Walking the Walk

One year ago, I weighed 12 kg more than I weigh today and had 8% more body fat. When I look at that number, 12 kg, it doesn't look like much. When healthy, safe weight loss averages about 2 kg/month, that number really should be 24 in my mind. Well, it is what it is. I'm glad that it's a 12 kg loss that I won't be seeing again (I'm going to make damned sure of that!!!). I'm glad that the habits that I've developed to get to that loss are strong ones that will help me drop the last 9. I also know that despite it being only 12 kg, I'm now wearing clothes that are 6-8 sizes smaller, and that makes me happy big time!!

I think that recently several people have been approaching me about my weight loss because they have seen the change in me. The internal changes I've made in terms of mental strength and attitude (the most important ones) are not things they recognize, but they do see the physical difference. They want to know what I've done ... they've realized that I didn't just talk the talk of wanting to get healthy and wanting to lose weight -- no, I've walked the walk (or what a friend of mine says, which I like better, I've run the run).

I said I wanted to change, and I did.

Now, I have to keep it up.

Getting my Specialist in Fitness Nutrition certification was a big deal for me because it wasn't just about getting the certificate, it was almost like the ultimate level of accountability. I have now committed to being this kind of person, one who lives a healthy life. I want to lead by example.

I am so often disappointed when I see trainers who smoke, who show no discipline in their eating habits, and who live a lifestyle that I don't think matches what they are preaching about. It's not about being a 100% saint, but I think it is about leading by example. I don't think it's fair to expect your clients to eat clean while you eat burgers and fries and other kinds of junk food on a regular basis. It doesn't make sense to me.

I'm not saying these trainers are not able to perform their job. They are. However, it's just not something that I personally agree with or like to see. I know that people have different metabolisms and body types and genetics etc. However, I think until you reach your goal weight/dress size/health target, staying disciplined is very, very important.

Anyway. This post isn't about other trainers, it's about what I hope to do in my new role.

I really want to set a good example. I want to show people that it is possible to enjoy your food, be creative with cooking, and live a fulfilling life while still exercising regularly and eating clean. It doesn't have to be one or the other.

Will sacrifices need to be made? Of course they will.
But being overweight and having unhealthy habits sacrifices your health and quality of life. Are French fries really worth it (and believe me, they were quite the weakness of mine!)? They're not. I haven't had French fries in maybe 9 months ... maybe a year ... I can't even remember. I don't feel resentful or deprived. My quality of life has not deteriorated because I haven't had fries.

Would I still be tempted if a plate of fries was in front of me? Absolutely.
Do I ever not eat clean? Yes. There are times when I have something off plan, but those times are rare in comparison to how many days I stay on plan.

I still have a lot of work to do.

I hope that by showing people that I was once obese with more than 50% body fat that through discipline and dedication I have been able to do this. It is possible. We can all do it. It just comes down to making the right choices and sticking to them.

Today's Food:
Pre-workout: banana, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, 1 date
Post-workout: 3 egg muffins, 1/2 avocado, 1 tablespoon of pecans
Lunch: Tuna fish salad
Afternoon snack: 1/2 cup of papaya
Dinner: Tandoori chicken with some rice (First time having rice in about 3 months! I wanted to have something traditional as it's Bangladesh's New Year today - definitely missing home.)

Today's Workout:
45 minutes on the cross-trainer

Major Accomplishment of the Day: Getting my car registration renewed!! It had expired in 2011 - ya, I know. Terrible. Anyway. I'm legal now! :)