This blog is the story of my total body transformation. I have been in good condition before, but have never actually made it to thin. I passed the physical agility test for a major firefighter test in the DFW area and was later told, that not many women pass the test. But, I have certainly never been an athlete. I am ready for a change. I am ready to be proud of my body, not embarrassed.
Now is that time. I am 34 years old and I am ready to be something different, be someone different. In my youth I excelled in dog training and used to win a lot. I know what it feels like to win, but I don't know what it feels like to win at a sport that involves my athleticism.
CrossFit
I am excited but a little scared at the same time. This journey started in April 18, 2010. After a month or so at the gym, I found CrossFit through my brother a Dallas SWAT trainer. CrossFit is basically High Intensity Interval Training on Steroids! I can burn about 1,000 calories an hour doing CrossFit, and rarely have to workout for that long. Some workouts are only a few minutes! One thing that is big is CF world is muscle memory. Our bodies are incredibly amazing efficient machines and some people believe that doing the same work out for more than a couple of days builds muscle memory and becomes too efficient to burn calories and build muscles. To maintain an effective workout, CrossFit changes up the workout everyday and it is FREE! New workouts are posted everyday, with video demonstrations of the exercises.
I have never worked out harder and more intensely....but the results are amazing! In the first 12 weeks, I lost 21 pounds and went from a 22/24 to a 16 pants (out of plus sizes) and from a 3X to XL shirt! And the best secret of all- I can out perform my husband in most exercises! Even though he is doing the program with me.
Diet
In addition to working out, I have changed my diet. I have been diagnosed with PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) in the past. Now I tell you that, so that you understand that sugar and white starches do terrible things to my body- cause a great deal of inflammation, fatigue, muscle and joint pain- to name a few.
In addition to no refined sugar and starches, I have some strong personal imperatives about diet and lifestyle like:
1) No FAKE sweeteners.
2) No hormones.
3) Lots of fresh and organic food.
4) Avoid processed foods.
5) Avoid dairy.
A diet for me has to meet all of those criteria. You see, minus the wicked sugar cravings and subsequent indulgences, I eat pretty healthy. Eating out is also a weakness for me as well.
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Dear hubby and I tried Atkins about 8 years ago with some great success. Since, Atkins didn't allow many good carbs, like veggies and fruits we sort of did an alternative like South Beach. But South Beach encourages lots of fake sweeteners. I was looking for something a little more balanced that fit all of my criteria. After a good deal of research, I fell upon the Zone Diet and the Paleo Diet. The Zone is very balanced 30% Fat & 30% Protein & 40% Carbs (good carbs). The Paleo diet encourages dieters to eat like a cave man- which means that you eat natural foods, no dairy, no processed food, no sugars or flours, no grains, no beans...lots of vegetables and lean meats some fruits...The Zone encourages the balance and portion control and Paleo encourages eating the foods I am inclined to eat anyway. So, I am going with the Zone Paleo combination diet!
Giving up sugar is hard and we incorporate a cheat day once a week. Although, I am now inclined to cheat less because of the way it makes me feel. Some days are really hard even after several weeks of clean eating. Hormones, stress and anxiety make it worse.
However, the improvements in my health since the diet have been great! I no longer suffer from middle of the night acid reflux induced vomiting. I can lay on my stomach without acid problems. My wedding ring fits again! My belly is not hard and distended anymore. Soft and mushy, while not ideal, is better than tender and distended. The acne is gone for the most part- minus the hormone induced bouts once a month and I am hoping that will improve as well over time. I have energy all day long and feel much better. The late night anxiety attacks only occur after a sugar binge on cheat day...
Chase the Feeling
I feel better. I feel good. I am happy. I am chasing the feeling. Now when I think about eating something crappy, I stop and ask myself how I will feel after eating it. Sometimes I still eat the crappy choice and I feel bad. Chasing the good feeling is easier every day. When I don't feel like showing up to workout, I remember how good it feels to be done.
I started logging my food and exercise. I like the feeling of putting down all of the great accomplishments.
I am looking forward to sharing my experiences, victories and setbacks with you.
