This is Where I'm Starting!

This blog is being created for accountability and to share and hopefully inspire someone who may be in the same situation. I recently read something about creating accountability for yourself and the ultimate accountability is public accountability. So here I am!

My journey to fitness started in my twenties after hours of commuting and a desk job caused me to put on more than just a few pounds. I had not a clue where to start since I'd always been a thin kid and was a junk food junkie and not really athletic at all. Probably like most people looking for information I turned to fitness magazines for workouts, tips, and inspriration. Over the years I've followed the fads, low fat, no fat, low carb, no carb, high reps, low reps, diet pills etc. I did all the "6 weeks to abs" workouts and there were some changes but nothing close to those fitness magazine models!

Eventually my metabolism and immune system suffered and I had to make a clean slate for myself. Turning to organic greens and fruits, legumes, green tea, and occasionally hormone free chicken and wild caught fish, I was able to lose 20 pounds in a few months. I excluded any processed foods, breads, and wheat sticking mainly to rice (white and brown), quinoa, and potatoes for carbohydrates. I felt good and my body never functioned better but I was still looking to change my body composition. Mainly to increase lean muscle and reduce bodyfat.

When I least expected it I found out I was pregnant with my second child and went through the pregnancy relatively healthy. Once I had my daughter which is now 8 months ago, I decided this was going to be the time I was really going to do it. Stop lying to myself and making excuses and commit to something that was going to be good for me.

In 6 months I was able to lose 22 pounds and 8% bodyfat using the following protocol:

1. Spinning - 2x week
2. HIIT sprinting - 2x week
3. Full body weight training using compound movements and bodyweight exercises - 3x week
4. At least 1 day off per week for full rest
5. I did not count calories but rather ate portion sizes of whole foods.
6. Listening to guided meditations in the evening before bed for relaxation and to focus thoughts.

I am so happy about how far I have come but the changes in my body are so small at this point I'm finding it hard to gauge how it is truly going.


My goals and plans in the short term are:

1. Increase running to do a 5 mile race on May 23rd while maintaining my strength gains
2. Take measurements and pictures at the same time every week to compare
3. Weigh myself at the same time every week using a bodyfat scale to monitor bodyfat (Bodyfat scales are not the most accurate way to measure bodyfat, however I started to measure it this way and will continue this way for consistency.)

In my next post I will include measurements and possibly photos (still thinking about that one) in addition to more information on my meal plan.

I am going to be accountable, are you?