4 Year Anniversary

I cannot believe that this month marks my four (4) year gym membership anniversary.  Never did I think that I would be this faithful to the gym, of all things.  For those of you who know me, you know that I began this journey as a social work-out kind of girl.  Meaning - I went to gab with my friend Rhonda. 

The first two years of our gym relationship, we worked-out six (6) days a week.  Most of those work-outs included an hour of cardio and 30 minutes or so of weights.  Wow - we were at the gym all the time.  Seriously! 

Then something changed...I went from the social work-out girl to being serious about getting fit.  I went to the gym without Rhonda.  I went by myself.  Whoa!  This was a break-through.  Never in those first 2 years of my membership did I dare venture alone to the gym.  It was unheard of and completely foreign to me.  I wasn't sure what to do if I didn't have someone to chat with.  I bought an MP3 player and would occasionally find myself singing along outloud with the song in my ears. 

We have a health & wellness "club" at work where we log in our hours and/or miles and if we meet our quarterly goal, we get a fun prize.  It's quite motivational!!!  I've been a member of this "club" for the past 4 years and I've met my goal every time except once.  I remember it quite vividly...it was two falls ago.  {Cardio goals are set-up in hours of cardio - the minimum is 30 hours, then 45 hours, and lastly for the over-achievers - i.e. me circa 4 years ago :) - 60 hours.}  Two falls ago I selected 45 hours, not sure why.  At the end of the quarter, I was 10 hours short.  Honestly, I remember being sad that I didn't make my goal.  I felt like a failure.  Was I a failure?  NOOOO!  {I hope you heard that emphatically!!!}  My favorite co-worker gave me much grief about not making my goal and this just added to my sadness.  Little did I know that the tables were about to be turned (insert evil laughter).  Ok - let me explain something...my favorite co-worker is my favorite because he (and my 2nd and 3rd favorites) keep my accountable about working-out and eating healthy.  He gives me grief about my gluten allergy and it's fine - because funny story, his dog has a gluten allergy.  Not soo much in my head now, is it?  (LOL!)  Anywhoooooo....the person in-charge of the tallying of the work-out hours sent me a little email that said, "Have fun with this..." and wouldn't you know that my favorite co-worker also did not make his fitness goal.  His goal was to ride his bike 700 miles.  He only rode 699.  (Not even kidding.)  Ooooh the fun I had with that...  He tried back-pedaling (not literally :)) and saying how he could've rounded-up and been over his goal, but all I heard was, "Waaaa-waaaaa-waaaaaa-waaaaaa!" {Much like the voice of Charlie Brown's teacher.}

Wow - that was a rabbit trail.  Yow-zers.

Here it is, August 2013.  I'm on the brink of beginning my 4th year of working-out.  I think for me - the biggest thing that has happened over the past 4 years has been my mental change regarding food.  Now, don't get me wrong - I love food.  {I've said this statement atleast 6 times in the past 48 hours.}  I love making good food choices.  I love working-out.  I love knowing that certain foods make me feel bad.  I love splurging when it's someone's birthday or someone invites me out to celebrate exciting news. 

The day I realized that food was designed by God to give us energy was, honestly, life-changing.  I love that He designed our bodies to crave heartier foods as the weather cools down.  I love His design with our bodies and how all of our organs work together and when one is out of whack - the rest of our system tries to make up for it!

Over the past 4 years, I've often contemplated if I had just treated this like a diet and not a lifestyle change, if it really would've stuck.  I don't think it would have.  I think you have to get our of your box if you are serious about seeing a change.  You have to realize - ok, I'm not losing weight, what's the real issue?  For me, it was gluten.  It is gluten.  It shuts down my system.  It's toxic. 

According to Dr. J.J. Virgin, there are 7 foods (ingredients) that often cause weight gain (and the inability to lose weight).  They are sensitivities/allergies to eggs, soy, gluten, dairy, sugar, peanuts, and sweeteners. 

I'm so thankful that with a little bit of research and much determination, I've been able to feel fit and fabulous!!!