My Fitness Diary (3)

Just a little update on how things have been going in the nutrition and exercise department! OK I admit it, yes I've been slacking off a bit lately. Not completely derailing and stuffing my face with cake, but last week I think I only worked out twice, and I've been letting my healthy eating slip a bit. Not majorly, but I know I could be eating better. I've had a few too many "just before bed" snacks that basically do nothing but turn to fat, and I've also been consuming too much alcohol. Not that I'm an alcoholic, but my boyfriend and I have been consistently polishing off a whole bottle of wine in the evening with dinner and afterward just sipping in front of the TV. I've also been consuming white bread again a bit too frequently, which I know is a big fat zilch in the healthy eating department. We've also been invited out to dinner a few times and hosted some dinner parties at home, where I don't normally watch what I eat because I want to wow my guests with lovely home cooking.


It's ok to have these little set-backs but the important thing is to realize you're veering off-track and to do something about it! Today I went clothes shopping and bought the perfect little black mini skirt to go clubbing in Berlin (in a size 8!) - I'm so excited for these upcoming holidays! I combined it with a tight fitting tank top and a belt, and when I looked in the mirror, I actually thought I looked pretty darn good. Now this isn't meant to be narcissistic self-wankery, but it's been years since I've been able to wear clothes like that, and actually feel comfortable in them. It gave me that little kick in the butt to remember all the hard work I've put into getting to that shape, so I decided I am going to put in 200% again and be really consequent with my nutrition and work out routine until July 27 when we fly to Berlin. (Obviously meaning to continue afterwards also, but it's like a mini goal for myself.)

I would love to slim down maybe just a bit more before Berlin - stupid stomach area problem zone! It is so hard, I won't lie - and it's one of the hardest areas to hide with clothes. The Insanity work-out DVDs I've been doing have really been kicking my butt, but I've noticed a dramatic change in my overall fitness level. I can breeze through the hardest programs on my elliptical machine now, I  think it's too easy.

So my plan of action for the next 3 weeks:

- eat breakfast regularly and include whole grains (oats, pumpernickel)
- increase green and red vegetable consumption (ie. more spinach, less watery lettuce leaves)
- eat lean proteins without sugary BBQ marinades
- no more late night snacking on carbs
- only sugar consumed should be from fruits and naturally occurring (no sweets, desserts, etc)
- reduce alcohol intake to 1-2 glasses of wine max. per evening and increase water intake
- work out at least 5 times a week (mix of high intensity cardio and strength/resistance)
- in case of extreme "must indulge in something" feeling, eat extra dark chocolate (70% cocoa)

Am I going to starve myself? Hell no! I love food way too much to ever deprive myself, and I absolutely hate the feeling of hunger pangs. I eat when I'm hungry, and I don't eat when I'm just bored. Luckily for me I love veggies and meat, so I feel satisfied. Am I going to overwork myself on exercise? No - I've worked out 5 times a week before and I want to get back there, I felt great afterward and full of energy. It still gives me 2 days of rest per week if my muscles get sore. Plus, I have an excuse to break in the new sports bra I bought - it's hot pink!

I can't wait to go clubbing and nightlife hopping in Berlin - and I want to look hot doing it. Maybe that makes me vain and shallow, but those doubts quickly subside when I think of my increased endurance, the fact that I can actually see the beginning of muscle definition on my arms (oh hi biceps, I didn't know you existed anymore) and that I feel about a million times better about myself in general.

Maybe I'll update you after a week to see if I've stuck with my goals!