Some people expect to see huge changes and major progress milestones when they start on a new diet and workout. For some this may happen. For others it’s a slow progression. I think you should celebrate even the smallest milestone.
These two pictures were taken three months apart. I started back on my daily apple cider vinegar and made a few small changes in my diet. The skin on my stomach (where my pregnant belly was) has tightened a bit and I’ve lost an inch around my hips/waist. An inch may not seem like a lot to most people but for me it is. I’m not exactly a big human. I’m 5’3 128lbs and have a BMI under 22. I’m what you’d consider average size for a fit person. I don’t want to lose a ton of weight. Sure, I have a little I could shave off. But mainly my goal is to build a little more muscle and maintain my size. I try not to focus too much on the scale. Weight can be irrelevant to some of us. On a “normal” health-line chart, I am considered overweight for someone my height. HOWEVER the general average doesn’t factor in muscle. So my weight may seem heavy on this scale but it’s due to the muscle I have “weighing me down.” Not a bad problem to have!
I always tell friends, be careful when weighing yourself. Your scale isn’t telling you your muscle to fat ratio (unless you have one of those fancy scales 😂). If you’re working out and eating well, and see the numbers go up, do not freak out!! When your body starts to burn fat, those fat pockets deplete themselves of fat cells and fill up with water till the body shrinks them and they all together disappear (for some). Not to mention you’re probably putting on some muscle which will add to that extra weight. Base your size off your clothing! Are your pants starting to fit a little looser? Maybe they actually fit better now! It all depends on where you started. Everyone is different. Try not to compare yourself to others too much (I know easier said than done). Your body type is different than everyone else’s. No two people are the same. What works for some might not work for all.
Measure yourself, monitor your clothing changes, do whatever helps you to see those small but big changes. Celebrate even the littlest milestone. You deserve it!
In college after I stopped cheering (yes I was a college cheerleader. Go Tech!), I needed an outlet. I loved to workout but it wasn’t enough at the time. I was so used to the thrill of being on the field during football games in front of 80k people. I wanted that thrill again. A trainer at the gym I was going to approached me and asked if I’d ever competed in a fitness/figure competitions. After talking to him a bit I thought ok this could be the thrill I need! I told a few good friends at the time what my plan was and almost all were supportive. Some were confused and thought I was getting into body building (not that it’s a bad thing, BB just isn’t for me). One friend actually said to me “you already look like a man with the muscle you have, why make it worse?” That comment would make a lot of people insecure. Not me. I saw it as a challenge. I thought, I’ll show you worse! And by worse I meant more lean and fit! I had muscle but it was thin muscle. My legs were muscular from tumbling and stunting. My arms were sculpted but not huge. So I used this negative comment as fuel.
Isn’t it crazy how new workout clothes make you feel like you get a better workout? I swear if I could get a new outfit every day I’d have the best workouts! Ok maybe not literally but I’d feel great about how I looked. Positivity in yourself definitely benefits you in so many ways. I used laugh (internally) at people who bought cute or matchy little outfits for the gym. I thought it was so ridiculous to spend a lot of money on something that’s just going to get sweaty and gross. But I understand it now. Those outfits made them feel good about themselves which in turn made them feel like they could do a better workout! Did the outfit change their workout? Maybe a little. They might have been more comfortable and able to move better. But it didn’t help them lift heavier weights or do more reps. It’s all about the mental game. When you feel good about yourself and what you’re wearing, that positivity boosts your mood. A positive mood can give you more energy therefore fueling your workout!
I always tell people, never go to the grocery store hungry. Guess what I did yesterday………I went to the grocery store hungry. 🤦🏼♀️ I got everything on my list plus two little treats. I’m sure some people are looking at these and saying “but they’re organic” or “it’s better than candy.” Not always! They are still high in sugar and fat! In moderation things like this can be a little better than eating a bag of candy. Fruit sugars are definitely better than refined sugars. However both are processed in the body the same.
I had a friend talk me into trying out Orangetheory with her. She’s had a membership for a while and loves it. She’s also the one who talked me into going to SoulCycle. I knew nothing about Orangetheory so I figured why not give it a try.
My mom used to harp on me the importance of posture. Mind you she was referring to me sitting upright in a chair, not slouching forward. However, some people don’t think about posture when working out. Did you know there’s a right and wrong way to lift in regards to posture?
Everyone battles cellulite. Some more than others. There are a few natural ways you can minimize its appearance:
Ryder and I spent the weekend eating and hanging around the house. We ate practically everything in sight. Ok maybe that was just me. Needless to say my body definitely doesn’t bounce back as fast as it did in my 20’s! I’ve been a bit bloated these last two days so I’m glad to be back to my clean eating schedule. Do I regret or feel guilty about the food I ate this weekend? Absolutely not! I eat clean and lean 75% of the time. The other 25% of the time I choose to enjoy and eat as I please. I’m not one who will completely deprive themselves of good food.
Fit Dallas Mom Blog 