Trying to get fit from fat has probably got to be one of the hardest journeys to go on, especially when you can't give your 100%.
Since December 2013, I've promised myself that I would at the very least try and lead a healthier life style. I mean - 2 wings and chips 3 times a week really wasn't cutting it. Especially on the waist line.
Being just over 5ft, really does not help. I feel as I pile on the pounds just by LOOKING at food. So, when embarking on the journey of getting fit, I found it pretty difficult.
It was difficult because I couldn't workout at the gym - the way I wanted to. Due to my health problems - I can't use weights, the treadmill, the rower/anything which can strain my back.
That was/still is a total bummer.
Despite all of the above, I really wanted to change myself, for myself. I wanted the extra spring in my step and to just generally feel a lot better.
So, off to the gym it was. I spent at least 30 mins per day, four times a week at the gym. (Most days I spent 1 hour). I usually spend 30 mins on the stationary bike, 20 on the Elliptical and 10 doing stretches -pre and post workout.
I have also changed my eating habits! I ensured that I ate smaller portions of what I was previously eating, alongside veggies and salad. So, an example would be - eating rice. Being South Asian, and Bangladeshi, white rice (in my family Basmati is favoured) is a very prominent dish in our every day meals. Some people have it for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner!
I used to have it twice a day, but have now cut down to once a day. I've also ensured that my plate is smaller, so my portion is smaller. Correspondingly, I make sure that half my plate is filled with either veggies/salad.
I have also switched up my milk from semi-skimmed to almond milk - and I love almond milk SO much. It's high in Vitamin D (which I am quite badly deficient in) and packs in 27 cals per 200ml (unsweetened version, obviously).
After a recent chat with one of my gym instructors (he is incredible), I was shown how to tone my arms and back using very light weights. Obviously, the results will knock in a lot later, but better later than never. I now do Tricep pull downs with 5kg weights (15/20 reps four times), light 1 kg weights which I bring outwards from my chest to a 180 degree angle with my back straight - and I do that 15/20 reps four times. I also use the half-kg weights at home to do the very light strength training on my off-days.
All in all, since December - I have lost 8kg. I am really proud of that because I know that I've worked pretty hard despite not doing things the way I wanted to. I would like to mention that within the 5 month period, I have had a few days off.
I know I shouldn't concentrate on weight, but sometimes it's hard not to. I measure my weight around every 3 days. I have another 6kg more to lose as a personal goal by July. It's not a ridiclous aim, but I do hope to make it.
All in all, I think it's been a pretty incredible experience (not ended yet!). I feel SO much more energetic, and even on days when I'm not really feeling good, I feel better just knowing that if I was 8kg heavier, I'd feel a lot worse.
Sorry for the incredibly long post! x
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