Cliché Resolutions

The bright new year has arrived like a falling ball and it’s time to commit to all kinds of resolutions that we sincerely hope will last us longer than they did the previous year. I've never been the person to make resolutions or give things up but this year I felt a little different about it. I'm not sure if my decision is because I love my body but dislike the way I feel or what but I have decided to join the masses and my new resolution is as cliché as it gets, I'm going on a diet! My main goal is to get more fit. I like my body shape but the extra cushion REALLY isn't necessary, so I'm setting out to change it.

I know the idea is wicked unoriginal but I'm hopping on the bandwagon and I'm ready to shake my jiggle right off! My biggest issue with any type of weight loss, dieting or even just getting fit in general has always been the fact that I have NO clue what I am doing. I don't have the time to go to the gym every day or to get a personal trainer, nor do I want to pay the prices of what those options cost. I'm a young working mother working with my husband to grow our savings account and we just don't have the spare change around to pay to lose this spare tire I call my belly! Even if I did, I still wouldn't go to a gym with people, germs and sweat smells permeating through the walls.

So, I did what any good "Millennial" would do and downloaded an app on my smart phone! (This is not to say I identify with Millennials, but technology is amazing and this is a conversation for another time) The app I downloaded is 8Fit and its wonderful. I am not trying to endorse or promote an app but if you can’t find a fit life for dummies book, download this app and start slow.

I started with a 30 day free trial and it does everything I need it to do. It asks basic questions about my body and body goals, eating and exercising habits then BAM! They created a workout plan, a meal plan and grocery list for it, a weight and calorie goal and I have the option for tips and a contact with a personal trainer. When the trial ends, I will have to pay money to continue on the plan I choose and I am okay with it because it’s less money I would be spending if I got a gym membership, personal trainer and help on meal planning.

It’s an amazing app and even though it has only been a few days since I started using it, I am feeling great about the app and my workout. I don't exercise  much and even though I eat healthy, I love to snack. I went grocery shopping, cleaned out all the junk food in the house and loaded up on all the good stuff! I have been working out by doing warm ups and 9 minute exercises at a time. Since this is my first time actually exercising and following a routine, it's going to be something I will have to get better and work up to but for now the 9 minute beginner exercises are perfect. Aside from the app workouts, I like to do some yoga to unwind or prepare for working out or even just because. It helps loosen the mind and body which is exactly what is needed when you are making major changes to your lifestyle and habits.

I've lost one pound and I know that's a very small accomplishment, but the way I feel is the real accomplishment. It sounds so silly but I understand now why health nuts and gym rats are always chipper and ready to go. You feel better after working out and every time I make a smoothie and take my first sip, my whole body gets giddy. For a woman who loves chips more than any food and can eat a whole pot of mac and cheese, I never would have thought that a smoothie with fruit and spinach was going to get me so excited, but hey, whatever works!

My ultimate goal is to keep my body shape and curves, but to tone it up and get rid of the fat surrounding my undiscovered 6 pack! I want to get down to 160 lbs with less than 23% body fat. I want to keep track of my success each week so that when I am down to my goal, I can post pictures and non-sense stuff no one wants to see but gets motivated from anyway.

I hope your New Year resolution is as motivating and exciting as mine is turning out to be and if you are on the path of getting healthy or fit, please share your story with me and tune back soon for an update!

Happy New Year to all of you!