Transformation Tuesday- Debi's Story

This week's Transformation Tuesday post comes from Debi of Fit Healthy Mommy.

Debi became active after the birth of all three kids and has since changed her mindset and is enjoying the energy and overall strength that comes from being active.

Here is Debi's story.

In short , I had never been into sports as a child or teen, and never really did any type of regular exercise until after having children. I had three daughters in a short period of time (2005-2008) and it really did a number on my body.

I had done Weight Watchers a few times but still never really embraced the fitness aspect. I didn't connect the weight loss with moving my body, but rather with what I was eating.

After my 3rd daughter was born, I saw a picture that someone had tagged of me on Facebook and it was a brutal reality check. Right after that, I committed (with my husband) to doing P90X, a home workout program. I was told that I wouldn't be able to do it. And those words fueled my fire. That was in early 2009.

Since then, I have struggled!! I've remained active in terms of working out, even becoming a group fitness instructor, TurboKick instructor, Beachbody Coach and Holistic Health Coach. With the knowledge I gained, I have been able to make changes over the past few years - both with nutrition and my fitness routine. I was tested for food intolerances and found that by eliminating things that were hindering my progress, I was able to reduce inflammation and gain energy.

It wasn't until January of this year that I started to fully understand the importance of truly balancing my workouts by adding in regular, consistent weight training and challenging myself more than I thought possible. I am probably stronger now than I have ever been in my life. I'm 37 years old.

Changing my mindset from a number on the scale or a certain size of clothing to a feeling of more energy, better posture, and an overall feeling of strength was the critical component that allowed me to hop off the roller coaster and enjoy the steady ride of slow progress!!

You can follow Debi on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FitHealthyMommy

If you would like to be featured in a Transformation Tuesday post; please don't hesitate to contact me.

Until next time,

The Fast Metabolism D.I.E.T - Week 2

Hi Everyone,

As discussed last week I am heading into week 3 of the Fast Metabolism D.I.E.T which is based on the book by Hayley Pomroy.

So a recap of week 2 is in order as promised.

I am feeling good overall. I mean I have energy, I am getting all my meals in as appropriate for each phase and I am pleased with the overall ease at which I can follow this program. Ultimately it is not that different from how I eat on a normal, everyday basis so things have been going rather well.

I do prefer phase 3 (the all macros phase) over any other but I presume that is to be expected. We all like to get all our macros and not be deprived on any. However, I do prefer phase 2 for the training because as we all know lifting is my favourite exercise.

I was a little discouraged when I weighed myself this morning; being that there is still no change but I am handling it well. The book does say that some people may not notice any changes until the last week or not at all. My main concern is and should be repairing the damages to the inside and there should be less concern with the outside at this point.

A few things happened in week 2 that I had to deal with #1 I wound up with some really bad back pain and I had to visit the chiropractor to get it resolved. Finally I feel better. #2 I noticed a dramatic decrease in my energy levels on phase 2 (high-protein, veggie) which is also not unusual considering there are very little carbs and no fats included for energy. #3 I noticed that no matter how many days I go without my morning coffee, I still miss it.

Is the plan doing what it should? I honestly don't know. I'm not sure how I know if my metabolism is being repaired or not. I guess for now I just trust the process. I have noticed that I am not quite as tired each morning or throughout the day as I was prior to following this plan, it seems as though, for the most part, my body temperature has come up and my digestive system seems to be cooperating.

I have 2 weeks to go to complete the 28 days. If the book is correct by the end of the 28 days, I should expect to have organs, such as my liver and kidneys, working to the best of their ability. Glands, such as the adrenals and pituitary, functioning normally and my hormones in check. As well as a fully stoked metabolism.

Fingers crossed for me. I'll keep you posted.

Until next time,

I'll Start on Monday- My Story featured on another blog

Hi Fitness guys and gals,

I am honoured and excited to be this weeks feature on the 'My journey to the Fit Life' blog as the 'I'll Start on Monday' post.

Full feature can be found by following the link:

http://myjourney2thefitlife.blogspot.ca/2014/03/ill-start-on-monday-meet-melissa.html

Happy Monday!!

Until Next time,

Transformation Tuesday- Liz's Story

This weeks Transformation Tuesday comes from Liz of Bodybliss Health and Fitness.
 I love how Liz talks about loving yourself first.

Here is her story:

I am a 40 year old mom of 3, and believe in living a healthy lifestyle from the inside out. Meaning loving yourself first. Once you do that, the outside will change. Although I have competed in figure, and won, I believe that finding balance in all things is key. 

 

Bodybliss is a page I started to encourage and motivate others to love themselves. This means eating healthy, and training your body. I am also a health and life coach with a philosophy that life is short...you need to smile through it


You can follow Liz:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bodyblisshealthandfitness




If you would like to be featured in a Transformation Tuesday post please feel free to contact me. 

Until next time,

The Fast Metabolism D.I.E.T

Hi Everyone.

As the title suggests I am going to be talking about a book I just read by Haylie Pomroy called 'The Fast Metabolism D.I.E.T.' I decided to read this book based on current issues with my own metabolism, the frustrations I have had and experiments I have tried with no real success in fixing the metabolism issue. I purchased the book with no real expectations and I read it with an open mind, thinking what have I got to lose. Let's get started.

