Fitness Friday: “It Isn’t a Diet; It’s a Lifestyle Change.” – the superdiva

Starting is the hardest part. It takes 30 days to form a habit. I am sure many wonder to themselves, “Why put myself through sheer physical torture for 30 days?” It is worth it. After not even being able to exercise, I started with 20 minutes a day, four times a week. Exercise, for me, became mandatory instead of optional.

Sure, it was hard. At 1200 calories an hour, kettlebells are rough. There were plenty of times when I was lying on the ground, sweating, and gasping for air. Imagine my euphoria when I finally got to the point where I could push past and power through an exercise that used to wipe me out. Imagine that feeling of accomplishment and self-empowerment. Regular exercise changed how I saw myself. It changed my life.

Originally, this was going to be “Drinking Friday.” I was going to talk about liquors, cocktails, and all things drinking related. I could never manage to write more than a handful of “Drinking Friday” posts. It wasn’t right. As a master procrastinator, I often get frustrated with myself because I don’t always motivate myself enough to follow through. It is that hesitation that sometimes propels me onto something better and greater than I ever thought possible. My lack of drinking (and writing about it) led me to become one blissfully happy exercise fanatic.

It never ceases to amaze me when people assume I got in shape for an occasion or a guy. I did it for me! I’m not trying to impress anyone. No, I’m not going to let myself go after a certain event or a breakup. Through the benefits of exercise and a vegan diet, I am finding my happiness. Working out has helped me to discover my boundaries and push past them. Being vegan has granted me the enlightened experience of guilt-free eating. I don’t feel bad about what I eat and I am in the best shape of my life. I’ve always believed that things (whether good or bad) happen for a reason. I’m finding myself in the best imaginable way.

Getting to that sweet spot where working out becomes an addiction instead of a chore, isn’t easy. You have to really want it. You have to be your own cheerleader. You have to believe in yourself. Sometimes, you have to acknowledge that it might be a mind over stomach issue. When losing weight, you have to realize that just because you are hungry doesn’t mean you should eat. Reducing your portions and calories gradually forces your stomach to shrink. After it becomes a habit, it does get easier. Maintaining your weight and working out is so much easier when you are already in shape. Your decision to stop eating crap and get in shape is personal and shouldn’t be temporary. It isn’t a diet; it is a lifestyle change.