Wednesday, 25 July 2012

When reality hits you - The big downfall                                               


Hello bloggers,

Today I woke up so enthusiastic and full of energy. I have to tell you though, I haven't felt this eager to eat right and exercise for at least two months now. It has been a tough two months because I live in Canada and when summer comes everybody starts going camping, drinking alcohol, eating everything and guess what? you are surrounded by these people all the time. It has been so hard for me to say NO to unhealthy foods, I have to say that I deviated from my regimen and now I am full of regrets. It was very frustrating to put unhealthy foods in my mouth when I knew I shouldn't have eaten them. I was extremely conscious of my actions and even knowing didn't stop me. So here is when I ask myself, where did my will power go? Where did my determination go? What just happened to me? I am sitting here wishing I never ate anything, and that I maintained my diet's mode on.

There are a few things I want to talk about. Just because you hit a bump on the road does not mean you are going to give up. Failure means FIGHTING, you have to fight against what makes you feel bad, sad, angry and so on. Fight for what you want, for what you desire. Not fighting means complete failure. Here are few things for you to read:

  • Don't be ashamed: Feeling disappointed about your performance is, believe it or not, the key to realize that you have made a mistake. Is the time to take action and be better. You have to recognize the fact that being sad or feeling sorry for yourself will do no good, but will bring you down. Feeling this way won't certainly bring your body back to normal; on the contrary, will held you back from feeling motivated to work harder, eat better and to finally reach your goal.
  • Reset: Meditate and figure out what you really want for yourself. It is never too late to start all over again, but just this time do it like you mean it. We are humans and the best way to learn about life and other things is by making mistakes, but still that doesn't mean that every month you are going to allow yourself to feel disappointed. Instead, set your mind to be better, stronger and determined. Reset and press play to your new healthy lifestyle. Start fresh and live the regrets behind.
  • Create: Maybe you are not feeling motivated because you do the same workout everyday. Instead, create a new routine, mix it up, challenge yourself. Creating a new workout routine will certainly help boost that motivation. Try something new and challenge your body and mind.
  • Focus: Attention is important for everything you do in life, but fitness and nutrition is something that requires 200% focus to reach your desirable goal. Focus is needed to train hard, to remain in your healthy lifestyle, to sleep enough, and so on. To focus on what you want for yourself will help your motivation, dedication and determination.
  • Will Power: Learn to say NO. If somebody offers you one of your favorite desserts, try your hardest to say NO. Why? Well by saying NO it will definitely make you feel better at the end of the day, you will feel so proud of yourself because you kept your promise of living a better life. Think about it though, every time you consume something so good, but so bad for you; you will feel awesome while eating it, but you won't feel any good afterwards. This is the moment when regrets make an appearance making you feel worthless, sad and disappointed. Avoid these feelings by eating right, by being yourself, by following strictly your new lifestyle.
You are better than feeling disappointed. You are better than regrets. You are better than mistakes. Take advantage of the mistakes you have made and be better everyday, feel better about yourself, smile often, think about yourself and how this new life is causing a positive impact in your life. Always remember how this new lifestyle makes you smile, and boost that confidence. Remember if you feel sad in the inside, that is what you reflect on the outside.

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

THE STORY OF ALEJANDRA CARABALLO                                          

About a year ago I noticed the fact that I needed to lose weight, not necessarily for vanity, but to live a healthy lifestyle that would go with the way I live and my age.

Two years ago, I suffered from frequent panic attacks and anxiety. I was a huge fanatic of junk food; there was a place called "The Street of Hunger," I was very popular, I was the "Star Client." I would eat hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, and so much more. Not to mention the fact that I was a big fan of sugar; loved to eat candy, chocolates, cookies and so on. I was addicted to sugar. After a life time of eating this way, I gained lots of weight. I was weighting 85 kilos and I am not very tall, my height is 1.60 cm, so can you imagine a person like me with all those extra kilos on me?. Not only this was the issue, but I started developing breathing problems, I had trouble breathing properly, I could not sit for long periods of time, nor stand or finish any chore successfully.

One day I went to the doctor, and no it was not a consult for me, but for my dad. That moment was an eye opener, in that very moment is when I realized I needed to do something. Once the doctor saw my dad, it was not good news. The doctor told my dad that he was suffering from hypertension, obesity and hyperglycemia. The doctor called my dad a "ticking bomb." My family has a history of obesity and diabetes, so to think of me suffering from all this made me take actions in my own hands. Sooner or later I was going to suffer from these things and even more, I just refused to go through this. I asked myself, Will I reach all my goals in life? Will I cover all my expectations of life? These were questions without any answers yet.

On August of 2011, after making the decision of losing weight, I started wih a little routine of walking 40 minutes every single day. My main support was my MOM, she made all the meals at home and she was the one taking care of the food. My food cycle was: Protein, Carbohydrates and Water. My mom would help me eat an adequate amount of food in each meal. Everytime dinner came along, I was always careful, I would eat more vegetables to balance my foods so my body would receive all the nutrients to remain healthy. Exercises are the key to maintain your weight, and not only that, but if one day you feel like cheating you absolutely can (in moderation) as long as you exercise that same day. The problem comes when you eat all you like and don't exercise ever.

Something I have to say though, is that my main key is: WILL POWER. To learn how to say no when people offer you the foods you like is not an easy task, but I did it. I learned to tell myself "DON'T EAT THAT" when everybody around me would indulge on things I liked. I am going to be completely honest here, I DO CHEAT. I cheat every single Sunday, I eat whatever I want, at any time of the day and with whoever I am with that day. Don't get too excited though, I start my healthy cycle all over again every Monday.

It is extremely necessary that I mention my family in this story. Since that day of the consultation, my family started eating better, healthier; also, exercising as well to maintain a healthy life. My dad is still in treatment for his hypertension, and to control his hyperglycemia.

I proudly say that RIGHT NOW I WEIGHT 63 KILOS. YES, I LOST 22 KILOS AND I AM EXTREMELY PROUD AND HAPPY. Not to mention the fact that I get men's attention frequently so that must say something about how I look, don't you think?

My Tips to Lose Weight:

  1. Drink lots of water. Drink water while exercising and in regular basis.
  2. Drink green tea. Is a diuretic, helps you lose weight and fat. It doesn't taste amazing, but it is excellent for weight loss.
  3. Eat green everything. Vegetables are important and green ones are the best ones for losing weight. I am not a big fan, but I still add them to my meals.
  4. Grill. Cooking everything on the grill is healthier than cooking with oils and/or butter.
  5. Relaxation. Practice breathing exercises and relaxation to overcome those negative and tough moments when you feel like you can't continue to reach your goal. Take a moment to breathe, it is incredible how it helps you convince you to keep going towards your goal. Helps you focus.
  6. Exercise. Create an exercise routine. You don't need the gym, you can workout at home. I highly recommend Insanity DVD, it is an excellent workout and keeps you going.
  7. Search. Get familiar with professionals in your area that will help you figure out a proper nutrition and exercise routine. This is a good way to find guidance to know what to do to lose weight and to maintain a healthy weight.
  8. Self-esteem. Realize that you are worthy. Tell yourself everyday that "YOU CAN DO THIS."
REMEMBER:
Modify your life style for YOU, for your well being. Do not do anything for anybody else's pleasure, and for those who attempt against your integrity. The most important thing is your own quality of life and the only reason you should glow among society is because of YOUR OWN DECISION TO BE BETTER AND HEALTHIER.

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE IF YOU ARE CONVINCED YOU CAN DO IT.



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