Wednesday, June 19, 2013

I Built This Body To Relax In

FITNESS & HEALTH
 My Weight Loss Journey:
My New Lifestyle
“No one wakes up in the morning and says, 'I want to gain 150 pounds and I will start right now!’” (Cunningham) It sneaks up on you – the pounds – and before you know it your scale suddenly must be broken. When I was 184 pounds (seen below) I knew my scale was not broken; although I wish it was. Truthfully, I knew the only thing that was broken was my spirit. Once, I muscled up enough courage to stop feeling sorry for myself and take action, my journey began. It was not easy.

The pounds slowly crept on and off. Today, almost five years later and over 50 pounds lighter, I am still on my journey. When I tell people how much I use to weigh they’re usually in disbelief and they tend to ask “What did you do,” so I figured I would share my story.

The day it all started, the day I decided to go to the gym was the same day I declared a change. I did not wait. I did not say tomorrow, or next week, or next month; as soon as I was ready for a change, that same day, I walked myself straight into the gym. I stayed on one machine, the elliptical machine, barely 30 minutes before grabbing my empty water bottle and leaving the gym in a hot sweat. I told myself that night that, “If I am going to this thing, I am going to do it right.” I mentally prepared myself for the challenge that I knew was ahead of me. Those 30 minutes were difficult, but eventually – with time – 30 minutes turned into 40, which turned into 50. The process was demanding. However, over the course of time my body became conditioned, and my minutes spent at the gym extended well over an hour.

Gradually, I incorporated healthier eating habits. When stopping for a quick bite to eat at McDonalds I no longer order cheeseburgers, fries, and sodas; instead, I opt for salads and water. I noticed that the healthier I ate, the longer my stride, the faster my pace and the more energy I had for running – an activity I always relished in before the weight gain. Shortly thereafter, I hired a trainer – P90X. Although, P90X is an exercise program, it felt more like a trainer yelling "bring it" than a set of dvd’s with strategic workout routines.

Today, my goals have shifted. Weight is no longer the focal point. Now, I am concentrating on simply maintaining my health and toning my body. I eat foods I enjoy in moderation and track my calories. Yes, I am a calorie counter. Counting my calories has helped me maintain my figure while keeping me accountable for my actions. When logging my calories I consider how well or poor my eating habits have been; if I notice that there were one too many calories, especially due to sweets or fried foods I make sure not to skip a workout or I tend to stay an extra 30 minutes in the gym.

Click here, to learn more about calories!

 Moreover, I constantly research and familiarize myself with significant developments in fitness and health to assist me with my fitness goals.   

Additionally, I have immersed myself in numerous activities. As mentioned in, Work it Out, I have found it to be extremely refreshing and exciting to engage in different exercises and activities like: African dance, Brazilian dance, bellydance, running, swimming, yoga, Zumba, spin, etc. 

I believe the key to loosing weight and staying healthy is: courage, determination, support, and health/fitness awareness. Without courage I would not have been able to take the first step towards my journey and without determination I would have stopped a long time ago. Furthermore, the fitness awareness I have acquired along with the support of others has been critical in the maintenance of my health.   
  

18 comments:

  1. I am so proud of your progress! Lifestyle changes are so very challenging, but the most rewarding! Great post <3
    www.chantneyrenese.blogspot.com

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  2. OMG CARMELA!!!Congratulations on the weight loss!! I've been there and know how much work it entails and the significance! Good for you!
    Yayyy!

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  3. I am so proud of you for not giving up on yourself, you are awesome :)
    http://fashionandtherebel.blogspot.com/

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  4. This is amazing! you look stunning dear :)
    MaryFashionLove

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  5. amazing progress! I can definitely relate to your journey......it's been nearly 2 years since I decided to change my lifestyle!

    keep up the good work x

    www.thatgoodgirlchi.blogspot.co.uk

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  6. excellent body & perfect LYD and so proud of you...It's true: it's not about being skinny or having perfect boobs but feeling your body can work for you and enjoy yourself with it :)

    MlleWanderlust Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ

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  7. Congratulations to you on all of your hard work! Starting out truly is the most difficult part, but when you set your mind to it, you can do anything - which you have clearly proven :)
    xox,
    Cee

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  8. Congratulations! I am so happy for you! You did it the right way and you know you can manage anything now!
    This is such an inspiring post, I will share it all over the web! :D

    I would like to invite you to join my giveaway!
    http://angelinainlove.blogspot.gr/2013/07/persunmall-giveaway.html
    It would mean the world to me!

    Love, Angelina

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Angelina :)
      And I will check out the giveaway.

      Delete
  9. love this dress!!!

    If you want to win a DANIEL WELLINGTON clock go to
    www.lessismoreblog.com

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  10. Ladies,
    Thank you all for the positive feedback. I truly appreciate it!
    With love,
    Carmela

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  11. Wow that dress looks amazing on you !!

    I have 1 new post and would love to know your opinion :)

    Just uploaded a post new and would love to know your opinion!

    Have a great day :D

    XXX
    <a href=" http://www.thefashionmilkshake.com/2013/07/cook-long-cake-mold-review-by-wonder.html"Wonder Cakes Review!</a

    ReplyDelete
  12. oh how beautiful! i love that yellow dress!
    love and kiss,mary
    http://www.maryloucinnamon.com/

    ReplyDelete

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