So in November 2019, I decided it’s high time to move my exercise game to the next level.
Because I am a type-A stressed take no nonsense from myself kind of person, it had to be executed right away, preferably before 31/12/19 because, well, just because.
I have an exhausting need to be different. that’s why.
Plus I get an inner rash (+rush) when delaying anything.
I have a real issue with procrastinating- and I believe dilly-dallying on decisions is not a sign of profound deep thought, but of mere laziness.
I know this isn’t necessarily true, because sometimes major and crucial decisions need contemplating, plus- I have found out that many times, delaying an answer when I was a boss at work, resulted in the problem solving itself. (…….)
But- nonetheless- if I decide something- it needs to be executed right away- because the chances are that delaying will result in canceling the project /idea.
Anyway-
I decided I needed to up my workouts, and get stronger, maybe even get my floppy abs in shape.
Yes, I am that shallow. well sometimes anyway.
Ok, most of the time.
I care about the way I look, and since it is super hot here in the summer, and I run in my sports bra, taking over my floppy abs situation was kind of a priority I would say.
Yes I know I’m supposed to dance like nobody is looking and run like I am alone in this world and not give a damn about what anyone will say and all that.
And to some degree I do that- I mean despite my floppy abs I did run all last summer in my sports bra, but I was definitely aware.
Not anxious-but aware.
Now that I’m retired, I definitely have the time to invest in upping my game, and, perhaps, getting a firmer stomach situation.
And those shaky arms, too.
So I enhanced my swim routine, my running mileage, and my dumbbell workouts.
And started counting my macros: I started checking my macros-fact based information on my diet!
The results after 3 months are definitely visible, I can say.
I gained about 6 pounds, and since I returned my smart scale to Amazon when I decided it was only guessing my muscle and fat percentage, I am relying on 3 parameters to monitor the change:
#My workout quality:
This is my personal opinion- and may I please remind that I am no registered dietitian or anything of the sort- my workout quality has been the most important parameter to see the changes, again-in my experience.
I can now swim longer, run longer, and do my dumbbell exercises without feeling totally exhausted, and I am looking forward to exercising. this is huge for me. it is not a burden, it is actually fun.
#my clothes:
This is a tricky one, since I stopped wearing formal attire as soon as I retired, and I wander around either in my yoga pants or in my workout apparel. and I guess you know that these clothes tend to be very forgiving (……….)
The only clothing item I wear that has less of a stretch on it- is my Levi’s, which I wear to ride my motorcycle to the gym. (the reason being that jeans are considerably more sturdy and durable than workout apparel-just in case anything happens while I ride).
My jeans definitely fit tighter on my hips, thighs, and butt now.
The truth is, the first time I noticed this I panicked and started worrying that perimenopause is showing its ugly side – meaning packing pounds and making it super difficult to shed them off.
I want to make it clear, mainly to myself by the way, that I am aware I am 51.5, and my maturity will take its toll-like it does on everybody.
The thing is, I believe that my vegan lifestyle has helped me dodge many unpleasant side effects of perimenopause up until now, and I believe it will help mitigate those symptoms further along the way.
I haven’t experienced any of the disasters described online, such as hot flushes, panic attacks, mood swings ( I am generally not the most pleasant person around, no point in blaming hormonal change..), etc.
I firmly believe that not consuming meat or dairy, and instead of eating plant-based mostly from scratch protein-packed food for the past 6.5 years is now making a difference from the hormonal point.
So the sudden change in the way my jeans fit me was, I can honestly say, startling.
But after a few seconds, my self-preservation mechanism kicked in.
I decided that my new workout regimen is the cause for the new tightness, and therefore it is a good sign of progress, instead of the other possible explanations:
1.I am eating more than before, meaning I might be in a caloric surplus, therefore the weight gain
2.(might co-exist with #1) I am not immune to hormonal changes.
3.Emmmm…the jeans shrunk in the laundry???
4. Wow #3 was a stretch. pun intended.
Now the truth is a bit of everything probably.
Since starting the new workout regimen, I am definitely eating more.
Mainly because I am more hungry, but also because, well, I felt I could.
I mean, if I work out more, I can eat more, right?
I think this is a good place to pause, leaving you in suspense. plus I owe you the third parameter I rely on to measure my progress.
To be continued.
Enjoy, the cooliflower.