urbanmommy’s BodyBlog

I’VE GOT IT!!!!  It all makes sense now!!

Do you recall that quote, "Don’t live to eat; eat to live."?  Well, finally, it sunk in to the deepest part of my brain and makes total sense!!  And I simply have to share it with you.  Because this could be a life changing moment for you, too!  I’m serious here…I’m not being dramatic or wacko…this new concept has changed EVERYTHING for me!

I should start by saying this:  this new concept is probably not new to most of you.  I’m just now getting it, so…just go with it, will ya? 

I started reading the book "The Eat Clean Diet" by Tosca Reno.  First, let me say this blog is NOT a promotion of her book, nor is this new and improved view on food discussed within its pages.  It was simply the spark that got me going in the right direction.  Ok, now here’s what happened.  I started following the plan:  6 small meals a day, protein at each meal, water at each meal, etc.  Simple, straight forward stuff, right?

Now, here’s where it gets GOOD!!  I’ve been eating this way for about 2 months.  Last night, I was preparing my final meal/snack of cottage cheese, chopped apple, cinnamon, and splenda (really good!  Try it!).  And I thought to myself, "Great.  This is just what my body needs to build that muscle to burn that fat."

TA DA!!  There it is!! Did you get it?

Food is no longer a pleasure cruise for me.  I’m now thinking about what each bite of food will do inside of me.  I ask myself the question:  "When this food enters my body, will it make me lean?  Will it build my muscles?  Or will it just sit there and rot and steer me as far away from my goals as possible?"

Now, that doesn’t mean I’m not tempted by delicious smells and scrumptious textures.  Sometimes, it’s so tempting I have to walk away.  But now, as I’m planning out my weekly meals, I write down the foods that will benefit me the most.  Of course, I want them to taste good…duh!  But that really isn’t my perspective anymore.  And that isn’t my view on food anymore.

Eating for pleasure?  Not anymore.  I’m eating with a purpose.

Ok, so this weekend wasn’t the best.  But it wasn’t the worst either.  MIL was in town, and I really love it when she’s here.  She helps with the kids; she’s fun to be around; we talk about my husband and laugh ; stuff like that.

But every time I have visitors in my home, I have a difficult time not being completely clean on my eating.  Had 2 beers this weekend, which I must say, were very good.  But now, I"m paying the price.  Maybe,  like Tosca Reno says, I’ll use these cheating moments as motivation to stay clean.

I think my bloating stomach is enough motivation, don’t ya think?!  Geez Louise!

The owner of my gym approached me the other day with some exciting news…well, it’s exciting to little ‘ole me!   They want to get people motivated and inspired to workout and change their bodies; therefore, they are starting a "Member of the Month," highlighting a specific members’ success with training.

And guess who they asked to be the very first motivating member??  ME!!  I’m Ms. October!

So, here’s my write up that will be displayed right next to my before and after photos.
“MAKE IT COUNT!!”

This is my motto every time I step foot into Coastal Fitness.  “Don’t waste your time, Kim!  You are here for 1 hour.  Make every minute count!”

For too many years, I wasted my time at the gym.  I would workout a couple of days a week; maybe pump some weights now and then; then go home and eat everything in sight.  That’s not a good plan for success.  When I joined Coastal Fitness, I told myself that if I wanted to transform my body and get in the best shape of my life, I needed a rock solid plan.

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN

Before I come into the gym, I plan out my workout.  I bring in my little notebook with my weight training plan and my aerobic plan all mapped out.  And every 4 weeks, I change it up again.  I work every body part at least once a week, and try to do some sort of aerobic exercise 4-5 times per week.   LADIES:  DON’T BE AFRAID OF WEIGHT TRAINING!!  I can’t say this enough.  You will not get huge!  You will get toned, and you will lose inches FAST!!  But having a plan is crucial.  I have a goal for each day and try to achieve it each time.  Plus, I plan out my meals.  Diet is at least 80% of the equation.  I plan out my meals once a week, eat 6 small meals at day, protein at every meal.  Very important.

PERSONAL TRAINING

I started working with Darryl about the middle of September.  I had already made significant changes to my body by then, but I knew my knowledge was limited.  Darryl really listened to my goals and pushed me beyond my comfort zone.  HE ROCKS!!

DREAM BIG

I believe that everyone needs to DREAM BIG!!  Dreams are what keep me motivated and challenged.  For me, I have a dream of competing in a bodybuilding/figure competition.  It’s is what motivates me to workout whenever I can and watch the food that I eat.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Although it looks as though I have rapidly transformed my body, it was a slow, steady progress.  On average, I lost 1 pound per week, but the key was discipline and recognizing that time was on my side. There is no magic pill that will take off the weight.  You have to work hard and want it.  Clean eating and smart training will produce a healthy, fit body.  DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME IN HERE!! Make every minute count!!

STATS

Height:  5’ 3”
Start Weight:  157 (3/1/07)
Current Weight:  129
Start dress size:  12
Current dress size: 4-6

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