Lots of people have asked me to write about this process and what I've learned -- but this might be the most important lesson: do what works for YOU.
There are a lot of books out there, lots of diets and plans, etc. -- but they don't all work for everyone, and honestly, a lot of them are CRAP.
All I know is that I focus on balancing my diet, the food I eat isn't overly processed, and I make sure I work out intensely 4X a week. My simple hint is if whatever you are doing isn't balanced, then it probably isn't a good idea (like a diet based mostly on protein -- maybe not a good idea).
Be sure to try different approaches -- from different types of food to different types of exercise. Until now, I was never a "gym class" kind of girl (because I played sports all thru college). But whoaaa -- I love my bootcamp class, I can't live without it. And the thought of eating a special protein smoothie for breakfast seemed like a joke -- it's NOT, because it works for me, a nutritionist blessed it, and I love it.
For those of you who are curious, Here's my "system":
1) working out:
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I found a great trainer who is now a friend and a part of my life. My friends and I do a bootcamp with her 3X a week, with saturday mornings on the beach -- it's pretty awesome, and it's also much more affordable and more social than purely private training sessions in a gym. And I do something on my own, usually on Sundays -- either a run or a very fast walk, bike ride down to the beach or tennis with friends.
>> Key Learnings:
* I have to have a somewhat fixed schedule -- without a routine, I can get distracted and focus on work or my dogs, or another priority.
* Not every trainer is created equal, nor is every type of workout / method. My trainer Lia is amazing -- she is talented AND she cares. Lia has us focused on total body, with an emphasis on core strength. I have friends who are marathoners, but they really aren't as fit as they should be because they don't much core strength.
* I love my classes, but I also need to be able to do things on my own -- I can't rely on someone else to make me work out.
2) me time:
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I learned this concept from reading Bob Harper's book last year. (note -- for those of you who want to watch me work out with him on camera from Jan 2009 -- he destroys me). I have two dogs whom I walk in the morning and at night, when I can reflect on life, but that's not "me time." Nor is watching TV at night, nor is reading before I go to bed -- that's just relaxing. I have a friend who is a recovering drug addict, and he told me how he meditates every morning before he starts his day. Now, so do I. Every morning I wake up, I pet my dogs as we sit in bed, and I spend a few minutes thinking about or even talking to them about how good I feel, where am I in my process, etc. I want to feel this experience every day.
>> Key Learning:
* I was always terrible at prioritizing myself above other important parts of my life -- my dogs, my work, my friends, and my responsibilities (home improvements, etc.). In the past year I have worked hard to prioritize myself, and it was the most challenging thing I've ever done. Harder than changing my diet OR committing to a workout schedule. But it's the best thing I've ever done -- now I am living my life to the fullest, and everyone else is better off as a result, including my poochies...
3) food:
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When people ask about my diet, I tell 'em it's the 80/20 plan -- i eat really well 80% of the time, and then the other 20% of the time is a mixed bag. Sometimes great, sometimes decent, and sometimes a greasy burger and fries from The Counter in Santa Monica (so goood!). But I don't beat myself up about it. I never want to get to that place where I obsess about food -- that's not an appealing quality, and it seems pretty stressful, IMHO.
I've gotten some great recipes from a lot of people in the past year (note -- I hate to cook!). I will post them next week -- some of the best ones came from Daniel, a contestant on The Biggest Loser, and others have come from healthy friends who are foodies.
>> Key learnings:
* I shop at trader joe's every Sat morning, and I have a fairly fixed list for the week. I try different stuff, but now that I've been at this for a few months, I stick to the things I like so I don't waste food or money, and I also won't give myself an out to eat something decent.
* I have to bring my lunch to work at least 3X per week. This way I know what I am eating is less processed, and it helps me stay on top of my 80/20 rule (which I dont keep track of officially.). I even bought a little fridge for my office -- this helps a LOT.
* Snacks are key -- again, you have to find what works for you. I love persian cucumbers, low fat string cheese, and fuji apples. I also love those lowfat chocolate cat cookies from TJ's (tho, a little cardboard-y).
* Salads are part of lunch & dinner almost every day. If they aren't part of my main meal (some form of salad with chicken, for instance), then they are my appetizer. Fill up on the stuff that's better for you -- that makes sense, right?
I could go on for hours, but please just know that you need to be able to do this on your own. I auditioned for the Biggest Loser, and many friends told me "you don't need it -- you can do it on your own." Even Kristin, from season 7 told me that during a press interview. And she was right -- I am doing it on my own, and I am so impressed by myself.
Just get out there and do it -- once you put your mind to it, you'll be amazed at what you can do. It's actually easier than you think!
