"A year from now you will wish you had started today"

"A year from now you will wish you had started today"

When it comes to challenges and change people often get motivated and say "ok, starting tomorrow I will..."  and guess what... mostly "tomorrow" never comes.

A good example is the unpublished post dated 20-08-2013 called "THE CHANGE chocoholic to gymaholic" I found under drafts of this very blog. Seeing as I only truly committed to making a real change in April of 2014, I think it's clear that getting into the right mindset is half the battle won.

If you're at all into motivational quotes you'll know these ones:

"Yesterday you said tomorrow"

"Tomorrow starts today"

"Do it now, sometimes "later" becomes NEVER"

and one of my favorites

"You don't have to be great to start but you have to start to be great!"

Well, I started (eventually) and when I saw that "a year from now" quote it felt good. The first time I read it I felt guilty because I'd started and stopped over and over again. But this time I found my balance. It's over 2 years later and besides a few bumps along the way I feel like I'm still on track. I want to get fitter, stronger, more toned and agile. There are skills I want to master, distances I want to cover and challenges I want to meet. My healthy lifestyle has become the norm and what I am doing is sustainable. Today (to my delight) I feel the same sort of urge to exercise and reach my goals as I did before I got injured, so I think that's amazing. Also note that is doesn't mean I'm 100% happy with the way I look, but my focus has shifted rather to what I can do and how I feel when I'm doing it. I'm healthier, I don't get sick as often as I use to, I can do so much more than I use to and I have the energy to do it. I'm happy.

Here's some free advise ;)

Take those dreaded before (progress) photos (often the motivation we need is seeing where we've come from).

Start today! and just keep swimming.

Keep at it. Results aren't immediate,  and it's important to realize that often quick results don't last.

Choose a realistic path. Set a goal and work to it at a pace that suits you.

Eating right is the answer to weight loss. Exercise speeds up the process, makes you happy and improves your health. (Food and Chocolate use to make me happy, it still does, but now the endorphins I get from exercise substitute those I use to get from what I eat and I'm healthier and happier in my own skin)

Cheat every now and then, this will stop you from falling off of the wagon all together (it makes what we do sustainable).

Embrace the haters (it's usually those who are envious that have something nasty to say, their comments mean you're doing something right).
Take your progress photos, my gran always said "the mirror doesn't lie".
More often than not, you look good when you feel good!
The number on the scale is bad measure of progress, especially if you're building muscle.
(Our unhealthy obsession with the number the scale gives us is silly, there are so many other facters to consider)

There will be days that you just don't want to anymore

There will be days that you get injured but 

ALWAYS COME BACK. (Consistency is key)

A healthy lifestyle, getting lean and fit is like eating an elephant, it seems impossible, but if you take "one bite at a time" you will eventually be able to eat the entire elephant.

Obviously I mean this figuratively.. this is a saying I grew up with. The lesson is that when you break down a seemingly impossible task, plan and deal with it bit by bit it will be possible. 

"It always seems impossible until it's done" Nelson Mandela

I have found my balance, a recipe to my happiness. I am a foodie, a chocoholic and love to do nothing at times. But I am also sporty, competitive, adventurous and body conscious. This way I get to be a version of myself that I'm happy with.

2014 Done list

• Bungy Jumping
• Diving - Open water one qualified Padi Diver
• Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, Three Sisters
• Long distance Relationship
• CrossFit
• Personal Training
• Changing my diet
• Lifestyle change
• Got a distinction for a college Subject
• Finish 4 more College subjects
• Taking Night Classes
• First ever African Touch Team Group and Performance
• My first Port festival
• Tear my Achilles tendon
• Loose 5kg
• See Foo Fighters live in concert
• Experience my first smash and grab
• Got a Boston Terrier Puppy!
• Qualify as a Skipper

Progress - regress?

03/09/2014

I started a new chapter end April 2014. New approach to health and fitness and a determined mindset.
If you've read some of my other posts you'll see what I've been up to more specifically. I have however not reported of late on my progress and now my new challenge and temporary regress.

I started at 65kg and got to 60kg in 103 days.

While some people would say "thats not so much" or "you don't look that different", to me it was the perfect rate of weight loss paired with muscle gain/toning.

How... Well I started exercising more regularly (from 0 days a week, working my way up to about 5/6 days a week, cardio and strength training, at gym; by myself, with a personal trainer and my mentor and I started crossfit) I also changed the way I ate. Cut out all animal fats and processed sugars, actually I cut out all things processed). I started calorie counting, which generally has a negative connectation, but I was eating alot, wasn't often hungry and loved my food (and I'm quite a foodie). Low carb, but not no carbs, calculated protein, LOTS of fresh vegetables and loads of salad.