The basis of the book is repairing and restoring your metabolism through 3 phases continuously cycled through over a 28-day period. Keep in mind D.I.E.T in this case does not signify the normal definition of diet but rather it is an abbreviation for Did I eat today or better yet did I eat enough today?

Back to the phases.
Phase 1 (unwind): 2 days
Unwind stress and calm the adrenals. This is the high glycemic, moderate protein and low- healthy fat phase. During this phase only vigorous cardio is allowed.

Phase 2 (unlock): 2 days
Unlock stored fat and build muscle. This is the high protein, low carbohydrate and low fat phase.
During this phase only weight lifting is allowed. Heavy weight, low rep.

Phase 3 (unleash): 3 days
Unleash the burn. Hormones, heart and heat. This is the high healthy fat, moderate carb, moderate protein, low glycemic fruit phase. During this phase only yoga, stretching, deep breathing or a massage is allowed.

The program is designed around a set of rules as well all focused on cleaning up and restoring the inside of the body. The organs, hormones, glands, etc. Rules include: eat 5-6 times per day (every 3-4 hours except when sleeping), eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking, follow the plan for 28 days, only eats the foods allowed in each phase, phases have to be completed in order, drink half of your body weight in water, eat organic when possible and nitrate free meat, exercise as suggested by phase, no caffeine, no alcohol, no wheat, no corn, no dairy, no soy, no refined sugar, no dried fruit or juices, no artificial sweetener, no fat free/diet food.

While these may seem like a lot of rules if you eat clean already it is actually pretty easy to follow. I started the program last Monday. #1 because I have nothing to lose at this point and #2 because it is a structured program where by I am not cutting food just cycling the clean, natural food that I am used to. I have now completed week 1 and overall not bad. I feel fine but I did struggle with 2 things. #1 no caffeine. I only have 1 cup of coffee everyday but it is my morning bliss and I'll be honest in saying I miss it immensely. #2 only lifting twice in a week. It's not normal for me but for the next 28 days I'll do it. The rest of the rules, for me, are easy and are things that I do or don't do anyway.

The plan although mostly focused around repairing metabolism is also a program whereby one can also anticipate fat and weight loss.

I'll be updating here each week as I go through this program with how I feel, weight lost if any, etc. I'm really hoping it helps reset my metabolism and gets my body back to the fat-burning machine it should be.

Wish me luck and speaking of luck. Happy St. Paddy's Day! :)

Until next time,
Melissa

Transformation Tuesday- Jenn's Story

This week’s Transformation Tuesday comes from Jenn at Live, Love, Lift.
Jenn is currently training for her third bodybuilding competition and is very inspirational.

Here she tells the story of her transformation in her own words.

All my life I've struggled with my weight; never a substantial amount; always the same 35 plus coming on and off. Mostly on though as I'd crash diet, try the new fad or work out like a crazy person then get to where I thought I wanted to be and then stop. Every single time the weight would creep back on and I'd end up feeling defeated. In February of 2012, I jumped on a friend's scale (I didn't own one anymore as it was too depressing) and I was over 150 lbs, something snapped in my head. I was turning 43 the following month and decided enough was enough. It was time to change and I wanted it desperately. So I found a personal trainer and split the cost with a girlfriend thinking accountability would help this time. We worked out together for the summer and it felt amazing! By the fall, I'd dropped some weight and I knew I needed to do more. I joined a gym and started setting small goals like three days a week then four. Still losing weight I needed another goal. Two years prior I'd attended a body building competition and was blown away! Then the crazy idea came that I wanted to compete the following year. In January of last year, I found and hired a competition coach. Knowing myself well, if I didn't find a way to be held accountable by more than just him, I wasn't sure I'd be able to do it. So, I started my fitness page hoping a few friends would follow along and help me stay on track then something amazing happened. I was knee deep in not only training but changing my whole life. From eating clean, making healthy choices and sticking with the plan my coach provided, I started to realize I could do this! Meanwhile, the fitness page was growing like crazy and people were asking me for advice! Me! The chick who's butt rarely left the couch prior to the spring of 2012. Can you imagine?

Not only did I compete in one bodybuilding competition, I entered two last summer. I pretty much came in last both times but that didn't and doesn't matter in the least. I was the trophy! My new-found confidence, courage and dedication were the trophy. Finding self-worth and empowerment continues to be my prize. Over the past few months the fitness page has grown in leaps and bounds. What I strive for today is helping others to see that they can do this too. I spent years sitting on the sidelines of life, watching and always thinking I can never do that. Not only am I doing "that", I'm doing even more than I could have ever expected. This fitness journey continues to change, unfold and has brought the most amazing people into my life. Even though I'm currently in training for my next show in April, I'm constantly in training for life now, to be better than I was yesterday and hopefully help others along the way.

You can follow Jenn on

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LiveLoveLift.fitnessgurrrl

If you would like to be featured in a Transformation Tuesday post please feel free to contact me with your story!

Until next time,

Weight Loss Success Stories Podcast- Fitgirlsrock

Good Morning,

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I was featured and interviewed on a fitness podcast with Kasper from Stick to any Diet.

This is very exciting for me and overall I don't think I babbled too much :)

Check it out by clicking on the link below:
http://sticktoanydiet.com/weight-loss-success-stories-episode-4-fit-girls-rock/

Enjoy and let me know what you think :)

Until next time,