New Years Resolutions

Good Afternoon Lovelies!

Sorry this is so late!  I've been so swamped I never even took a lunch.  I'm now taking a 15 mintue break just so I can post something for ya!

First of all, my hair color didn't come out as planned, the color (which will remain a secret for now) came out way too dark and you cant tell what tint it has.  This will hopefully be remedied by this weekend!  As soon as it is, you will see it, PROMISE!!!


Ok, on to today's post!

I meant to post this on Jan 1st since I know so many people make Resolutions to lose weight.
I just wanted to give you alittle encouragement cause I know how it can be!

For years I tried to lose weight,not only because I had terrible self esteem but also because I wanted to do things I couldn't and to be comfortable doing things and not constantly pulling at my clothes making sure they weren't stuck in a roll or something.  I tried not eating(not good btw, great way to wreck your metabolism), I tried every diet known to man.  Vegetarian, low fat, slim fast, protein shakes only, etc etc, nothing worked well.  We were spending 2 to 3 hours in the gym 5 days a week lifting a TON of weigh!  I even ate cleanly too!  Lots of lean protein, lots of fruit and veggies, whole grains, the whole nine yards.  It got to a point that I was sick of busting my butt in the gym and being crazy strong, but not looking the part!  I wanted the muscle I has worked so hard to put on to show!  To me, muscular sculpted arms and thick muscular legs on a girl are very sexy!  And I had that!  But it was hiding under all this fat!  I finally started doing research on t-nation.com, an online community of powerlifters, body builders and athletes (professional and average joes)alike.  I discovered that I fall into a category of those who are Carb Sensitive.  My body basically doesn't know what to do with Carbs, so it stores them!  After a bunch of research I set out to start the Anabolic diet.  This diet was written by Dr. Mauro Di Pasquale, has 2 versions, The Metabolic Diet and The Anabolic Diet.  The Metabolic diet is for those who work out simply to be healthy.  The Anabolic Diet is for those who train to do a sport and want to not only retain alot of muscle but also add muscle.  The best part of this diet is that you get a carb-up once a week!  This, to me, has meant everything!  Rather than watch Rob have icecream and think "I can't eat that anymore!"  I know that while I may not be able to have it now, I can have it on Saturday!  And that does wonders for your sanity!  I highly suggest you look into it, It has changed my life!

I would like to address a few things that I have learned and that I hear alot, that frustrate me.
-You cannot out train a bad diet!  Diet is at least 75% of the battle.
-Have a cheat day!  Regardless of your diet, weather low carb, low fat or whatever, give yourself a day off, or at least a meal off.  Not only will this keep you sane, but it will also boost your metabolism!
-Don't forget the protein!  Protein makes your metabolism burn hotter and longer!  Try to eat .5grams of protein for every pound of body weight, or if your train, make that 1 gram per pound of body weight.
-Try to avoid Soy!  I know it's everywhere, but if you do some research you will see it's not all it's cracked up to be!  It actually acts like a Estrogen in your body, which is why guys should avoid it like the plague!
-Lift weights!  Don't just do cardio!  If you lift weights your body will continue to burn calories even after you stop!  I PROMISE if you lift you will not look like the She-male profession female body builder!  I like to think I'm proof of that!
-You cannot spot reduce!  It's impossible to lose weight in just one area!  Sorry, I too wish this wasn't true, but it is :(
-You can't crunch your way to flat abs!  It takes a combo of strengthening AND fat loss to have a nice flat belly.  (One of these days I'll lose enough to have a flat belly!)
-Start small!  Don't run out and starts some crazy diet!  Start by just eating cleaner!  Lean Protein, Veggies, Fruits, Whole Grains only!  (Quinoa is AMAZING)
-Eat Protein with every meal
And Lastly...
-Little known fact...Your body responds better to carbs in the morning and fats at night!  Eat accordingly!

If you can't tell, I absolutely LOVE nutrition!  It's another passion of mine!  Me and Rob make a great team this way cause people will come to us for advise and he can make up a lifting plan for them and I can do their nutrition plan!

I figure I'll leave you with some pictures I'm proud of.

Progress:

Summer 2007                             Late Spring 2009

Rob took these mid pressdown

Summer 2008                               Late Spring 2009

Taken mid pulldown by Rob, again.

Yeah, he likes taking pics of me while we are lifting!  LOL

If you have any questions at all, leave a comment and I'll respond!

Well that's all for today!

Sorry if I bored you to tears!

Have a great day!!!

{{{Hugs}}}

Christy