Jan 12, 2010

What do I do to workout? What do I eat?

I figure it'd be helpful to first describe what my current routine looks like.

EXERCISE
In October of 2008 I decided that the way I was treating my body was not honoring to God. I decided that I wanted to start loving myself in a way that allows me to be the person God intended me to be. With that in mind, I started working out with Rob Willsea at Grand Rapids Adventure Boot Camp (http://www.grandrapidsbootcamp.com/). When I started, I couldn't even run 1/2 mile. I was so out of shape it was embarrassing but, I stuck with it and even 4 weeks into the program I had improved immensely! For instance, the first fitness test we had I could literally only do 4 tricep dips before burning out. At the next fitness test I was able to do close to 50 tricep dips.

Prior to boot camp I had always made excuses. I was never the athletic one in the family, ha, AT ALL, and at some point in my life I simply decided that I wouldn't be that person who runs or lifts weights, etc. Boot camp allowed me to see that anyone is able to change their fitness level and can accomplish physical things they never thought they could. Now, I'd really say that I'm somewhat addicted to working out. I feel like crap when I don't do it and I feel proud and healthy on the days that I do go.

To get an inside view into what one session of boot camp may include, watch this news clip that was on Fox 17  Boot Camp Footage .  It will be my goal to blog the general exercises I do at boot camp each day and, on the days I don't have boot camp, any exercise I do on those days as well.

These are the "before" and "now" pictures I currently have. Hopefully I'll be able to put pictures up as I continue to see my body change.



FOOD

Food has been much more of a challenge for me than working out. I don't know why, I just couldn't commit to changing what I was eating. I didn't want to pay attention to it and it seemed like so much. I know, this is crazy, I workout hard for an hour in the morning and then I eat an unhealthy lunch. I knew it didn't make sense, but I figured working out was going to be enough. Boy, was I wrong.
Once I decided to make a change (just in November of 2009), I decided to do it the good old fashion way....calorie counting. Basic science tells me I need to figure out how many calories my body burns in a day and then subtract enough calories to lose weight.
Writing down EVERYTHING I eat holds me accountable. It's easy to count calories because they're clearly listed on packages and it's simple math, but I know that I have more work to do in the food area. I know that I need to also pay attention to how many carbs, proteins, sugars, sodium, etc. I'm consuming if I want to be as healthy as possible. That being said, right now, I'm only going to commit to continue counting calories. I know me, I will do things 150% once I decide to do it, but until I make that decision, I know I won't :).

Ok, that's the basics of my life, trying to make sure that my 30's are the healthiest years of my life. Feel free to ask questions and even to give suggestions but, above all, give grace, I'm learning as I'm going!

Happily getting healthy,
AO

1 comment:

  1. Annie, we've been with you on this journey now for some time and I'm always impressed by your commitment level! You've seen results and you've stuck with it long term...you inspire me to make my 40's the healthiest they can be for me! I appreciate your honesty! Love ya! Mel

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