My self-control secret

Self-control can be difficult when you're trying to lose weight, and it's important not to starve yourself. Although you should cut back on unhealthy, fatty foods, it's okay to indulge yourself in a while. But how do you keep from eating all those "indulgence foods" in one sitting? Store them in the freezer!

I generally try to avoid buying sweets or keeping complex carbohydrates in my house, but when I do buy a guilty pleasure snack, I immediately store it away in the freezer. That way I have to make a conscious effort to take it out and let it thaw before I can eat it. Most of the time, the thought of waiting for my favorite chocolate trail mix to thaw deters me from wanting to snack at all. It's a great way to help you make healthy choices. If I REALLY want that snack, I'll take it out and wait an hour to consume it so it doesn't break my teeth. And I usually try to use that thawing time to be productive-- whether it's taking my dog for a long walk, going for a jog, or simply catching up on some reading.

I encourage you to go through your cupboard right now and shuffle a few temptations into the freezer. Be fit, and think Smart ;)

Where I've come from

Although I may look fit and healthy right now, many of you may not know how much work it took to get to this point. When I talk about how I used to look and who I used to be, I sometimes am ashamed. However, I know that I am now a stronger person and that I would not appreciate health so much if it wasn't for the unhealthy self I used to be.

Growing up, I was extremely active. I played softball for 11 years, basketball for about 4 years, and volleyball for a season. Even with all this activity, I still always had some "baby fat." But when I was 16, I had a scary softball accident that led to me quitting sports pretty much altogether. And with this life transition, the pounds piled on.

In my sophomore year of college, at the ripe age of 19, I was hitting the scales at about 170. At 5'3, that was much too large. I wore a size 12 and was miserable. I don't remember one specific point of a decision to change, but somehow I started adapting some healthier habits. I started going to the free gym on campus, and I stopped going for seconds in the cafeteria. Slowly but surely some weight dropped. By graduation in May 2010, I dropped down to about 135 and a size 4.

The next stage of my health adventure came with my husband's deployment in October 2010. When he left, I was at 135 and 23% body fat. A pretty decent body fat percentage, but I knew I wanted some more muscle and definition. Going to the gym has become my sanctuary during the deployment; I pound out all the stress, pain, and loneliness with intense cardio at least 4 times a week. I also lift about 3 times a week, and I have completely changed my diet. I'm finally in the best shape of my life and hold only 15% body fat. I still have areas of my body that I'm not completely pleased with, and I call this "used to be a fat girl syndrome." I don't mean to poke fun with that, but I do think that people who lose a significant amount of weight will always hear the taunts and jokes of their heavyset days.

Even though I may get down on myself, I came to a realization today. We all need to find what we LOVE about our bodies and embrace it. So I am proud to say that I love my arms and shoulders. =)

My challenge for you is this: What do you love about your body? Find whatever it is, and embrace it. For me, I can't wait to get some cute summer dresses and tube tops that show off my arms. Love yourself, and see the best in yourself. 

I hope that my story of getting healthy can encourage you that change IS possible. Everyone has the chance at a healthy, happy, long life. Go for it, and think smart ;)

Late Night Snacks

So my downfall in staying healthy is highly attributed to late night snacking. Even if it's a healthy snack, like a yogurt or some almonds, I still feel soooo guilty. I have read numerous fitness articles stating that eating anything at all after 7 PM pretty much goes right to your trouble zones. (Though I believe this cutoff time can be adjusted depending on what time of the day you work out; for me, I generally exercise around 4 or 5 pm) So my new alternative to reaching for that late night snack is to sip on some tea.
I have also been having trouble sleeping due to stress, so adding chamomile tea to my nightly routine is perfect. So if you're up late and wanting to raid the fridge, boil some water instead. If you're not quite ready to be knocked out, just go for any caffeine-free herbal blend. Not a tea person? Try a small glass of a milk alternative. My favorites are unsweetened vanilla almond milk or soy slender chocolate soy milk. 
And remember, when you feel like you HAVE to have that midnight snack, try to visualize the immediate guilt you'll feel for a five-second food fix. So resist the urge and show off that confidence and will power :)

LA Fitness Review

I recently completed a one week free trial at LA Fitness. Overall, it was a good club, but it had a few weak points.
Pros:

• Not nearly as busy as 24, so I actually got to use the equipment I wanted.
• Clean! Literally saw someone going through wiping down the machines every visit.
• Variety of classes. I tried Body Works Plus Abs, which is a step class, and man was that a workout! Even though it was mostly middle aged women in the class, I worked up a sweat and was sore the next day.

Cons:

• Gym hours. They have pretty shitty hours on the weekend, which is when I generally like to work out at odd hours.
• Separate saunas. Not that I enjoy being in a sauna with sweaty men, but I would take that over a single-sex sauna with naked old women with no shame. Nuff said.
• Sales desks RIGHT next to the cardio equipment. I felt too exposed, both while talking to the sales team and while working out.

I'd give LA Fitness a B+. Right now it seems like a good gym for Chase and I to join because it is the closest gym to our apartment, and I think we can work through the kinks. Over and out!