As you may recall, one of my means for finding my happy place this year was to take on a new diet and fitness plan. Here’s the deal – ever since my daughter Samara was born, I’ve been dealing with a very real, struggle with my weight and body image and have since taken on many diet and fitness plans. I get it – I’m older, with 2 kids, and as it turns out, I didn’t get the skinny gene like my older brother, but that nagging voice in my head won’t let me accept that as an excuse. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not to this obsessive, unhealthy level or anything. However, I just haven’t felt like the “me” I once felt.
The most difficult part I experience in taking on a diet and fitness plan is the fact that I’m not quite the typical weight loss candidate. You think of shows like The Biggest Loser and lots of those real deal diet and fitness challenges and – let’s face it – they are not looking for people like me and it would be offensive to suggest otherwise. In fact, dare I even utter the words, “I need to lose weight” in public! In lieu of support, I get a slew of rolled eyes, snickers, and “Oh please! You do not need to lose weight!” My default response: “Yeah…well, you haven’t seen me naked.” That usually quiets them.
So, earlier last year, when I learned that I was going to be the Maid of Honor in my cousin’s wedding, I started 
working out pretty hard and officially started on my road to a healthier and more fit “me.” I gave my Fitbit friends a run for their money and attended nearly every Zumba class I could find. I loved the progress I made, but I inevitably hit a plateau after a few months, meaning it was time for a new fitness plan. Most recently, I joined UFC Gym in Smyrna to kick off my new diet and fitness plan with that team. In my initial consultation, I was assured that I was doing the right thing as we went over these 4 things you need for a good diet and fitness plan:
1. Find what you love to do
– Needless to say, if you love what you’re doing, it makes it less torturous. UFC Gym Smyrna offers quite a few of my favorites, including kickboxing, power Zumba, yoga, martial arts (Jujitsu, Muay Thai, self defense) and circuit training when I’m up for it. The best part is that my girls can be involved too through their kids’ programs.
2. Burn enough calories for American diet
The rule is that you’ll have to burn enough calories in a week to exceed the amount of calories you eat following the standard American Diet. Basic rule of thumb: 3500 calories = 1 lb. Therefore, in order to lose a pound a week, you’ll want to burn at least that much each week. The good news is that following this plan actually speeds up your basil metabolic rate, which is when you see results faster and with slightly less effort.
3. Have a group or support/accountability network
There are some people who are completely self motivated to work out, but unfortunately, I am not one of those people. Therefore, your chances of success are greater when you have things like group classes, workout buddies, and coaches who are actually looking for you in the gym.
4. Certified personal trainers
This isn’t an absolute requirement, but it definitely helps. At the very minimum, you should set up an appointment with one to help assess your current health/BMI, establish your weight loss or fitness goals, and then help you form an effective workout plan.
I’ll be chronicling my journey for the next 90 days on my social channels mostly, so pretty please follow me on Instagram or Facebook to cheer me on along the way. If you’d like to get started on your own diet and fitness plan, a great resource to try is this 5 day E-course – 5 Days to a Healthy and Fit “You.”
Also, be sure to reach out to me if you are on this journey too so we can support each other!
I will be following I have no doubt you will love your results. One thing I’ve learned about you is that you are very dedicated, hard working, and don’t give up when things get tough.
You got this! I should be joining you, I love The UFC Gym
I try to eat right and workout as much as possible. I have my slip ups, but I try hard.
Try is all we can do. It’s not easy at all.
This is a great list of tips. I’ve really been working at eating better, now I just need to find my exercise motivation.
I’m just the opposite, Jenn. I enjoy the exercise, but I also love my food! That’s the problem!
Great tips, I definitely need a personal trainer!
It certainly helps to have a trainer, but just the group setting alone works for me.
I’m part of a runner’s and walker’s accountability group on Facebook and that really motivates me. I know that they are cheering me on, which keeps me going.
I do pretty well with my nutrition and water intake, but I have been slacking on the exercise. I am starting a 30 challenge on March 1st! Good luck to you!!
Good luck with your challenge, Rebecca!
When you have people relying on you to be healthy, that’s enough reason for you to think about being physically fit. I think these are very nice tips, it’s good to have support, be able to do what you can and what’s enjoyable for you!
This is absolutely a great tips. I need to start my work out again and a new trainor
Such a great tips, i need to get back to my exercise routine
Love the tips and ideas, so great! My friend really need this. Thanks.
It can be really tough to find yourself after kids…body image, confidence, health…it’s all tied together. These are great tips on how to start addressing things to make the changes you need to feel yourself again.
That’s what I need! A motivation, I planned to be serious at my fitness and health, I’ve been exercise for two days lol. P.S By myself.
2 days is still a start! Good luck!
i am not on diet at all but totally loving the list and the guide you said above. trainor is must for a good start
Great tips for sure! I’m trying to get on track and go back to my normal diet routine. Thanks for sharing.
It’s tough, but worth it!
I never heard of 3500 calories=1 lb. before so that is REALLY good to know! Thank you a ton for sharing that fact. Now I can really put that into perspective when I am watching what I eat.
I try to eat right and stick with a good exercise routine. I do have cheat days but I always limit sweets. We have a free gym at my job that is amazing! I workout during lunch as often as I can.
I think that having a support group of friends and family will definitely help in keeping your fitness plans. I know I always do better with a friend.