Hello everyone…wow, what a summer vacation! First, I cannot believe how quickly it has gone by. Secondly, I cannot believe how much I am looking forward to ‘September’ and ‘new beginnings.’

We had a few vacations planned and, yes, I did get a bit ‘too relaxed’ about my workout schedule. However, I now feel SO READY to get focused on an action plan and stick to it. I have been working out very hard following Nick Nillson’s, “Gluteus to the Maximus” program. I was also doing the Fit Chic 10 minute Express Workouts. I really noticed more muscle definition in my legs! I am getting compliments on how toned and lean they look. I love that. There are times when I think that my body is ‘used to’ being the kind of shape that it is and I’ve always found it very tough to firm up my legs. However, Nick’s INTENSE leg exercises did bring me to the next level that I needed.

For those of you who followed the challenge, I’d love to hear your feedback! Personally, I think that I should have made the challenge for 6-8 weeks. I need to spice up my routine at about that time. However, going for 12 weeks was beneficial for those who may have taken a vacation and/or became ill. At least you know that you have ample amount of time to gain some muscle and tone up.

Now I am ready for a new challenge. On Tuesday September 2, 2008 I will begin to follow Jon Benson’s ‘Every Other Day Diet‘. I have followed this nutrition plan in the past and achieved amazing results. I found his visual aids and simple meal ideas very easy to implement. I despise the word, ‘diet’ and have never followed one in my life. I just try to feed my body healthy foods. This is why I can follow Jon’s plan. I don’t see it as a diet because I never felt restricted. If there was a day that I felt hunger and it was not a cue for water, I would simply eat. You should never ignore a true hunger pain!

I will also once again follow the Fit Chic Year of Workouts. I love the 20 minutes of intensity and am looking forward to the variety in the program. I will aim for a couple of early morning walks on an empty stomach. I will also incorporate some HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) training and long duration cardio.

I will make myself accountable by reporting to all of you on my progress. Why do I want to challenge myself again? This is so important to ask yourself! I want to feel ENERGIZED again. I want to wake up in the morning and jump out of bed because I KNOW how great I will feel once I workout and feed myself a nutritious meal.

My biggest weakness is my eating habits. They are not always the best. No one is perfect! I do always try to improve and that is what I focus on. My assignment will be to understand why I want to snack late at night after the kids are asleep. This is my time that I begin to open the cupboards and the fridge…most of the time I am not even hungry. I’ve associated relaxing on the couch with munching on something. So now that I am aware of this, I really want to be more in control of it.

I will need to really try to be consciously aware of what does my body really want? Do I just need to unwind and I’ve associated food with that? Most likely. This is very common in most people. Maybe I just need a bath and to read a good book. If I am truly hungry I need to give myself a choice of healthy foods. I will choose my favourite, ‘apple slices with natural peanut butter…’ or carrots or a salad. I will save my ‘popcorn’ as a treat 2x/week if I so desire. Now that I have ‘voiced’ my plan I feel much more prepared mentally for this challenge! I recommend that you do this too:)

I think it is so important to challenge yourself like this. You always want to look for ways to improve.

Let me know if you have any questions regarding Jon’s program, I will be glad to give you my input on it.

Have an awesome day!

Cheers to health,

Angie
ISSA-C.P.T.