and nutrition.

I also learned that balance of my 'real' life and all that is good for you is normal, never to beat myself up because I had that piece of pie the other night. If you 'ate it, then negate it'. It happens, and when you can let it go and move on, the journey not only gets easier, but far more enjoyable.  For all those out there doing the journey for themselves, keep at it, and don't be afraid to ask questions and properly research items about fitness, health and nutrition. In doing so, you will find what works best for you and help you stick to your ultimate goal.

Justine Galo

PS- One last thing, don't 'diet', it's a four letter word!In my next blog I'll explain to you why it's better to change your lifestyle than to diet. Anyone who said they have lost all their weight through diets and KEPT IT OFF without any activity is either a liar or a freak of nature.