Being ski fit and did I fit into my ski trousers?!

I started my journey to lean in April 2016 - we were skiing in St Anton, Austria and I felt fat and unfit.  My skiing was suffering and I had lost my confidence.  I signed up to The Body Coach while I was there and started when I got home.

I lost a stone and 17" but my ultimate goal was being able to ski confidently again, I also wanted to wear my favourite ski trousers and not the replacements I had to buy.

We didn't ski last year so this holiday was the test.

I felt so strong, I didn't ache, my legs coped with a day of skiing and I didn't need to keep stopping to 'rest', my arms and cardio fitness kept up with any poling that was needed on the flat part of the pistes.  I was so proud of what I had achieved.  In all the months of learning about nutrition and working on my mindset, I didn't really put it all to the test until I got on that bubble lift on the first morning to start my lesson.  Basically - I did it!  I hit my goal.

And I did manage to fit into the favourite ski trousers BUT I didn't wear them!  Once I took into account tucking in all the layers to keep warm they would have been too uncomfortable and they are probably ten years old now - I was 40 then not 50 and the technical fabrics have moved on so I brought a new pair - same style, same colour, a bit bigger, elasticated waist, with space to feel comfortable.  They looked good!

​These two victories really gave me a new confidence - a confidence to know that what I am doing is working.  That regular weight training in menopause is a good and positive thing to do.  That we can be fifty and fit, fifty and fabulous - fifty and fab!

Onward to the next goal.  In July we are going to Sri Lanka, it is not a beach holiday in the same way as we have had in recent years but I will want to feel comfortable in my bikini.  Last year I was suffering with some health / menopause related problems and was feeling a bit bloated/with inflammation so I need to work on that.

At the moment I am using body coach recipes and some workouts from the new relaunched plan but maintaining the 80/20 Lifestyle Plan principles.

I do feel that a holiday should be a holiday - that you should go away and eat what you want without feeling like you are on a diet or plan.  I did just that in France last week - I naturally choose wisely anyway, I am not a big eater, but I relaxed and of course I was doing a lot of exercise.  This week I will be meal planning again and getting back to my usual routine.

And a final little tip - when you go on holiday you often coming back 'feeling enormous' and saying 'I have put on so much weight' yes you might weigh more but you will not have gained fat (especially if you eat well most of the time), you will be bloated, inflamed, dehydrated and out of routine, just get back into routine, eat well again, move and work on your mindset and you'll be fine!  I never weigh myself after a holiday now, I just get back to my usual routine.

Love from
Michelle xx

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