Over the last few months, I have learned many lessons. I just returned from a Multi Sport Expo and I think that I learned the greatest lessons of all: my body composition, what to do for MY body type and how to train and achieve my goals. See, there are so many schools of thought out there about what to eat, when to eat, how to train , etc. I even saw a Nutritionist who told me a lot about what I should eat and when, but I don't think that she really took into account my working environment and a lot of what she said made it hard for me when I am on the road a lot. It seems that I was able to put it all together today after talking to the lady who did my body analysis.
I am not one of those women who get all bent out of shape because of what the scale says. I like to go by how my clothes fit and how I feel about myself when I am disrobed and looking into the mirror. I always compliment myself on what I like and am very gentle about what I say and think about the less than desirable areas.I have been wanting to slim down for a while now and really thought that while training for a Triathlon, that it would take care of itself. NOT! I have tried a few things since learning that I had to do something different, but listening to the friend who starves herself and only eats before a workout, or trying the low carb thing or eat 5 meals a day when I am in and out of the car all day, etc just has not worked for me. Working out is not my problem. However, I do have to admit that I have been consistent about every other week for the last few months, but that has a lot to do with being burned out and dissatisfied with the results that I have been getting.
After learning today that I have strong arms and core (greater than average muscle composition) and weak legs, my body percentage of fat and muscle and my hydration percentage. I know exactly what I need to do. The lady who did my analysis told me to focus on leg exercises with weights to build my leg strength which will help me to power through those hilly rides. She told me that working to make my legs stronger by using weights will help to burn more fat since these are larger muscle groups, so I can take care of fat loss and building strength in one sweep. She also told me that if I want to get leaner and loose fat quicker, to interval train on all of my runs. I can do this on the bike ride and swimming as well. This will help to burn fat quicker and help with my speed.
Regarding diet, I attended a seminar on nutrition for Triathletes today and have spoken with my Boot Camp instructor about diet and have put everything together that I've learned from them and that Nutritionist that I saw. I have been playing around with protein drinks and have found a good one that I like. So, those 5 meals will be taken care of with 2 protein drinks a day, I have a better idea of what to eat before and after workouts and when to eat them and if I get enough sleep, I should be on my way.
If I think about the numbers on the scale, I would like it to be 30-40 less the next time that I step on it. Regarding my clothes size, I am still working to get back into my size 6's and maybe some 4's. I have a way to go and I am okay with that. I do not have a timeline to get there, as this is about lifestyle changes and choices, so when I get there, I hope to be able to stay there for life.
