Some people have been asking me lately how I got so fit and thin. Honestly, up until recently, I didn't even notice how much weight I had actually lost. I was never heavy or even chunky, but I had "baby fat" for awhile. At the start of my junior year of college, I was 145 pounds, and now at 22 years old and 5 feet 5 inches height, I am 124. So, how did I do it? Well, it didn't happen magically, although it kind of seemed that way at first.
The number one reason for my drastic, if you want to even call it that, weight loss is my sudden, severe allergy to milk, commonly known as lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance occurs when a person does not produce enough lactase enzymes which break down the sugar lactose found in dairy products such as milk, cheese and creams. Enzymes are large molecules that act as catalysts in chemical reactions such as the breakdown of food particles and even the "unzipping" of DNA strands in cellular division and sexual reproduction. I digress. Anyway, long story short, my body decided not to produce any more or enough, so there is nothing there to properly break down the sugars and disperse the nutrients throughout my system. This means that when I consume ice cream, cheese or milk, my stomach bloats, aches and then I run to the bathroom. So dairy products and I are no more.
I go into this because dairy has a high percentage of fat. Evolutionary speaking, I am at an advantage. Most adults loose a normal amount of lactase enzymes, causing some discomfort when dairy is consumed. This is advantageous because in the long run, dairy fat is not healthy or necessary for developed adults any more. As children, we need the vitamins in milk to support and sustain bone growth. As adults, too much of it makes us fat and might even cause fatty spots in our bodies that can be very detrimental.
I am not saying to become lactose intolerant or cut out dairy all together, but replacing milk fat with healthier options like soy, almond or coconut milk will trim your body and keep fat off. Humans still need calcium, don't get me wrong, but calcium is not only found in milk. Some vegetables like broccoli, contain calcium. Soy milk is also fortified with calcium and of course, there are calcium supplements. This becomes really important for women of post-child bearing years. Too much soy can be harmful too, but everything in moderation.
The second, most important thing I did that contributed to my knew physique was cut out saturated fatty foods like cakes and cookies. I was never a cake eater to begin with, but for those of you who are, pay attention! It is really important to switch these saturated fats with polyunsaturated ones found in fruits. Instead of taking a huge piece of pie or enteements cake, try blending some bananas, berries and ice together. You will still get a sugar fix and feel like you are enjoying a delicious treat with half the calories, fat, guilt and all natural sugars.
Third, I limited my carbs. Kick those carbohydrates to the corner and substitute it with fiber instead. Fiber bars and fruits rich in fiber will fill you up while cleaning your digestive track out. Eating a bagel in the morning is an all too quick-fix, common routine. But, carbs are meant to be quick energy, stored in the body for high-energy movements. So a bagel will leave you feeling empty, drained and sluggish. Too much intake that doesn't get burned turns to fat, especially around the belly. Plus, carbs will make you feel hungry between breakfast and lunch causing you to snack more. Try some fruit and eggs or a fiber bar instead.
Fourth and really the key to all fitness is exercise. All too often people use their busy lives as an excuse to not moving their bodies. I get it, believe me I do. But, there are things you can do in just ten minutes that will help. I started doing these things most nights before bed, and I felt and saw the difference. Core body work-outs like sit-ups and planks help build stomach muscles. These can be done on the floor of your bedroom. Doing 50 sit-ups and 30 second planks tighten those abdominal muscles. Wall-sits are also a favorite of mine. Find a place against your wall and just sit. You will feel the burn in your thighs, but that tightens up glutes and thigh muscles. Doing cardio work like running, elliptical, biking, walking or swimming is always effective when trying to burn more fat.
If you have a gym membership and time to use it, great. Bring a friend, significant other or family member for motivation and support. If not, that's ok too. Tag along with someone who does have a gym membership and can bring guests, or you can try the above exercises at home. Also, using work out videos on YouTube are really helpful and fun. There are so many of them and on so many different work outs. You can find a cool zumba video or dance routine.
All of these things and more will contribute to the health and physique you are striving for. You don't have to be a skinny thing or even a body builder, and you don't have to starve yourself on diets. You just want to be confident in your own skin while feeling healthy and fit. Everyone is built differently and has different metabolisms, however, everyone benefits from a healthy life style one way or another. It starts with you and simple changes in habits each day. So put on your yoga shorts and jogging shoes and come along for the healthy ride to fitness!
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