I know I haven't been on here in a long time, but I've been trying to stay away. This time around I have better, more healthy reasons for losing weight/working out. I'm taking a physiology class this quarter (which is over in one week, thank God!!), and we've recently been learning about strokes. I'm really, really scared that I'll have a stroke when I'm older because it runs in my family + my mom has high blood pressure and my dad has high cholesterol. I don't have either--yet. In fact, every time I visit the doctor, besides when I'm sick with something, I'm told that I'm really healthy. As in, above average. So that makes me feel really good.  But that can't won't last forever. I realize I'm only 21, but in my opinion I think now is the right time to start worrying about this kind of stuff. If I can start preventing it now, then maybe I won't have a stroke (or any other type of illness). So anyways... my point is that I'm back and I want to be healthier. That means taking steps toward prevention of illnesses, eating healthier, and working out. I want spring quarter to be a fresh start. Another (more short-term) motivation is that I'm going on vacation to Disney with my entire extended family in the middle of June (so excited!!). First, here's a list of preventive steps I need to keep in mind:
- Healthy nutrition: cut down on salt; eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole wheat; and less calories - Exercise: in particular, cardio + stress-relief; at least 5x/week - Keep an eye on blood pressure - Lose weight: lose weight more slowly (this will be difficult...) - Lower body fat percentage - Drink more water - Control fat intake: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats - Drink in moderation: I only drink about once or maybe twice a week, but I'll cut down on it even more (once I'm out of college, this won't even be an issue lol) - Get off the pill and onto Mirena: apparently the extra estrogen can increase your risk (it'd also just be easier + it has a higher success rate) So, the things I mentioned above are things I need to do throughout my entire life. This needs to be a LIFESTYLE change. My short-term goals will be losing weight and getting onto Mirena. I'll weigh myself when I get back from spring break, and I'll use that as my starting weight. By June 8th (two days before I leave for vacation), I want to be 103 lbs. That will give me roughly 10 weeks to get there. I'm about 116 lbs right now at 5'2" (technically I'm 5'2.5", but I always round down lol). Hopefully I can do it... I want to have lean muscle and be HEALTHY. Not sickly. As for my body fat percentage, I think it was about 21.4% the last time I checked... which technically puts my in the "fitness" category of body fat percentage, but I certainly do NOT feel or think I look fit. I'm "skinny fat." That's definitely the perfect phrase to describe me. And it needs to change--it's NOT healthy. I want to get my body fat percentage down to roughly 17-18% body fat by June 8th. I'm not sure if it's possible because I'm not too familiar with how long it takes to lose it, but that's what I'll shoot for. Eventually, I want to maintain about 15-16% body fat. 10-13% body fat is essential. Support would be much appreciated. Thanks, girls! | 