A whole year of #LetsGetPhysical

One year ago was the first day of my “#LetsGetPhysical” health journey.

When I first started, as much as I wanted ‘this time’ to be different I wasn’t completely sold that it would be.
Imagine my surprise when a month went by and I had established a routine. Then 2 months. Then over Christmas I was still sticking to my routine!
I’ve learned a LOT in this last year. I’m glad I took it a little bit at a time. When I first started, I didn’t completely revamp my diet, I didn’t start exercising too much. I did everything in moderation.

I’ve certainly made mistakes this year. However, every time I did, I have brushed myself off and hopped back on my #LetsGetPhysical plan.
It’s also important to remember that you need to find what works for YOU. I knew that I needed to find ways to hold myself accountable.

I decided that I was going to work out for (at least) 30mins, (at least) 4 days a week. I started out

walking. Then I jogged. Then I ran. Then I ran too much (whoops). Then I bought a stationary bike, was given a real bike, started going to deep water fit...etc
I created a hand-drawn calendar that every time I completed a workout, I would draw a star on that day. I would post a picture of me, post-workout online for all to see.
This motivated me. I felt like this kept me accountable.
Half way through the year, I discovered the MyFitnessPal app. I don’t “count calories”, because not all calories are created equal. The app was more to learn what was in foods, and to keep myself accountable for what I put in my body.
It made me think BEFORE I ate. “Do I really want to log that?” Most of the time I didn’t and I didn’t really feel like I was missing out. I, more so, felt proud that I allowed myself that victory - however small. My diet now compared to day one is SO DIFFERENT. Making little changes along the way made me feel like I wasn't really making any changes at all.

I’m glad I’ve been taking pictures throughout the year. If I had to tell you one thing: It's to keep a log of your accomplishment somehow. Pictures tell the story the best for me. I would never have believed the difference a year can make. I am down 60lbs, but more than that I have created a new lifestyle for myself.
EVEN MORE THAN THAT? My family is on board too. Most of them are on MyFitnessPal, where we are able to encourage each other. My brother-in-law has met his weight goal and is now embarking on new fitness goals. My sister began her healthy lifestyle right before she found out she was pregnant. Which now sets her and her baby up for a healthy future. My dad started watching what he eats and moving his body more. Making healthier decisions every day. I take no credit for them starting their own health goals, but it is so helpful to be surrounded/supported by those you love.
We get together on Saturdays for family dinner. It may be our "Cheat" day, but we all still log on those days. I’m sure it is a funny sight to see us all logging in our meals. “Can you pass the pickles please? I need to scan the barcode.”

I haven't posted any of those half naked "Before/During" pictures yet. I just didn't know if it was something I wanted on the internet. Here's the thing/Cliche moment: If I can do this, so can you. SERIOUSLY. Take it one day at a time. Keep yourself accountable. Find something that works for you, and try. Just try.

I want to motivate you because you reading this motivates me. So here I am:
Before picture: September 1st 2012, "During": August 25th, 2013

I'm excited to see what the next year has in store for me! :)

I get knocked down, but I get up again.

Isn't it funny, how bad foods don't make us feel any better, but we eat/crave them anyway? It’s a vicious cycle. You eat something unhealthy, you feel lethargic, you don’t exercise, then you eat something unhealthy because now you crave it = more lethargic…etc.
We forget so easily how GOOD it feels to eat well and exercise. It was so simple to fall back into a trap of eating poorly. I was even able to find excuses not to exercise, or would just go for a short walk and not challenge my body. I was EVEN tempted to start up smoking again (and may have had a few).

From left to right: Me, Sean & Renee
After Deep Waterfit Monday night

I would even remark after eating an unhealthy meal just how gross it made me feel… but then I’d just do it again!

The month of July: I totally fell FLAT on my face off the health 'plan'. I kept telling myself “It’s ok, people make mistakes. You can eat healthy tomorrow.” Or “You’re allowed a break from the plan, you've been doing so well.” This would be ok if I had done this for MAXIMUM one long weekend. The long weekend turned into a week, which joined into the next weekend, then I went camping, then I went away to Vancouver. I hit ‘the bottom’ hard and it REALLY shows on the scale. I gained 11lbs back this month. Yup, it came back that quickly.

Being unhealthy doesn't just wreak havoc physically. I posted a new picture of myself on Facebook that Sean took of me. I received a wave of congrats’ and wows, but my initial reaction was to write back “This must just be a flattering angle. I’m really not doing that well .”
I honestly didn't feel like I deserved any congrats. I wasn't living healthy, I wasn't treating my body properly and I didn't feel fit.

Yesterday, Sean and I hit an imaginary RESET button. I ate healthy for the entire 24hrs and went to Deep Waterfit with him and my sister. I’m trying not to have/follow through with ridiculous thoughts like “No Treats for 4 weeks!” or “No carbs for as long as physically possible!” and to remember that a healthy balance is all that is necessary to create a routine again.

Even ONE day back “on plan” changed the focus for me. Ok, I royally screwed up this month. Should it have happened? No, but it did. I’m not going to give myself any awards for hopping back on the plan, and in turn, I’m not going to kick myself for falling off. I've already paid by feeling horrible and lethargic.


Remember, that progress is progress. You don’t need to kick yourself for making mistakes, you just need to learn from them.
Eating unhealthy doesn't make me feel good. And I need to remember that.

On a fun note:
 Here is my latest "Before/After" photo!