A friend posted a link for a groupon for a month of bootcamp. I hesitated because it would require me to get up around 5:30 in the morning. It just seemed impossible. However, then I changed my thinking to "let's give this a try for a month, maybe it is the jump start I need." So I bought the groupon.
Then came the first day of class. I had a bit of trouble finding the location (thanks GPS) and once I arrived, I was still seriously debating about leaving. Thankfully I decided to stay. I was worried that the trainers would be more like drill sergeants, so I was nervous. I received a warm welcome from my trainer and started to relax.
At first, the plan was to go 2-3 times a week. After my first class, I decided that I should go everyday so that my body would adjust to getting up early everyday. Plus, exercise everyday is a good thing. I found that working out early actually gives me more energy and starts my day on a positive note.
I will say that after my first few classes, I felt awful. Not only was I sore, but I was very nauseous. I figured that feeling would pass and I was correct. I started going 5-6 days a week for the 45 min bootcamp. After 6 weeks, I could definitely see some changes and was happy with my progress.
I knew I was going to have to take the month of July off bc of traveling and such, so I planned on starting a Whole30 in August. I started researching and looking up recipes in May. I checked out lots of books and cookbooks from the library to determine what was right for me.
I read It Starts with Food and wasn't sure how exactly I would be able to complete the Whole30. No grains, breads, pasta for 30 days? How in the world would I do this? I was already dairy free, so that part wasn't hard, but the grains and sugars were very intimidating.
I started stocking my pantry with things like coconut flour, almond flour, coconut milk, ghee, etc. (If you are looking for a good place to buy stuff like this, I highly recommend vitacost. Referral link: http://goo.gl/OplHv9. Don't forget to use ebates! (Another referral link: http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=yyu9RTW6T6hs6lJv%2FeSZqg%3D%3D&eeid=26471)
According to the ISWF book, the only fruit I was supposed to consume were green apples and green bananas. I was also not supposed to use any honey or drink smoothies. I will say that I did not stick with those couple of rules. Morning smoothies were very helpful for me and on Saturdays, I would make coconut flour pancakes. Other than that, I was able to stick with it.
For anyone that knows me, you will understand how huge this is for me. I ate a lot of bread and pasta. I used to eat a lot of candy, but that stopped after having children. I drank soda and ate junk food every now and then. We used to eat out a few times a week. We ate out once in August and that was completely planned. I am thrilled with how I feel. We are going to continue eating a Paleo lifestyle while at home and will limit dining out to two times a month. And yes, this includes lunches too. No more Chick-Fil-A for me!
I also signed up for a year of bootcamp. I am only a couple of months in and am excited to see changes over the coming months. I used to go to the gym a lot, but never saw results. I am now seeing results. I am healthier. When I started, I couldn't hold a plank for more than 15 sec. Now I can easily do a minute and have made it to the two minute mark a couple of times. I am seeing muscle definition. My waist and chest have gotten smaller (this has never happened at the gym before). I am stronger. Chris now says that I am more fit than him and I have to agree. :)
Now for the numbers:
Body fat: down 6% (it is now under 20% and I am soooo happy with that)
Weight: down about 13-14 lbs. My weight fluctuates a lot, so this changes.
Waist: down 8"
Hips: down 2 1/4"
Thighs: down 1"
Arms: down 1 1/4"
Underarm (top of chest): down 5"
Bust: down 4"
Underbust (bra band area): down 2"
In the photos, I am wearing the same shorts. I had to wear a different shirt, because the gray shirt is now longer than my shorts. That wouldn't exactly work.
