Over the past several years I've been working on a better me. Not a different me, just a 4S version with a sleeker frame and faster speed. I've searched for something that will keep me motivated, and have found many sites, tools and recipes that keep me going until the dreaded PLATEAU. It basically is the point when I get bored or feel that I've made good progress so I can take a breather (example, cottage season comes around and so does BEER/chips/BBQ). What also happens is my new habits fail to stick because I cheat or I fall down, and then instead of getting back up again I let it eat away at my confidence and just resolve that I've failed. So then 5 lbs go back on and unsuccessful habit sneak back in until finally I build up the stamina to give it another shot. I make progress for sure...20 lbs since last year, and a much healthier self image and mentality about food. BUT...I fall, I get back up, I fall, I get back up. It's a long road to changing habits that you've had your entire life. Not something that happens in a month or two, that's for sure.
I've decided to create a timeline of my progression from last year to now, and some of the great finds I've come across:
December, 2011: Gluten and Dairy Elimination
I visited a nutritionist where I told her all about my symptoms; indigestion, aching joints, headaches, stuffed sinus, fatigue...she advised I try doing an elimination of all gluten and dairy from my diet. For 17 days. Which I did. Never felt better. During that time I used recipes from a free online cook book called 'Ultra Mind', where I nipped and tucked some of these recipes to suit my palate, but it works.
Results: 6 lbs released, more energy, clearer skin.
January, 2012: My Fitness Pal
This site rocks. I joined it to use it as a calorie counter and even set a weight goal for myself. This started me on being more conscious of what I was eating and how much I should eat in a week to reach my goals. Also a fun part was that it is FREE, and I can do calorie burning activities so that I could earn more calories (like if I knew I was going to have a night out of drinking and eating more calories I could do a 20 minute elliptical stint and earn 300-400 calories back!) My sister joined too and a couple others. You can create a whole community online to keep you motivated. PLUS they have a great app for iPhone or Android.
Results: More conscious of choices, supported me in all of my weight loss, confidence.
March, 2012: Isagenix 30 Day Cleanse
This cleanse was tricky to do. The biggest elimination I've ever done in my life. I was getting tired of feeling tired and needed to change my body too. The cleanse system was easy to understand, but a challenge to follow. You can do it to any level of difficulty you want. I cut out coffee, alcohol, sugar, bad fats, and excessive salt for 30 days. I also had enough energy to hit the gym 5-6 times a week, including Pilates class, Body Pump, and just cardio at the gym in my building. It was a challenge, but totally worth it.
Results: 13 lbs lost, TONS of energy, clear and radiant skin, great sleep, confidence.
April, 2012: Colon Cleanse
