Friday, June 9, 2017

Finding my Fitness

In the last year I have trained and run a 1/2 marathon, completed the 12 week Kayla Itsines BBG workout program and most recently am finishing up The Faster Way to Fat Loss program. My entire life has been spent trying to lose weight. Sadly, I think most women can say the same thing. Starting in high school and still to this day, I have been working to attain a better body. I'd give anything for the high school body I thought was too big! Geez. But back to present day, post pregnancy and in my thirties I've been trying to find the right balance for me. I have always loved working out. I have done every workout there is yoga, boot camps, home videos, running, etc. I beat myself up every day that I don't work out, but yet my body hasn't changed in years. If you know me, you know I am addicted to sweets. Actual addiction. I can and did eat bags of candy and boxes of cookies on a daily basis. And because I love to bake, if I didn't have any sweets around, I would just bake some!
 
I finally got desperate and realized I had a problem and it was going to get worse if I didn't stop. I needed to change my diet. Eating healthy is freaking hard! I love to cook and bake. Dan and I love to try new restaurants. Eating is our entertainment and a way of life for us.
 
Last year a fashion blogger I follow started posting about the Faster Way to Fat loss and I was intrigued. I didn't understand the program and didn't want to pay for it. Then 6 weeks ago a friend of mine on Facebook posted her own results from the program and I found myself really drawn to it based on her results. My friend Lindsey loved the FWTFL program so much that she decided to become a coach. After several questions and a few tears I signed myself up.
 
I am finishing the program this week and signing up for another one to keep my progress going. I really didn't want to post these pictures because the "before" is somewhat embarrassing, but I felt like maybe I could help someone else. My flat stomach is back! Yes!!! I'll always have my stretch marks and extra skin #mombod, but at least I can feel better about wearing a swimsuit.
 
I have lost inches and my clothes are fitting better. I'm excited to start another round with Lindsey next week!
 
I took this picture following a 30 minute run and sprints. I also had a shirt on, but wanted to show my results. :)
             Week 1                                     Week 3                                      Week 6




Some information about the program: Please note, these are my own descriptions and opinions. Please refer to the actual program for more official descriptions and feel free to ask me any questions.

This is unlike any other program I have heard of and is a little confusing. I have learned so much about nutrition through the process and hope to make this a lifestyle, not just a 6 week program. This is NOT a quick fix if that is what you are looking for. You will lose fat and gain an important knowledge of nutrition along with a set of workouts.

The program incorporates intermittent fasting, carb cycling, and tracking of macros.

Intermittent Fasting- Basically your body is either fed or fasted. When you are fed you are not burning fat. This program asks you to create a feeding window. So basically I start eating at noon every day and finish at 8pm. I workout in the morning and am burning fat because I am "fasted".  It's not really that hard. I drink coffee and water and then just eat lunch, snacks, dinner, snacks. I am never hungry and in fact find it difficult to eat enough in the window some days.

Carb Cycling - This program includes low carb days. 2 days a week I eat less than 50g of carbs.

Macros- The program uses the My Fitness Pal app to track calories and macros. It's important to not only eat a certain amount of calories every day, but for them to be the right calories. Macros are protein, carbs, and fat. Before this, I was eating mostly carbs and protein. You have to have the right balance to burn fat.

Workouts - This program includes workouts for 5 days of the week. They include cardio and weights which can be done at home or at the gym. There is also a beginner workout included.

If you have any interest in the program, please ask me any questions. My friend Lindsey is starting a group next Monday. Here is the link to her group. I will be in her group and I would love to have some friends with me.

If you are interested in the creator of the program, please see this link for Amanda Tress, Faster Way to Fat Loss.

No comments: