At the risk of sounding repetitive (as Nicole has already said something), I wanted to take a moment to share a little inspiration; something I have been waiting to do for a while. 90 days to be exact. 3 months ago, I was "encouraged" by my wife to participate in a 90 day nutrition challenge. Not a diet. More of a lifestyle change. Flexible eating. Where you keep track of the macro nutrients in the food you eat, and try to get a certain number each day. Simple enough. Skepticism abound, I agreed. I was skeptical because we have tried different "challenges" in the past. Sugar Free, Paleo, etc etc. Each time I would either lose inspiration or think of an excuse. Life is too chaotic; I don't like this food; I feel like crap... you name it, I had probably said it. But this time it was a little different. This time we were going through a company called Macros and Muscles Nutrition. I would have a coach, whom I submitted pictures too once a week, along with a list of my daily body weights, and filled out a spread sheet of my macros each day. Changes would be made accordingly. More of this. Less of that. But I would be held accountable.
I learned quickly that I don't like to fail. I didn't want to let myself down and I surely didn't want to let this new coach down. She was awesome too!! Never belittling my efforts or mistakes. Never made me feel like I wasn't trying hard enough. Always showing me what I HAD accomplished.
Ironically, my coach and I figured out during week 5, that we have actually known each other for over 16 years. We went to high school together; had classes together; even signed our yearbooks. Small world. So now I had not only found an amazing motivator... but I had also rediscovered a best friend.
1 month in, I started to notice some changes. Clothes fit better. Weight was down, but I wasn't visually seeing a change. But I felt more comfortable overall.
2 months in I was really noticing weight changes. Pictures were slowly starting to look different, but I still wasnt overly impressed. By the end of month 3, I was shocked. Granted there are people who have accomplished far more impressive things that I have. And part of me is upset that I let myself get to the point where such a transformation was possible. But I had done it regardless.
More surprising was the ease with which I found myself going through the motions. You learn what foods you enjoy that fit into your macros. You learn what foods take up too many and you should avoid. You get a sense of perspective to how you USED to eat. But most of all, after a few weeks, it's not really a chore. You just go through the motions and things fall into place.
And I could have used excuses. I'm a picky eater, so I don't like a lot of food. I drive an hour to and from work each day. Nicole works nights, so many days I had to take the girls to practice or games, help with homework, cook dinner, feed the dogs, do the dishes, clean the house... and STILL managed to get an hour of working out in, 4-6 times a week.
You can make excuses. That's your prerogative. You can also make decisions to improve yourself. I chose the latter. Now. this isn't for everyone. I know that. Nothing is completely universal. But if you are someone who wants to make a change for the better. Someone who wants to use their time this winter to their advantage Someone who never seems to be able to stick to it.... then you need to check out Macros and Muscles.
So...I'm 3 months in. I plan on doing at least 7 more. 25+ lbs lost. 16"+ lost from my torso. Who knows what else I can do between now and summertime. What I DO know is that I'm enjoying myself.
This was one of the reasons for my post about being happy. I love where I am in life. I love how I feel. I love how I look. I never seek acceptance or approval. I don't do this because I'm trying to impress anyone... Im doing it because it makes me better inside and out. You can compliment me, or criticize me. You may not understand or agree... but you do you, and let me be me. I wanted to wait until our "90 day challenge" officially ended. Hopefully anyone who is still reading this long entry has at least had their interest piqued.
Thank you to my wife for convincing me to do this.. and being there with me each day for support. Thank you to my friends and fellow athletes who shared their funny stories, ideas and frustrations throughout the challenge. And thank you to Hanna, for being the other 1/2 of my transformation. You deserve as much credit as me.... and without you, I'd still be trying to figure out what to eat and how to act."