Today I have been doing the HIIT Harder plan for a week. Although I haven’t got my dream body yet (I know I need to be realistic, my abs are not going to appear in a day), I have achieved so much more.
I went to the gym 5 times last week.
For the past 4 months, I’ve gone from working out 5 times a week to working out once, maybe twice a week. My last gym used to be on the way to my work so it was so easy to go in the morning and I very rarely missed a session. 4 months ago I Changed jobs and therefore changed gyms, and even though my gym is now only 10 minutes further away, all my motivation left and I stopped going.
So last week was a breakthrough. I did the 4 RWL sessions and 1 Pilate’s session. I love that my workouts are now structured – it gives me something to aim for. I know I need to do 4 sessions a week and I will make damn sure I get those 4 sessions done!
I didn’t eat biscuits last week.
I have never been a massive biscuit fan, we don’t have them in our house unless it is a special occasion or they’ve been bought for us, so I’ve never really ‘fancied’ Biscuits. However, since starting my new job where there is an endless of supply of biscuits (and fancy biscuits too. I’m talking the chunky chocolate biscuits) I’ve had biscuits every day for the past 4 months. Until last week. Last week I knew biscuits was not part of the plan. I knew what I wanted to achieve and biscuits would not help that. So I didn’t have a biscuit. It’s the small victories that make the biggest gains!
I’m now eating normal sized portions.
When I first signed up to this plan, I was worried. I was only allowed 2 snacks a day?! And the portion sizes were completely different to what I was used to; I could eat the lunches for a snack! The first couple of days were difficult, my stomach rumbled and I felt hungry all the time. However, a week later and I’m used to the portion sizes and I’m no longer eating for the sake of eating. I’m finally eating enough for 1, rather than 6.
I have more energy.
Around 3pm, my energy levels used to drop and I would reach for the biscuit tin. I needed the sugar to keep me going. It didn’t matter how many hours sleep I had, I was always tired. After a week of eating whole foods, I finally understand how Food can give you more energy! I’m more alert, I feel more awake, I don’t get into a mid-afternoon slump and my 6am alarm clock no longer gets snoozed. The minute my alarm goes off, I’m up and out!
I spend less on food per week.
Let’s be honest, we want to spend as little money as possible. When I first signed up to this plan, I was concerned that it was going to cost me £50+ per week. After all, the concept behind the meal plan is eating fresh, whole foods and surely that wasn’t going to be achievable on a budget? Admittedly, I’ve altered the food plan slightly. Last week, I picked two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners from the weekly meal plan which meant my shopping list was smaller than the recommended one. However, what I did not expect was how low my shopping bill would be! Last week, it was just over £23 and this week it was £15. £15 for a week’s worth of food; I am seriously amazed by this!
Overall, I cannot believe how much has changed in just a week. Yes I don’t have sculpted abs yet and yes, my arms still wobble and yes, it hasn’t been easy. But it’s been worth it and I cannot wait for the next 11 weeks
Has anyone else changed their lifestyle and found the benefits?
L x
