6 Months til the "I Do"

You know when those memories pop up on Facebook and it shows you that it's been "3 years since this happened" or "5 years that you've been friends with so and so"... well today was a good one.  It's been 2 years since my big 30th birthday bash.  I would be lying if I said it didn't feel like that long because the truth is, it feels like forever ago.  Back then I was young and having fun, throwing big parties, not a care in the world... and I was also a size 4 - HAHA.  It feels like long ago since that time because truth is - SO much has changed since then.  First and foremost - I have an amazing fiancee whom I could not live without!  The best part is, the "me" at my 30th birthday would have laughed in your FACE if you told me I would have met my soul mate and had been getting married in two years.  Literally, laughed in your face.

In any event - the time has come.  6 months until I say 'I do' and when that time comes, I want to know I did everything I could to make sure I was prepared, felt great and was the best version of me.  My training for my wedding begins NOW!  I will be logging meals in myfitnesspal.com DAILY, I will be working out (different work outs focusing on different parts of the body) and I will be aiming to lose 15-20 lbs by May.  This is much less than a pound a week, not drastic at all and I know my body can get there, because I was there once before.  People would argue that this is a lot, but trust me - I know my body, I know what I hide well and I know it's not too much, rather - just the perfect amount.

The plan -

To MACRO or not to MACRO, that is the question. 

What does tracking your macro-nutrients mean?  In the fitness world, this simply means tracking your protein, carbohydrates and fats you consume on any given day.  Macros is ALL ABOUT measurements and food scales.  There is no snacking here and there - it's a straight forward calculation of the exact amount of food you have daily.  Luckily I have a scale, and I have the knowledge...so MACRO it is!  I know, and have seen first hand, that flip-flopping back and forth from tracking to not tracking puts you no where close to your goal.

Since I have a deadline to meet, my focus will be on tracking my MACROS.  I gained knowledge in this type of food intake when I was working with nutritional coach Nikki Boyd from The 12 (2 locations - Irvine and Costa Mesa).  If you ever need a real breakdown of what you should be eating, when and how much of that particular item... go hang with Nikki for 8 weeks.  You will not regret it!

Workouts - mixing it up between legs, arms, YOGA and sauna.

I feel as though, when I was at my leanest and when I felt the best - I got a chance to sit in the sauna pretty often.  In my 6 month journey, I am going to sauna (or try to) 3 x a week.  The heat is really good for skin complexion, health, body aches/soreness...etc.  Also, YOGA is needed.  No matter how much you think it's not a work out (compared to some of my crazy cardio work outs) - it is.  It will be pertinent to help me achieve the ultimate balance and long, lean muscles.

Be good to myself.

Now, more than ever, I've had to learn how to go easy on myself.  It's easy for me to get down on myself and SUPER derailed, quickly.  I'm going to cut myself a break when needed.

Check in WEEKLY.

My 'weigh in / measurement day' is going to be WEDNESDAY.  I am going to go to The 12 (in Irvine) as that has been the machine I've always used and do my body fat analysis.

THE STARTING POINT...

These are a lot of measurements to have blasted out there but the truth is - I am really happy with myself lately.  Sure, there are ALWAYS those 5-10 you want to drop, but in reality, I really am happy with how active I stay, my body and it's athletic features/figure, my progress over the months...etc.  I am just under 20% body fat (as of two weeks ago, so this could have changed) and most of my ranges are in the 'normal' zone - which is great!  

I just know that I have a big event in 6 months and it's the perfect time to kick it into high gear!  

Here's to the next 6 months / 24 weeks / 1/2 year!!!