And then the unthinkable happened.... I tore my achilles tendon and had to have surgery.

So I guess we're at that part of the movie, the part where the dreaded thing happens right before the happy ending. So the only thing to do now is work towards my "happy ending" getting to where i was before and beyond, doing it slowly, systematically, so that my efforts result in a stronger more durable me.

Oh what would life be without it's challenges, and surely I have to learn something through this one...
So fall down 7 times, stand up 8! Don't loose your motivation, regardless the challenge. Yes this is a setback, yes i'm frustrated, yes it's hard, yes i'm tired, BUT what does complaining about it help. A positive mindset makes a more positive you, this speeds up recovery and makes you and the people around you happy. Be grumpy and eventually you'll end up alone.

So I've been sentenced to 6 weeks post op cast wearing, of which I'm 3 weeks down.

I can't do cardio and have been told to chill (sit still), which is challenging. I'm loosing weight but I blame that to loosing muscle (which turns into fat btw). So what am I doing? Every second day I do upper body with free weights (seated) and abs. Abs have turned out to be a challenge. To disengage your calf and achilles you need to bend your legs, like sitting cross legged, but with a half leg cast this isn't comfortable and completely possible either. So I've settled for various crunches and twists in the attemp to battle the bulge...

Eat Clean, Train Dirty Post#4 < 40 days in >

07-06-2014
Today is my 40-days! I am 40 days into my challenge and still on track! (mostly)

When I started this journey I made peace with the fact that I was going to be stiff and sore EVERYDAY for at least 6 months. What I realize now… if keep going the way I am, and I want to keep improving and getting, slimmer and stronger, I'm probably going to keep getting stiff and sore, but it's ok, it's the good sore, not the injured sore.

My diet has taken a couple of hits this week, and what I realize is that, cheating is ok, as long as you do it and get it over with, BUT if you can avoid it and come up with a healthy alternative, which is still a cheat, thats even better.

I've been doing a lot of research on sugar, sugar being processed cane and/or corn-syrup, the way your body processes them and what their effects can be if you take in to much. Because my current diet excludes these sugars and I'm getting an instant headache when I eat them now after not having any for about 30 days. The research, reports, lectures and journals all say different things. Some people label sugar as toxic, as it's over consumption is said to cause insulin resistance, which leads to the obvious one obesity, diabetes, cholesterol, cardiovascular problems I have come across have one thing in common, to much of ANYTHING is bad for you.


Summer bodies are made in winter!

Keeping at it!

Eat Clean, Train Dirty Post#3 < do what makes you happy >

05-06-2014

Inspiration, motivation and creativity collide…

I love catch phrases, quotes, motivational speaking (listening to it and encouraging others).

The catch phrase "Eat Clean, Train Dirty" has stuck with me since I saw it the first time. I've made it my own personal catch phrase for the current journey I am on. Being the do or die personality type, I tend to really invest in an idea. Go big or go home I like to say. So I went a little overboard and had two vests printed.  I know that some people might find it silly, but I feel like such a badass wearing these lol.

So remember to Eat Clean, TRAIN DIRTY! and honestly, just do whatever makes you happy!!!

Because if that isn't the point of life, what is?

Eat Clean, Train Dirty! Let's Begin

This is my goal; 27 and in the best shape of my life… I turn 27 on the 10 August 2014, a mere 3 months and 11 days from when I started this journey… but lets say I'll be 27 for the next 364 days after that ;) which makes my goal more realistic.

I started on the 29 April 2014… weighing 65kg, unfit and eating just what I feel like…
I started CrossFit (29 April 2014) 3 times a week and gym twice in-between, a strict eating plan(Started 30 April 2014) and a determined mindset, I'm going for it!!!

Eat Clean, Train Dirty Post#2 < weighing in & my fitness role model >

04-06-2014
So I got onto the scale when I said I would… it was bad. I had only lots 1.2kg and I felt low, but what’s the one thing people always say, weight doesn't matter, measure yourself, see how your clothes fit, how do you feel and well, I felt great, and I could fit into my old jeans (you know that one pair us girls like to keep aside just in case we loose a couple of kilo's and we might be able to wear them again…) Those fit!

