Get Shredded

Seeing as I am somewhat of a health and fitness expert (at least that is what my fancy degrees suggest), you would think I have this mastered in my own life. When life gets busy and we get stressed, we often put taking care of ourselves at the bottom of the priority list. Did you know that physical activity can reduce stress? The things we actually need the most, we seem to neglect.

The past 2 years of my life were quite chaotic and stressful, it wasn’t constant, but I can say that was the overarching theme of grad school. I know I neglected my health during the high stress times, even when it was while writing about the positive benefits of physical activity and healthy eating.

Over the month of December I was quite indulgent and packed on a bit of weight. I wasn’t too concerned because previously I would lose my “holiday weight” in no time once I got back to my pedestrian life in Montreal. However, there have been some changes this year. I live in a more convenient area, and do not have to walk as far as I used to, nor do I walk up a steep hill anymore.

This in addition to my extremely sedentary full time job resulted in the weight staying right where I put it.  

Now that I have a little more order in my life I have decided to practice what I preach. I had 2 specific sources of motivation to get me started: lose the weight from last year and get bikini ready for my Barbados trip this spring.

For me natural and organic are the best strategies for optimal health. The best method to weight loss and body change is so simple caloric intake < caloric output. THAT IS IT!

So it was time for a change. After debating different programs and strategies I decided that my road to a healthier life would start with a balanced diet with an intake of approximately 1400 calories a day (slightly below the average intake for a female) and my main source of physical activity would be The 30 Day Shred. The video is based on 3 levels, 10 days each and the movements are based on muscle confusion. It is a highly effective program for a 25 minute workout. I knew committing to regular long workouts was not realistic for me, which is why I chose the Shred. The Shred is based on a 30 day program, but my intention is to do it continuously, with some modifications to keep it interesting and challenging.

By modifying my eating habits and adding a bit more activity a day I did see results. After 2 months here are the changes:

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Measurements	14/02/11	17/03/11	18/04/11
Arm	28.5cm	29cm	28.5cm
Thigh	56cm	55cm	56cm
Upper waist	81cm	78cm	73.5cm
Waist	84cm	85cm	76cm
Hips	103cm	98.5cm	93cm
Weight	160lbs	154lbs	147lbs

I am very pleased with the results, but I have to admit, my dedication is starting to wane. I think in part, it is due to my schedule being more variable than before, but no excuses. I have felt great lately and I want to keep it that way.