Lifestyle changes

If you've been following my blog you probably know that lately I've been into exercising (Zumba, Yoga, kickboxing, etc.). A year ago (not sure which day, but sometime around this time) I started taking Zumba. Still to this day I love it! It's what has kept me going to the gym on a weekly basis.

Growing up, I wasn't overweight (at least I'd like to think that), but I also wasn't very skinny. I played sports in jr. high and high school. So you can say I was pretty fit for the most part. That all changed after I got out of high school. Actually more like after I got married.

After each kid, I kept tacking on weight. After giving birth to my youngest (twin boys) I hit an all time low. I was at my heaviest. Then on September 1, 2007, my sisters (Kalo & Silia) and I joined weight watchers. This was my first time on the program and it was a hard adjustment at first. I realized I ate A LOT. I stuck with weight watchers until April of 2008.

In the beginning I mainly watched what I ate. Then I SLOWLY introduced exercise. I first started out by jump roping. I would try and do that every day and increase the number of jumps by the 100's each day. Got bored with that and started working out to Turbo Jam DVD's. That too got old after awhile.

Finally in January of 2008, signed up at the rec center because my oldest son was going each day with my older brother and paying full price for it. So we signed up and slowly started by working out on the treadmill, then eliptical and finally the crossramp machine along with weights.

Then like I mentioned in March discovered Zumba. Since then to change out the workout ('cause I hear it's good to switch up your workouts so your body has to re-adjust) I've added Kickboxing and Yoga. I can finally say that I am out of the rut I was in - stuck at 50 lb weight loss. I weighed in yesterday night and I've lost an additional 5 making it a total weight loss of 55 pounds.

I have heard from others on weight watchers that once I stop going, I will tack on the weight. That is true is you didn't make it a lifestyle change. I have decided that in order to be fit and somewhat healthy, I have to stick to this the rest of my life. And really, it hasn't been too bad. I try not to think of it as a 'diet'. In fact, I've taken a little bit and created my own plan. I got my husband to follow it too. LOL. If interested, keep reading - I know, this post is already long.

I exercise 5 days a week - I do a cardio workout (whether it be a class or on the machines) ranging from 30 mins to 1 1/2 (Saturday Zumba's are 1 15 mins) and weight lift each day. With weight lifting, if I do arms and abs today, I will do legs tomorrow and vice versa. I let my arms/or whatever I'm working on rest the following day.

As for eating, I make sure I eat something in the morning so I'm not starving myself until lunchtime. I try to eat around the same time each day with a snack in between to hold me over. I eat a big lunch (something you would probably eat for dinner) because I work out so late. Then after the workout, I usually will eat something small or light - enough to hold me over until bedtime. When I was on weight watchers, I was cautious about the fat content, etc. Now, I don't count calories, fat, etc. I just eat whatever, but watch the portion sizes. I try and avoid processed foods and stick to all-natural foods. I eat a lot of fruits and veggies. I think it's important to because it helps regulate your system (if you know what I mean).

One thing I always tell people - do not deprive yourself of food, even the fatty stuff. Why? When you do, you are setting yourself up for failure. For example, over the weekend I had an Oreo McFlurry and I downed the whole thing. Last night I had a root beer float. Besides, I think some fat is good for your body. Just know your limit and keep the portion size minimal and you will be okay. If you have a bad day (eating out of control, etc.), just make it a bad day...not a bad week!

You also need to give yourself time. Just because you start eating right and exercising, you're not going to drop the weight all at once. A lot of people expect to see immediate results and usually give up before seeing those results. Hang in there and in no time you will see it.

As for me and this journey -- I've given up on 'the perfect size'. My focus is LIVING A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE!