A Fitness Journey

Well...the year is over. I feel like it went by so fast, but so slow. I just wanted to talk about my fitness journey and how I've gotten to where I am (76 pounds lost)!

Please note: I went to college and got a degree in Elementary Education. I did not get a nutrition degree. I love you all, but I'm no expert. 

1.  I try to drink 96-120 ounces of water a day! 

2. I used to HATE exercising.  It wasn't until I started to lose a little weight that I started to enjoy my workouts.  Now, I do Jazzercise 3 times a week (which is a mix of cardio and strength training) and I weight lift 3 times a week.

3. My husband and I have been slowly cutting out processed food.  We've researched it and we feel good about eating as fresh of food as we can and not relying on a can or box to provide us with our meals. 

4. I know what you're thinking... You get having more veggies, but don't understand have less fruit. Well, vegetables are just so dang good for you!  There are benefits to many fruits as well, but nothing that compares to green veggies.  

5. Please note: RAW honey.  Raw (real) honey is not a clear golden color like you find in that cute little bear container.  Raw honey is not processed and is so delicious.  I use it in my coffee and to sweeten our home-made almond butter. 

6. Weight lifting has changed my body in ways that cardio couldn't even touch (but cardio is still good)! 

7. I just need to be nicer to MYSELF!

8. I love Almond milk! It's so healthy and light. My husband even makes it from scratch. 

9. Lean protein burns fat and I have some to burn. :)  I haven't eliminated carbs because I don't want to deprive myself, but I watch them very closely. 

10. I used to only eat things that were labeled "diet" or "light" or "low fat". Now... I avoid anything that has those phrases on it!  Fat is good.  I get my fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, and coconut oil.

Tips:

• Be PATIENT
• Plan your meals ahead
• You can't out work a bad diet 
• Don't drink soda 
• Love yourself
• Listen to your body
• Take it one step at a time
• I don't necessarily count calories, I count my macronutrients 
• No one is perfect and you won't eat perfectly every day!  You should see my food diary on My Fitness Pal from the last couple of weeks. HA! {to follow me on MFP: rachelleblake}

So, are you ready to do this?  There's no better time than today to start! YOU CAN DO IT!

I linked up with Blog Hoppin's link up for Day 3 "Fitness"!