​Healthy eating and more exercise!

I am about to embark on a new healthy eating and exercise regime. 

I've been interested in nutrition and exercise for many years and have worked with two excellent nutritionists so I know what I should do (I just don’t always do it).  But as I approach 50 I need to get a bit more serious about it.  Although what I am doing now keeps me fairly trim and I am very lucky to have inherited good genes, I do have some fat that needs to go, I want to be leaner.  As you know I dipped my toe in back in March with a sugar free month and prior to that I cut down considerably on alcohol.

Here is my plan which I am sharing for accountability and support:

Activity Monitors:

I had been considering some sort of fitbit or activity monitor for a while but wasn't quite sure what it could do for me.  I did some more thorough research and I decided I needed (a) a basic tracker to record my steps and sleep (b) one that wasn't too big or bulky and looked stylish to wear and (c) a sensible price. 

I concluded that the Fitbit One was the right one for me.  It covers all my requirements and it is very easy to use – you simply charge it up, download the app, complete some details and the two link up.  Plus it can be customised with a sports wristband to make it easier to exercise with, you can buy it here.  Other accessories you might want to consider are screen protectors or charging docks but they're not must-haves.  As for what the Fitbit does, it records my steps and I can add in my exercise sessions (it can also record food calories but I have not used that feature). 

I've only been wearing it since Sunday but I have already realised what a sedentary life I live!  I thought I was quite an active person as I am always busy and rarely sit down to relax (watching TV or reading a book during the day is unheard of for me unless I am on holiday).  I set a target of 10,000 steps per day (the recommended number for optimum health) but I have not reached that yet!  I am sitting at about 60% of that target even with adding some walks in.  Now I am not panicking yet as the advice is to monitor for a couple of weeks and work out your average then gradually increase as required.  But it has made me realise that ‘just being on my feet all day’ isn't going to be enough.

Eating Plan:

I have signed up to The Body Coach SSS (Shift Shape Sustain) Plan.  Now this will be a biggie for me and the hardest part to keep up with.  I've been following the gorgeous Joe Wicks on Instagram for many months and am very impressed with the transformations and his approach; I've also been doing his HIIT workouts with my PT and followed some of his recipes in his Lean in 15 book.  But I need more support than that, I can’t go it alone.  My plan arrived on Monday and it is specifically tailored to me, I have had to spend quite a bit of time reading it, analysing it, and working out a meal plan and shopping list.  My biggest challenge will be making it fit in with my busy lifestyle and the family.  It is possible but it will take quite a commitment of time.  I start on Monday 18th January.

Exercise:

HIIT - I am going to do 4 x HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) per week.  I already do 2 with my lovely friend and PT but I need to do 2 more at home.  I have worked out my routine and I will do Monday and Thursday with Sue and Wednesday and Friday at 8.15 am at home once everyone has departed for school/work etc.  Maximum time it will take is 30 minutes so I really don’t have any excuses!  Joe Wicks recommends HIIT 4-5 times per week as part of his SSS Plan.

Walking – I have two dogs but generally our routine is that my husband walks them in the mornings after dropping our daughter at school.  We walk them together at the weekends.  But if I am to get those steps up I am going to need to add some more walks in.  Yesterday I grabbed them for a 20 minute walk and they were very good, they were clearly on a mission and happy to stride out with me, they will be delighted to get two walks a few times per week!

Goals:

The first part of the SSS plan – Shift (called Cycle One) is for 4 weeks (and the two subsequent cycles are also 4 weeks so 12 weeks in total.  In 6 weeks’ time I am going on holiday to Turkey with my sisters so I want to be comfortable in my summer dresses and bikinis and of course I will need to have a week ‘off plan’ whilst I am away – I want to be able to do that without gaining too many pounds/inches.

I don’t have any particular weight loss goal – ½ stone would be nice – a stone even better but Joe Wicks calls the scales ‘the sad step’ and doesn't recommend weight as an effective monitor so I have had to take ‘before’ photos and will be submitting measurements to monitor inch loss.  My goal is to feel healthy, fit and lean.
 
I will be posting an update every week on my progress – hopefully on a Friday so please look out for them, I need lots of support – if you would like to get updates directly into your inbox please sign up for my mailing list.
​
Michelle x

My target is to feel comfortable in my bikini again!