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Since announcing to the world that I’ll be posting progress photos this Friday I’ve been on my best behaviour – eating clean, exercising hard, you know, all the stuff I’m always preaching about!
And one thing I’ve noticed is how much easier it’s getting
I’m not talking about the adaptations to exercise that mean lifting the same weight gets easier, etc. (That is happening, but I’m increasing the intensity of my workouts to keep challenging myself.)
What I mean is, I guess, it’s getting easier psychologically – although that’s a big word when all I’m really talking about is establishing good habits and routines.
OK, so that's another way of looking it!
Eight weeks ago, at the beginning of my 18% body fat challenge, if you’d have described my diet and exercise over the last week I’d have probably said, ‘yes, I know that’s exactly the sort of thing I need to be doing, it’s just finding the self-discipline to do it that’s the problem’.
I’d just got into a few bad habits whilst I’d been injured and snowed under with work, but the thought of making all the changes I needed to lose the fat I’d gained and get back to full fitness was scary. Would I be grumpy all the time while I made the necessary adjustments? Would it affect my relationship with my partner? Would it get in the way of my work…? If you’ve ever been in that position – and, let’s face, it most of us have been there several times – you’ll know how many potential difficulties suddenly spring to mind when you suggest cleaning up your lifestyle.
As you’ll know if you’ve been following this blog for a while, I didn’t dive straight in and dramatically alter my diet or start exercising like crazy right off the bat. I’ve been taking it bit by bit, gradually cutting out processed foods and sugary snacks and easing off on the evening tipple. Plus I’ve been introducing more and tougher workout sessions as my fitness has improved.
So now I’m at the stage where I’m exercising 5-6 days per week (sessions last around 30 mins to an hour) and eating mostly healthy most of the time, and it doesn’t feel like a big deal. I’ve got to the stage once more where it’s just what I do. Obviously, sometimes I fancy a cake with my cuppa and have to muster a little willpower, or I might have to give myself a bit of a pep talk to get to the gym in the morning, but it’s taking nowhere near the sort of effort it did a few weeks ago.
I know this is all to be expected, but I just wanted to show anyone who might be feeling a bit daunted by the idea of starting a healthier a lifestyle that there’s nothing to be afraid of! And also to encourage people to take things one step at a time, rather than overwhelm themselves by trying to make too many changes all at once.
It really doesn’t have to be difficult. Start by making small changes and, over time, they’ll add up to big differences. Go gradually and it’ll flow much easier. Sure, you may have further to go than me, but that’s OK, it just might take a bit longer that’s all. The point is you’ll get there. And the getting will get easier as you go.
…A bit of a stream of consciousness ramble there for you today, but if it chimes with you I’d love it if you’d click a share button and leave me a comment.
I’ll be back on Friday with my new photos (eek!).
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It definitely does get easier. Although I am sure it is part psychological, I’m sure there is a physiological element to it too. Whatever the reasoning behind it, it does all become very addictive, I know that for sure. I remember when I started out I’d have to drag myself to the gym and then a few weeks later you couldn’t keep me out of the place.
NB, my latest post gives my top ten dieting tips. I’d be really interested in your feedback
I totally agree Claire. I’m not sure how much is psychological and how much is physical, but poor diet habits can definitely be similar to an addiction. Will pop over to your blog and have a look at your tips now… Jx
Hi Julia,
Great progress and staying power.
I like you put my loss down to a sensible regime. In fact, I am able to be a little naughty as I have struck a good balance and now am stable at 84/86kg.
I am now working at strength gains by doing a lot of HIIT.
What is your take on the weight loss/strength loss challenge for combat sportsmen/women?
Good luck!
Ray
That’s brilliant Ray, good for you!
Yeah, it can be tricky to lose fat and retain muscle, especially when you get down to really low body fat levels. Those guys have to manage their diets really carefully. I’m not an expert in working with combat athletes, but I hear a lot of people are moving away from bulk/cut cycles in that kind of sport or at least trying to avoid gaining so much fat during the bulk phase.
Thanks for the comment.
Hi Julia
Its really great that you started with 18% body fat challenge & after getting it, you are following the same healthy schedule.I do exercise daily but sometimes i found myself lazy whole day.I’m not after any challenges actually but still need to know what can be the reason for this.One more thing you looks great now.
Thanks
Awesome post, mental is a huge factor for a lot of people just getting into working out. I guess it’s an “is this possible for me to achieve,” mindset that people start off with, kind of like they might be afraid that genetics may be limiting what they can do with their body.
Seeing a little progress is always a huge motivator.
Well, the exercise part does get easier somewhat, but losing weight?
Back when I weighed 196 lbs and lost 35, the first 15 or so were comparatively a piece of cake. But the lower my body weight was, the harder it seemed to keep the pace of a 1,000 kcal daily deficit.
Unfortunately yes, those last pounds can be the hardest to shift! But keep at it and you’ll get there.
Hi Julia,
Congratulation, to achieve your target and your workout is awesome. The best thing about yourself is you are continuously follow the same healthy rules even after you have completed your goals.
I always have that kind of problem when i set this kind of goal, I never achieve it because of mine laziness. Will you please suggest me what should i do for this.
One more thing friend, you looks completely awesome.