I wish that I could lay out a few steps that anyone could follow and receive the same results. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that there has been NOTHING cookie cutter about this process. There is no one plan that works for everyone.
The tools to fat loss are easily identifiable and accessible in one form or another. However the motivation, determination and downright bull-doggedness (as Gran would say) to push through physical, mental and sometimes emotional roadblocks is an entirely different matter.
Without Lanell's guidance, patience and knowledge, there is no doubt in my mind that I would not have made the "shift". I was tempted regularly to go back to my old tricks of appetite suppressants, fat burners and marathon cardio. Lanell, who is a natural body building competitor (drug free) in her 50's and unbelievably cut, was a constant reminder that it can be done. She adapted weight training to accommodate my back and shoulder injuries until we found moves that worked. She helped me to work through my emotional blocks. And most importantly, she played with my diet until...EUREKA!!... we found the answer....the fat burning answer.
LOW CARB... Yes, I know. We've all heard it before. As a matter of fact I've been told to cut sugar and other simple carbs (white rice, flour, sugar, white potatoes etc..) by more professionals than I can remember. But ...come on... that's incredibly difficult.... or is it?
It wasn't until I attended a weekend natural body building competition workshop with Lanell, that I finally gained the motivation to give it a shot. I met other women in my age group who had tried different methods to lose the fat. One in particular swore that simple carbs hated her. She called it carb sensitivity. "Why not I thought" I've tried everything else. So... I cut my carbs down to 40 grams per day and those 40 grams were from vegetables only.
The first few days weren't as bad as I thought and once I passed day three, I no longer craved carbs of any kind. But more importantly the fat began to melt off. And to up the anti...I have a goiter on my thyroid which for the first time in 7 years has reduced in size. I have had no ill effects whatsoever. My body loves this way of eating. The absence of white rice, flour, sugar etc... has given me more energy than I've ever before. I honestly can't believe it.
There's a long scientific explanation of the mechanics of the low carb diet, but simply put...
In the absence of carbs, your body will resort to burning fat for fuel!!
The best part...the fat that is not used is flushed from the body and not stored, as opposed to carbs which if not burned are stored as fat. SHUT UP!!!
Now of course, I will gradually increase my carb intake with with fruit, and complex carbs (whole grains etc..) rather than simple carbs. And the occasional treat is a must. But for me, this is a new way of eating that seems to agree with my body. It's actually the original, cave man diet. :) Eating only whole unprocessed foods and meat. If you think about it, it's the natural way that we were meant to nourish the human body.
My only regret is that I've lost my super power. As a special treat, I took my 3 youngest children and niece for donuts before school. They were each allowed to purchase two. They were so cute with their individual little bags. We sat together at a booth and as they began to eat, I realized two things. Number one... I was not the least bit interested in the overly sweet pastry....and number two.... I didn't hear a thing. No voices enticing me to have a little bite.
I'll miss the entertaining chatter. But I'd rather have the rock solid bod. :)
We have measurements and a photoshoot scheduled for Tuesday March, 30. Stay tuned.
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