I keep on talking about eating better and working out on a regular basis, but for many years that's all it's been - just talk.
A few weeks ago I saw an ad in my local newspaper for a weight loss and fitness competition hosted by a produce store. I filled out an entry form and crossed my fingers that I would be chosen as one of the 13 contestants. They had close to 300 entries, and I was fortunate enough to be chosen!
I almost dropped out before the challenge even started when I realized that I would have to have a before picture taken in just a sports bra and shorts! But I decided that it might just be the motivation that I need.
So, this past weekend, I met the 12 other challengers, had the dreaded before photo taken and learned all about the 13 week challenge.
Some of the things I like about this challenge are:
- it's sponsored by a produce store
- it's very health focused
- it's not just about pounds lost, it's also about muscle gained and bone density improvements
I've decided that I'm going to focus on what I'm adding to my diet, not on what I'm taking away. I'm adding fruits, I'm adding vegetables, I'm adding healthy foods. I'm adding so much that there isn't room for the junk.
I'm also attempting to work out 5 days a week, alternating weight training with cardio. Consistency with my workout will be difficult.
Today I attended a training event for work, and it was tough. I watched other people drinking my favourite soft-drink (Coke), eating brownies, and enjoying lots of other treats. The sound of the Coke can opening is probably the most appealing sound in the world. But I was able to ignore it thanks to the after photo looming over my head in 13 weeks. Hopefully in 13 weeks, I'll develop some good new eating habits.
If you want to follow my progress, I'll be blogging once a week on the challenge's web site - http://www.kinsgreenfighters.com/. I have some big goals, so wish me luck!
Aim to be your best. Good luck :-)
ReplyDeleteHow cool. Congratulations on being chosen. I wish you success!
ReplyDeleteYou don't need luck - you're going to do great! And I know what you mean about the Coke can sound; for me it's the frother at Starbucks.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with that! I discovered I couldn't conform to specific goals like the 13 week challenge or vowing to exercise regularly at least 5 days a week. Then I started to recover from my depression. I'm either lucky or something else (weird?), but I've never had a problem with craving sweet things, although I get occasional hankerings for hot chips/fries and have never been an emotional eater. With eating to maintain or lose a bit of weight I haven't punished myself at all by leaving out anything I like- I've just tried to reduce the amount of each thing. Through taking my antidepressants, attending one aquarobics class/week & adding more when I can, eating a highly nutritious diet with plenty of anti-oxidants, daily fish oil, seeing my therapist once a month and doing prescribed socialising, I'm feeling better and much more secure in my positive mood than I have in over a decade. No big goals, nothing to disappoint myself seems to be the way for me.
ReplyDeleteFantastic, best of luck and keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteexercise is a great way to fight depression
Fantastic work guys im a fan of your website.
ReplyDeleteFighting Tips
Hi there! I'd like to invite you to my blog connected with fight against eating disorders, cause i think we shouldn't be silent about that. Of course you can find here also mode, make-up, opinions, advices, photos, daily stories, healthy recipes etc. You can trust me you will find something you will like.If you'll like it really much, you can become my new follower. Hope to visit me soon. Have a very nice time. Andie :)*
ReplyDeletewww.andie-chambers.blogspot.cz
Thanks for sharing this! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteGood on you. It's not about a competition. It's about how it makes you feel and you are ultimately doing it for yourself :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of these posts. I have recently begun treating my own depression and using writing as a way to comes to grips with it. Your articles are such a great find, and I commend you for sharing them. (www.mute-maniac.blogspot.com).
ReplyDeleteShifting our focus to exercise and fitness is a really great way to stay present and away from mental anguish. Thanks for posting this. Watching you take this step is inspiring for me as well. I guess the challenge is now underway, so I hope you are enjoying it.
ReplyDeleteI myself also have suffered from depression for the past few years of my high school life. Your blog inspires me to branch out and enjoy life rather than limiting myself to the confined walls of my room. As ways of expressing myself, I have started my own blog that has the intentions of helping teenagers of all forms cope with the monster house that is labeled "high school" in a quirky way.
ReplyDelete