The same day I weighed myself however, I started feeling sick, and had an annoying little cough. Well by that evening I was sick as a dog and went straight to the Doc. Two courses of anti-biotics and 10 days of NO training I eventually felt better and went back to gym. The funny thing though was I kept loosing weight and by the time I finished my first week of training I had lost 2.2kg and now I'm down a flat 3kg!!! Training hard and eating clean.

It's amazing how one's body adjusts. Now if I have a weak moment and eat something like a chocolate or a piece of cake I get an instant headache, the type that lingers and needs a painkiller. Which is great, it makes not eating the bad stuff so much easier.

I've also had the privilege to have 3 personal training sessions with my fitness role model, Melissa Strijdom. I found Melissa somewhere on the Internet while looking for fitness inspiration or maybe it was on Pinterest. In the midst of my journey through cyber-space I found Melissa, and one link lead to the next I figured out this was a South-African girl, training as a fitness model in France of ALL places. The romantic idea of being in France and doing something I have always wanted to do or have always admired and respected, made me an instant fan. She was a great resource; tips, clean food-blogging, lifestyle, exercise advice and just plain visual inspiration.

And much to my benefit she recently moved back to South Africa, to my hometown and became a personal trainer at MY gym (well the one I frequent at).

So when I finally got my head right and started this "eat clean, train dirty" journey she was the one I got into contact with. Her meal plan, exercise plan, motivation, personal training and awesome personality has kept me going and on track. So if you're interested in health and fitness and you're ready to start your own journey to a better you, contact her!!! She offers online training, custom meal and fitness plans and personal training :)

Check out fitizfab.blogspot.fr.

This is Melissa Strijdom :)

Eat Clean, Train Dirty Post#1 < avoiding the scale >

14-05-2014
2 Weeks down and I'm feeling good. I don't know if I've lost weight, because I haven't weighed myself, but my clothes definitely fit better and I feel good. I haven't had sugar, chocolate or BACON! or more than 1 glass of red wine FOR TWO WEEKS and I feel gooooooooood!!! I'm almost afraid to get onto the scale though. What if what I see discourages me… I told myself I'd weigh in on the 16th…(in two days time). Lets see if I decide to follow through or rather stay motivated in the dark.

Also, I have a cheat weekend coming up (boyfriends' going to be in town) lets hope I don't fall off of the wagon! :(

I got conned into doing the highest bungy in the world and I loved it

Have you ever considered bungy jumping?

THE FLAT OUT NO!
"No! Are you crazy, you wouldn't find me anywhere near the edge of a bridge"

THE SARCASTIC REALIST (ARE YOU NUTS)
"Yes… but who in their right mind would voluntarily jump off of a perfectly good bridge"

THE UNDERCOVER ADVENTURE SEEKER (Afraid but conn-able?)
"Yes… I think I'd like to do it, but I'm not sure if I can bring myself to actually jump…"

THE blasé EXTREMEST
"Ah yes of course, I've done it a few times…"


So I made it look like I was THE FLAT OUT NO, but I was actually THE UNDERCOVER ADVENTURE SEEKER and turns out I was just AFRAID BUT CONN-ABLE.

We arrived at Bloukrans Bungy site and started filling out forms. I was still busy deciding weather or not I was going to sign and pay for this stupid idea, when my jump was paid for and I had signed the paperwork.

*%^$!

The wait was hell, actually it was all pretty much terrifying, until the bungy cord took up stack and I was bouncing up and down, crying and laughing at the same time.

I can't say I jumped but I did get pushed ;) regardless it was incredible!!! (216m btw and the highest in the world)

It was a cleansing experience, it puts life into perspective and makes you reevaluate your priorities (well it did for me). So my advise to anyone and everyone is to go for it! Jump, get pushed, fall, just do it! 

Life's to long without thrills in it…

CAUTION!!!

A couple of years ago I came across a quote (unfortunately I don't know by whom) 

"Most of the things we worry about Never Happen"

This stuck with me. I was raised to be cautions, but it's not in my nature. 
These two parts of me have a good go at one another more often then not, and often the cautious side wins..

I've identified that I am cautious and that I'd like to be less cautious. I feel that "fear" often limits your experiences and we do truly miss out on life.  The picture bellow jumped out at me, it reminds me of the benefit of "throwing caution to the wind".

 I'm not afraid of heights, but why am I so afraid of falling…

I D A R E Y O U !

