Hey friends! How’s your morning going? I hope it’s off to a fantastic start! Today, I’m preparing the patio furniture for swim season and looking forward to a yoga class in between work calls.
Let me share more about my initial health journey. Before I became a fitness instructor or health practitioner, I lost 40 lbs in college. Back then, I had to figure it all out on my own, relying on fitness magazines and health books for guidance.
Reflecting on my weight loss journey brings back memories of challenges, like getting sick from a meal, but also a sense of pride for persevering and making positive changes.
What I did wrong, and what I’d do again [in my health journey]
Here are some foundational habits that worked for me:
– Prioritizing protein and whole foods. I shifted to a diet focused on whole, unprocessed foods, even on a tight budget in college.
– Incorporating walking into my routine. Simple yet effective, walking improved my mood and energy levels.
– Starting strength training. Despite initial doubts, I embraced strength training with the help of a personal trainer.
– Embracing balanced eating and portion control. Learning to create balanced meals made a significant difference.
Remember, simple changes can have a lasting impact on your health and well-being.
Mistakes:
Here are some challenges I faced along the way:
– Lack of sleep. Juggling multiple responsibilities left me sleep-deprived and reliant on caffeine.
– Ignoring stress management. Stress took a toll on my health, affecting various aspects of my well-being.
– Fear of fats. Misconceptions about fats led me to avoid healthy sources, impacting my diet.
– Birth control issues. Hormonal birth control masked symptoms and created imbalances.
– Neglecting fiber and digestion. Low vegetable intake affected my digestion and overall health.
– Lack of a solid plan. Conflicting information made it challenging to create a sustainable health strategy.
– Overconsumption of artificial sweeteners. Dependence on fake sugars had negative effects on my health.
Despite changes in my body composition, I feel healthier and more confident now. It’s been a journey of learning and growth, paving the way for a brighter future.
How has your health journey unfolded? What are you currently working on? If you’re interested in guidance as we approach summer, feel free to reach out for a complimentary discovery call.
xoxo
Gina