Dec 19, 2013

My Fitness Routine & Clean Eating Update

A few months ago I posted about how I started working out, some progress and some information about what I was eating.  Since I want to keep up with my routine and healthy habits, I feel that documenting them helps me continue to grow, and see progress over time. I also wanted to answer any questions that you guys have about what I have done so far. I've gotten a lot of emails questioning my routines and what I eat, so I thought it would be easier to write it in a post. I really don't know a ton, and I am learning as I go, but for anyone who has any kind of question, I would love to answer it the best that I can.

I lost a total of 11 pounds, which doesn't seem like much, but I went down a total of two pants sizes, and in workout clothes I also went down a size. What's important is not really how much weight I lost in total, but how I feel. I have energy that literally comes from out of nowhere, and for once in my life I am so excited to work out. I enjoy going to the gym, and I have made it a habit, so not going almost seems weird. I think the most important thing to remember is that you need to fall into a routine that works for you. I have a crazy weird schedule , and some days my hours are all over the place, but I find times that fit into my schedule every Sunday, and I make myself stick to those times every week. I also take classes at my gym three times a week. These classes are run by LesMills and they are Body Pump(repetitive strength and endurance weight training), and CX Core(focuses on your core, which includes your abs, hips and back). On the days I take classes, I also do about an hour  of cardio, which usually ends up being a little less than five miles. I incorporate this cardio into my workout before the class, so I get my heart rate going.

What do I eat ? This is definitely a huge part of working out, if not 90% of it. I used to have the worst eating habits, sweets, fried foods and cookies were in my daily food vocabulary...Especially FRENCH FRIES. Oh man. Anyway, I rarely eat fried foods now, and if I do, it's maaaaaybe once a month, if that. My breakfast consists of egg whites, oatmeal and a banana every single day, and my lunch is usually chicken based with veggies. I try to keep things simple, but I also have a lot of snacks in between my day so I stay fueled up with energy. Some of my snacks include an apple with peanut butter, a smoothie, some fruit, celery or carrot sticks, or even edamame (high in protein). Again, it's important to focus on what you like, and make sure you're giving yourself enough food to get through your day. You have to fuel the machine! 

This has changed my life in a lot of ways...One of the biggest changes I have made is eating breakfast every day. I used to skip breakfast and go all the way to lunch on an empty stomach! Now thinking back I can't even imagine skipping a whole meal in the morning, but I was doing this consecutively for months. I also feel a lot better about myself, and I feel healthier overall. I know what I am putting into my body, and it's not harmful or bad for me...This has made most of the difference for me personally.


9 comments:

  1. Loved reading this and is motivating me to keep working out! I started eating healthier and working out five weeks ago and I already feel better too! You are one gorgeous lady!

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  2. This is awesome! Way to go!! Eating is most of it, you nailed that one! You can't out exercise a poor diet and I think that is the number one thing people struggle with. It always makes me SO happy to see people getting healthy! Do you prefer working out at the gym?

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  3. You look awesome, congrats! I'm working on getting in better shape but I need to be better with the eating part. Thanks for listing your meals, that helps a lot!

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  4. You look amazing! Great job on changing your diet and on the workout regimen :D You really inspired me to give it a try

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  5. You look great, and 11 pounds is definitely significant! I have trouble with the eating breakfast thing, because I have to leave my house at 6:15 am and I am never hungry that early in the morning, so I usually end up snacking a lot throughout the day and over eating at lunch!

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  6. Congratulations! That's such an incredible change. I always feel like eating right and working out makes such a HUGE difference. When my work/school schedule changed I kind of lost sight of my workout routine, but I know that it needs to change soon and I need to make a real effort into making time for it. Thanks for the inspiration and a kick in the butt.

    xoxo
    Taylor

    www.welcomehometaylor.com

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  7. you look great! definitely need to get into a good workout/eating routine. this is great inspiration!

    xxoo,
    nikki

    www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com

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  8. Well done Maria that is a very big accomplishment! I do not work out and my eating habits are the worst. I wish I had your strength to start changing my life into a more positive lifestyle. Keep up the great job! xx

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