Wednesday, October 23, 2013
You can't stop a winning attitude !
Change is hard. It's uncomfortable, lonely at times and will make you question every fiber in your body. But, is it worth it? You know it is...and sometimes you just need a little push in the right direction.
For those following along, my local client has been on a 12 week lifestyle challenge to end the roller coaster. I couldn't be more proud of my her! These last 6 weeks have been not only been challenging, but have pushed her to a point she didn't realize was possible.
We never used that dreaded four letter word 'DIET'. We focused on changing components of her lifestyle to enhance her overall well being.
In 6 weeks, Kim has lost 10 lbs and FOUR inches in her waist. Remember- overall inches lost means she is retaining lean muscle but losing FAT. As you may recall from an earlier blog, this is not Kim's first crack at this....four years ago she lost the weight....lost the momentum...but got her mojo back - this time for good!
I asked Kim to share her feelings over the last 6 weeks and give her perspective for the rest of the challenge. I ask my clients to do this for several reasons:
1) Prove to themselves how far they have come whether they believe it or not !
2) Reflective writing is very useful. When you have a bad day, you can reflect on your accomplishments and achievements, not the disappointments.
3) Share with others useful hints/tips for making a transition of lifestyle.
Here I am...6 weeks into my Lifestyle Change. Four years ago, I was in this exact place but now it's different. There is no way to compare the process at 44 yrs of age to the training regimen when I was 40. There were different stresses, different goals and different environments. I’m not going to get caught up in the past - I’m going to focus on the process over the last six weeks.
In the beginning it was difficult to give up the coping
mechanisms that had become part of my daily life. The first was wine. Not only was it a way to reduce stress, it
was also my socializing tool. I found
that it took four weeks to really reduce the feeling that I “needed” a glass of
wine after a long day. There were
definitely supportive friends and then there were friends that I believe felt uncomfortable
being around me and my new lifestyle choices. Kathy warned me this might happen and she was right.
Next, I had to tackle my nutrition plan. I learned early on that organization and prepping is the key to maintaining proper
nutrition. I cannot leave my nutrition up to chance.
Kathy provided a meal plan based on my workouts, daily activities, sleep pattern, etc. It was up to me to follow it.
I definitely do not feel that I have been on a diet. I’m eating great food. It is eating the right foods at the right times that takes planning and execution. I've organized my refrigerator so that I have my own shelf. The left side is for vegetables, the middle for certain fruits and the right side is my protein. It makes it extremely seamless for me to be able to grab a Tupperware of food and have a well balanced meal. As a result, our food bills have decreased and the family's appetite for my cooking has increased. The ground rules have been laid out and my family is not only abiding by them, but has realized that my planning and dinner organization is a blessing.
Kathy provided a meal plan based on my workouts, daily activities, sleep pattern, etc. It was up to me to follow it.
I definitely do not feel that I have been on a diet. I’m eating great food. It is eating the right foods at the right times that takes planning and execution. I've organized my refrigerator so that I have my own shelf. The left side is for vegetables, the middle for certain fruits and the right side is my protein. It makes it extremely seamless for me to be able to grab a Tupperware of food and have a well balanced meal. As a result, our food bills have decreased and the family's appetite for my cooking has increased. The ground rules have been laid out and my family is not only abiding by them, but has realized that my planning and dinner organization is a blessing.
With so much that has gone right, it may seem like the first half has been a breeze, right? Think again.
I went through week five and six without any weight loss. Kathy could see the tears swell in my eyes
because she definitely empathized with my frustration. Here I have put in all this effort, changed
my lifestyle in more ways than just food and drink and nothing to show for it
for two weeks. I remember Kathy's words so
clearly-
“So what are you going to do? Go backwards? Just give up because you didn't see results this week? If you do A+B+C you WILL get D.
Everything you are doing is a step in the right direction.”
Basically, I needed to keep following my nutrition as planned, hit my strength training and cardio as mapped out and I will see results.
Well, she was right. After a 2 week plateau, I lost an additional 3 lbs in one week. This was the hardest part so far- keeping my focus when I didn't have anything to show for it!
So, here I am - putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. I choose that I’m worth it and I will not go back.
“So what are you going to do? Go backwards? Just give up because you didn't see results this week? If you do A+B+C you WILL get D.
Everything you are doing is a step in the right direction.”
Basically, I needed to keep following my nutrition as planned, hit my strength training and cardio as mapped out and I will see results.
Well, she was right. After a 2 week plateau, I lost an additional 3 lbs in one week. This was the hardest part so far- keeping my focus when I didn't have anything to show for it!
So, here I am - putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward. I choose that I’m worth it and I will not go back.
Here’s to the next six weeks and the rest of my life!!
Thanks Kim! And I'm just going to throw this out there- not ONCE did she complain...yes, she felt helpless at times but she never EVER quit on her attitude.
You want results? Get the right attitude.
You are worth it and results are possible if you believe in yourself and trust the process.
Thanks for reading and cheers to your health and fitness!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment