The first step is always the hardest

As someone who was once a size 6 and now I am a size 10/12 postpartum, I'm finding it really difficult to get myself started again into a fitness regime. Fitness programmes are nothing new to me. About 10 years ago, I was I was a size 6 and I would wear clothes fit for a runway model. That size was the look back then. I didn't go to the gym and to be honest, I didn't need to because I was young and my metabolism was fast. When you are in your early 20s, no matter how slim you are, you still want to be skinnier. I started to go to the gym after work every other day for 2 years consistently. I went up one dress size but I looked fit!

I stopped going to the gym when I moved away from my gym but 3 years ago, I joined instagram and got inspired by the insta-fitties, such as @getfitwithnic_. I also discovered a page dedicated to HITT (high intensity interval training) workouts. The page is @hiitmax. For healthy food ideas, I followed @stohealthy and @custommealplans. I can't emphasise the importance of a healthy diet. What is the point of exercising if you're only going to come home and open a packet of crisps or crack open a bottle of wine? And speaking of alcohol, I found that when I was abstained for 12 weeks, the weight shed easier. When I would go out for meals or meet for a drink, I'd stick to pints of water and cranberry juice. In order not to appear unsocial, I used to tell a small lie that I was antibiotics. It worked all the time. It was easier than being egged on to "have just the one". I would drink 3 litres of water with a slice of lemon. I abstained from tea and coffee and when when work colleagues would ask what I wanted to drink, I would say hot water. Equipped with motivation and information, I managed to increase my butt, decrease my waist, build strength and energy.

Anyway, let's fast forward to the present. As I said, I'm a UK size 10/12 weighing 74kg. I've tried to start an exercise regime and failed twice in the last 4 weeks. But today will be different. I've taken a photo of myself as a "Before" picture which I will show the results in 12 weeks. Today is a new day! Today is brand new! I've decided that I'm probably going to use the BBG program for exercise ideas and use @custommealplans for nutrition ideas. Because my stomach is the most problem area, I will also be using my static bike for 15 minutes every morning as well. All exercise will be performed outside in my garden or at the local park.

Every morning I will have a positive mantra that I can remember for when I feel like giving up on that day or I'm tempted to indulge in junk food. Let's start this journey together.

Day 1
Mantra ~ the first step is the hardest but today I cease the day!
Exercise ~ jog/fast walk (cardio) for 35 minutes
Breakfast ~ cornflakes
Lunch ~ rice, chicken, veg
Snack ~ apple
Dinner ~ alfresco salad with salmon

Check the blog tomorrow for the entire Week 1 plan. Let's do this!