In 2007, when I first changed my eating habits, I decided to go "Cold Turkey", as they say, for 6 months and fully adopted the vegan lifestyle. During that time, I was so cautious of everything I ate ... and most difficult - surprisingly - was that I completely gave up alcohol (this was hard for me because I loved enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, weekends, with my husband, etc!). At my smallest, I weighed in at 115. It's so odd reflecting on how I felt then because I felt soooo "skinny-fat" - I didn't work out so while yes, skinny (barely nothing), I was such a weakling. And everything felt so flabby.
I then discovered clean eating - and I was awe-struck by its principles. I felt like I had been handed a gift - everything just made so much sense! Eating real foods...- you know the ones that come from the earth - all the time - novel idea! Over time (three years) I slowly started to incorporate foods back into my diet such as seafood, venison, quality eggs, and organic cheese (in moderation). During this time, my passion truly ignited for clean eating and I can't seem to learn enough on this topic.
Even though, I was very intentional and disciplined with my eating - I still was Skinny-Fat true and true. I wasn't dedicated to a workout regimen. On that front, I could seem to come up with every excuse under the sun as to why I wasn't going to workout. Even though - when I did, it felt so good! I love running (when I actually did it) - so I would run sometimes - even did several 1/2 marathons (ill prepared I should add), and then I decided to join aerobics (it lasted a couple weeks), I tried bootcamp - hmm it was okay, and then there was yoga...loved yoga but still...it only lasted a month. With each of these down periods, I would constantly beat myself up. Complaining always (mostly inside my head) about the way my clothes fit, or dreading getting in the bikini, dress shopping, etc. I was a size 4 - weighing anywhere from 125 - 130 over this time - abiding by clean eating principles 80% of the time (although socially drinking in moderation). I say 80% because I was/am still learning - and sometimes was (who am I kidding - still am) tricked by flashy marketing on packaging... (more to come on this at a later time). I am slowly learning that just because it's sold in a Health Food Store, does not make it Clean!
Finally, in June of 2011, I got a personal trainer. Someone I aspired to be - she wasn't skinny fat but TRULY SKINNY & FIT. She put together a workout regimen for me which only called for a band and a mat. But to meet my goals, it required "No Excuses" - no matter what. The schedule calls for 4 days of running (anywhere from 3 to 5 miles), 2 days of strength training, and a rest day. I am able to complete everything right at home (outside), and only see her every 3 weeks for a new strength training program. It's been the best thing I have ever done for myself. I have not allowed myself to miss a workout - even when it's the LAST thing I want to do - I force myself to tie up those laces and get it over with. Time after time, what I find, is about 5 minutes (often times less) into the workout, my whole attitude shifts...and I start feel, pardon my choice of words, like a badass. Truly! I journal my workouts and all over my calendar you'll see the words, "No EXCUSES" - and when I first started, I had a sticky notes every where to remind me that no matter how much I wanted to - I'm wasn't getting out it!
Since I have incorporated workouts into my clean eating lifestyle, I finally feel like I am on the path to ridding the fat and finding the fit....for good! I have lost 3 inches from around my waist and have lost 3lbs! It's amazing - I get to eat all day long (5 to 6 small meals a day), and I'm in charge of molding my body to "perfection" - and this so called perfection is defined by me. Yep, just me.
It's a journey - and what I have learned is to be truly skinny and fit (in other words, healthy, happy & fit)- doesn't happen overnight. Adding muscle is a beautiful thing...but it's a process. Quick fixes will only get you to be skinny fat - a place I have been far too long.
If you haven't already, commit to a No Excuses attitude - whether it's about eating changes or working out. And remember, change will happen but it's baby steps my friends!
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Mrs. Skinny Fit running a 1/2 marathon in Miami March 2011.
It was torture because I was so ill prepared!
Can't wait to get a race on the calendar now
that I have been so committed to a workout regimen! | |
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Mr. Miles - my new running partner.
He's up for the challenge - never lets me down! | | |
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| Mrs. Skinny Fat & Mr. Miles - These past few months, I have had the confidence to try "new" workout activities. Kayaking is one my favorite things to do! |
