Losing It. ( The weight, not my mind)

There is no doubt about it, I have been on a diet since time immemorial. I have yoyo’ed from thin to fat to chubby several times in my attempt to shed off weight since 2008. I have succeeded partially before but once the holidays roll in, and the stress and well all the goodies you HAVE to eat can lead to a bigger tummy and guilt (for those who are on a strict diet).

But since January, I put myself in a strict diet. Why? Because of the following reasons:

1. My friend’s wedding is in December and July. I have to look good in a gown.
2. I bought a dress that I love and need to get it to fit me.
3. I need to fit into my uniform. (:) I had it made a little smaller so I can get to diet)
4. I am tired of being called “chubby”.
5. My arms look like it could rival Pac-man’s
6. Martin and I had a deal.

HOW DID I DO IT?

So, as one of my many New Year’s resolutions, I had gone to lengths to find myself a routine and diet that will work. I tried everything from starving myself to meal replacement substitutes. I tried generic, popular brands and even those doubtful weird named brands or teas just to lose weight. Well some of them worked partially, some of them are totally bogus, some of them are just yucky. Here are some of  the things I tried:

1. Reductil – 20 days of this made me a starved woman. sure, it curbs your appetite, but you could not eat a thing. I was on tea/water diet while doing this and my body crashed. It’s a good way to start getting used to not eating as much but prolonged use may hurt my body.
2. C- Lium Fibre- the thing about this, is that it sits in your tummy like a jelly and it keeps that full feeling longer. Love it. I still use this. It helps especially when I feel like binging.  When I used this, half my office tried it and still use it. It is effective for me and a couple of  my officemates. I recommend it ! It’s cheap. Only PHP10.00 a sachet, it comes also in capsules (for those who do not want to take it with their drinks). Also, I love it with Pineapple or orange juice because it becomes like jello after so it is soo yummy!
3. Slim Fast Optima Shakes ( Strawberry flavor) -Now if there is a yummy way to lose weight, THIS IS IT. Oh my god, I love the Slim fast line of weight loss shakes. At first, I was skeptical so I only bought one can of it. I regretted that decision because I drink only one tumbler of it every morning and my appetite is curbed. I love the taste. (it tastes like melted strawberry ice cream and if you put ice, its exactly like strawberry milk shake!) It’s so easy to make and drink and keep up. Once I get the chance, I would want to buy a couple of these in different flavors for variety. But so far, this baby has made weightloss so effortless for me. It’s a little pricey though so we have to find an alternative for it.
4. PINEAPPLES AND FRUITS - this fruit is full of L-carnitine, its yummy, its wonderful and I love it. Other fruits as well, help me curb my appetite for unhealthy snacks.
5. FIT AND RIGHT - This drink is a god-send! Lose weight while keeping cool and having a great tasting drink is a winner. A bottle a day isn’t that bad on the budget too. My flavors of choice? Pineapple, Blueberry Grape, Pineorange, Grapefruit and Four seasons.
6. YOUGURT - from juicy yougurt, nestle fruit selections, frozen yougurt, mixed and everything. it’s my favorite alternative to ice cream. Yougurt is yummy, healthy and it keeps me from
7. SOY MILK - I was against this at first, thinking how yucky it would taste, but now, it’s my incentive for surviving a 2 hour workout. It’s soooo light and good! I love the Soy master brand! I have tried Vanilla and my favorite strawberry. I still have to taste the chocolate. It’s at PHP30.00 each, a little pricey but hey!!

As for methods, I tried everything too! I tried after six, no dinner, water therapy, no lunch, low carb, low cal, South Beach.. Name it, I’ve tried it. But nothing beats eating healthy and portioning your servings.  I have learned that if you starve yourself and not give in to your cravings the more you can break your diet. It’s all about checks and balances.

If you want a cookie, go have one ( but not ONE BOX). If you want chocolate, go ahead. A small snack-size bar would do. Keep eating your favorite food, but all in good measure. What I do too, is that I try to keep healthy options when I am eating. I try to eat as much fruit and crackers when I am totally hungry. Occasionally, I tend to have a cheat day – which is Sunday where I do not diet. But if you’re like me who got used to light eating, I still make healthy choices.

Exercise Regimen:

• Aerodance - my latest addiction. I wake up at 5am every Saturday for this. I love the feeling of adrenalin and endorphins in my body while dancing and doing the high impact exercise. Plus, I get to lose weight and gain more friends in Imus, Cavite. It’s totally a win-win situation for me.
• CRUNCH WORKOUT- (KICKOLOGY and TAEBOXING) - each night, i do this, even for just 30 minutes. It’s a quick sweat and complete workout.I love boxing my daily stress away with my nice blue boxing gloves! It’s fun! I can do it at home and it doesn’t cost a thing.

• The recommended routine by my trainer Patrick:

1. Arm weight training - I do this with 2.5 lbs weights
2. Leg lifts - for my abs and stomach – 3 sets of 15 or 45 times
3. Crunches- yes, crunches – 45 times or more if I can take it.

Sound like torture? If you are an endorphine hog like I am, you’d understand.  I love it! I am pushing myself further soon, maybe soon, I will surprise myself by running in a marathon. (Hey, I could do 30 mins straight on a treadmill without whining like a bitch) However,  for now, I love doing these exercises.

I am still not close to my goal of getting back to my former look. But I will soon make it. I just need a few more months and motivation to keep on going.

Point is, I feel lighter, healthier, prettier, sexier and more beautiful!

Now, my next challenge?

Keeping the weight off.