As for many, 2013 for me, was a combination of extreme highs and lows. I guess most years have their ups and downs, but personally I think 2013 takes the cake. It was the biggest roller coaster I’ve been on in my 26 years on earth. And as most roller coasters go this one had to start with a boy. I was so in love and had so many plans. Regardless the fairytale was just that and the bit Hollywood usually leaves out of the rom-com played out like a slap in the face. Many tears later I can now stand tall, with a slight wobble :) and say we were obviously not meant to be. 

The year also ended with some amazing resolve and 2014 started with a magical union of my best friend to her best friend/partner, the rediscovery of old friends and the making friends of acquaintances.

There are such amazing people in this world, people who have the greatest capacity for love, care and compassion. Thank you!

So I can now step forward, new years resolutions, NO, to do list! in hand, ready and excited to do new things, make changes, study hard, work hard, dance, travel, take chances, smile and maybe even love.

May your 2014 be a year like no other. Tomorrow is another day, but if you're always putting things off till then, today is constantly wastes! 

Get out there and do your worst :) 

I   D A R E   Y O U !

30 Day Challenge - follow up

Today my 30 Day Challenge comes to an end... 

Am I happy with the results... honestly off hand I'd have to say no. 

Like anyone that sets off and tackles a challenge, one hopes for the optimum results. I haven't lost much weight, and thats actually what I wanted! But me being the eternal optimist has to focus on the positive and look at what this challenge has resulted in.


1. I haven't bought a chocolate in 30 days, so I've saved money :)

2. I have eaten chocolate maybe 3 times in 30 days... which is HUGE because I was having chocolate and sweet things almost everyday before. My cravings have almost completely disappeared and I can say NO! (and it feels good)

3. I've developed a different mind set. I often tell myself "how bout I don't and say I did". What this does is fool myself into thinking I've had a chocolate or whatever... not really, but what it does is make me realise that the craving that I think I have is all in my mind, I don't really need it, it's not contributing to my well being, and I'm going to have to work harder to burn the energy and avoid the weight gain by eating it.

4. It has made me realise that I comfort eat, which is a classic case of avoidance, and it's not healthy! Deal wish your feelings - don't eat them!

5. I've become more aware of how I fuel my body and more conscious of how I feel when I eat whatever I eat. I actually read labels now. It's like putting petrol in your car, your tank is only so big, if you want to put more in you're going to have to start putting fuel in canisters and storing it in the trunk which inevitably slows you down and is just down right dangerous.

6. I've started exercising again, and even though I haven't yet found the sustainable activity that will keep me trim and happy, I now actually want to try things and find it!


Soooooooo... my 30 day challenge was more about breaking bad habits, forming some good ones and becoming more conscious about what i eat and focussed on continuing a healthy lifestyle. If you're in the same boat, don't loose hope reframe and learn from your results and keep at it!

It's my birthday weekend coming up so healthy eating and exercise will take a backseat till next week, but soon I'll report on the next challenge! 
xxx

30 Day Challenge

Sunday night, on the couch, just before starting "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", soaking up the heat from the heater, Cadbury Bubble chocolate right and ready for devouring! Very subtly, the words are uttered... "last chocolate for a month, ok?"

dum, dum, dum! 

Last chocolate for a month... 

Last chocolate for a month? 

Last chocolate for a month.

What does that even mean?!!!

Without pause, I hear myself saying, "ok" (casually, without any fight).

Last chocolate for a MONTH!!!!! but but but... 

This is what started my 30 day challenge. 

I'm a true believer in accepting one's body, but in the same breath I believe it's important to feel comfortable with your body and your weight.

comfortable = feel good = confident = attractive

At the same time, I know that I need to exercise, because 1.) I love food (have a sweet tooth), 2.) my body type (sporty), looks stupid with extra weight (I don't develop sexy curves, I just put on fat everywhere, which sucks, because it takes a while to notice it, but once you do, it's like "dam, when did this happen") and 3.) ultimately exercise makes me happy.

I've always had a tainted philosophy; "I exercise so that I can eat what I want." Well, when your lifestyle changes and exercise doesn't happen so often, you sure as hell need to look at what you eat.

I don't "diet", crash diets lead to binge eating, and with my personality, I'd crash, binge, crash, binge, crash, binge. So no dieting, rather making a lifestyle change.

So I've found a eating plan and I'm changing.

My 30 day challenge consists of the following:

No chocolate

No bread/wheat/pastry etc

More water

More exercise

I've broken this down into 3x 10 day cycles (Day 1-30). After each cycle I increase my daily water intake, exercise and do a "weigh-in". Today is day-3... and so far so good...

