Getting Lean In 2016

Last year I made a conscious effort to take on more of a healthy lifestyle., exercising more and eating a more balanced diet. I was quite proud of the fact that come Christmas I wasn't a big bloated mess like I had been the previous year, I'd managed to lose around a stone over the course of the year and I was in fact still exercising, even if it wasn't as often as I would have wanted to. My aim for this year is much the same but I'm also interested in getting lean, toning up those muscles and being able to show them off.

After eating getting rid of all the leftover chocolate and sweets from Christmas I've started to focus more on both what I'm eating but also when I am eating it. I was kindly sent a weight loss starter kit from Nutribuddy which has really helped kicked start my year in a good way.

Like last year I've found that routine is key, it really helps me stick to things and gives me a focus. Along with both my eating and exercising habits, I have also got myself into more of a pattern when it comes to sleeping and that has helped me significantly because I actually have the energy to get up and do things.

In my weight loss starter kit I received chocolate sculpting whey protein, multi vitamins, hunger fix tablets and a shaker bottle. Alongside these I've been making full use of my Lean In 15 recipe book which I'll talk more about in another post. I have been taking my vitamins every morning with breakfast and the whey protein has become a staple in my cupboard. I use it not only for post workout shakes but in smoothies, cakes and breakfasts too. What I like about the protein is that not only is it easy to mix up, it tastes perfectly fine with just water so no need for extra calories but also great for those that either simply don't like milk or have an intolerance.

My routine is a simple one. I eat breakfast at 7am, lunch at 1pm and dinner at 7pm. I also allow myself two snacks inbetween these times too. The main difference this year is that I've stopped calorie counting which means I'm actually enjoying the food I'm eating. I don't look at what is on my plate and think I can't eat all of that, I might go ove my allowance, sod the allowance, our bodies need fuel, it's just about using the right one, I mean we wouldn't put diesel in an unleaded car now would we. 

Another change is that I'm not obssessing over the numbers on the scales or on the tape measure even. I haven't actually weighed myself yet this year and it is sort of liberating to be able to say that. Every time I stepped on the scales last year I came away disappointed either from putting on a couple of pound of not losing as much as I'd hoped. That stops now. Everyone's weight fluctuates week on week, what matters is how you feel and right now I personally feel great!

Now exercise is something I've come to enjoy more and more over the past few months. I'm currently alternating between exercising in the mornings and the evenings, switching between HIIT, resistance and ab workouts with use of weights to help me finally build some muscle. I'm also focusing on my running. I only get to go out once a week but my distance is increasing week on week and my speed is also improving. 

At this point in time I couldn't tell you what I weigh or what my measurements are. My clothes fit and I'm happy with that right now. I actually saw something the other day that said it takes 4 weeks for you to notice a difference, 8 weeks for your family and friends to see a change and 12 weeks for anyone else to see your body adapting. I guess my point being that I'm not rushing things and I'm a lot more content with myself now compared to how I felt this time last year. How are you all getting along, are you learning to love your bodies?