If I'm brave enough I'll reveal my progress at day-10.

Here goes nothing.

remember to blog

Master procrastinator - I have an exam coming up and instead of using every conceivable free moment to study i have rediscovered my blog, wahahahahaha.

this one is called - force yourself to think

When things are just, not quite right, my classic behaviour is to keep busy, avoid avoid avoid.
and seeing as I wear my heart on my sleeve, my smile is bright and my frown is neon and flashing. so i might be avoiding but everyone around me knows somethings up.

so every now and then, when keeping busy gets to much, and i just kind of want to collapse, i eventually do the only thing that helps.... force myself to think.

Now guys, i believe you commonly keep quiet (find a rock to sit on), and get that real sexy, intimidating pensive look, and you think. Us girls know (but don't always act like we do) you need to be alone, you're thinking, you'll talk about it when you're ready, maybe never, if you don't think it's worth discussing (so frustrating), but us girls.... hehehe.... we word vomit (well i do anyway). 

I blab and just say everything thats on my mind and in the process i'm actually rationalising, answering my own questions, posing some more, bringing up things that i didn't even know bothered me and so on and so on, until finally, eventually when all you hear is "kriek kriek" you realise whats bothering you. And on the odd occasion you still have no idea, but just feel better for having blabbed. (Ladies beware - you need to be around someone who loves you when this happens).

Anyway, what i'm getting at is - force yourself to think.
through being conscious and having the strength to listen to yourself (i know that sounds stupid), we clear out the fuzz and crap in our minds and make for a happier you.

In my case i've realised that i need to re-inspire myself and hopefully in the process inspire you.
thus - this time my answer is - remember to blog

haas

Cape Town Places I'd like to visit...

haas coffee - BoKaap Cape Town
http://haascollective.com

i've only ever driven past "haas" (rabbit in english) and from what i could deduct, this is a trendy coffee shop. 
when visiting their website i learnt that they are a design exhibition planform (if i could call it that)... they exhibit various artists', paintings, photography, graphics, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and interior items. this makes for local exposure and pedestrian enjoyment (and hopefully spending). I've seen enough online, I have to go.

Truth Coffee HQ - want to go

 So here's a new(ish) spot in Cape Town I spotted on Pinterest (via Visi magazine's posts).
Truth Coffee HQ, 36 Buitekant street, Cape town, South Africa. 
This is the type of thing that inspires me & makes me so so proud of being South African.It looks amazing, a Coffee Cafe (Truth Coffee's HQ) and Retail Outlet, owned by David Donde and designed by Haldane Martin... wow! I'll be making a mission there, drool over the gorgeous interior and have a fab cuppa joe...

  














PHOTOS Micky Hoyle 
(www.visi.co.za & www.truthcoffee.com)


 

Sunscreen by Baz Luhrman

(thank you to the friend that reminded me of this one)

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’99

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
than my own meandering experience…I will dispense this advice now. 

 Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh never mind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked… You’re not as fat as you imagine. 

 Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that
never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blind-side you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday. Do one thing everyday that scares you. Sing. Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with
people who are reckless with yours. Floss. Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself. 

Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how. Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. Stretch Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life…

The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t. Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone. 

Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children,maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…what ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. 

Enjoy your body, use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.. Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room. 

Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them. Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly. Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future. Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you should hold on. 

Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young. Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel. Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders. Respect your elders. 

Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out. Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85. Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth. 

But trust me on the sunscreen… 

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI)

the things we learn (2012)

2012 kicked off with a bang, new job, new house, new flatmate, new responsibilities and challenges. New job turned permanent, new house turned home, new flatmate turned into best friend, new responsibilities and challenges turned into what I love about work!

It has been an exceptional year of personal growth and development, in what I'd call a radical, unpredictable year.  And I've learnt much to my dismay that cliché's are cliché's because yes they are overused but they are so painfully true. "Life is short", "don't save for tomorrow what you can do today", "life is a roller coaster, enjoy the ride"...

So here's a few lesson's I learnt and re-learnt in 2012;

Don't underestimate the value of your morning pick me up :)

 Play towards your strengths and recognise/work on your weaknesses

 Enough said

You never know what's going to happen, live for the day, plan for the future!

Accept your body for what it is, and learn to love it, for there are certain thing that will not change, don't worry about it! "Worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum" - Baz Luhrman

Never underestimate the power of laughter, do it often and loud!

 

Success, strength, courage and happiness have everything to do with your attitude!

 It's as easy as recognising a dream and working towards it!

xxx