Don't let your fit goals become an obsession

I am really proud to let you guys know that I`ve completed a whole month without a single drop of alcohol. Of course I`ve had my highs and lows, but I didn`t give in to any temptation. The most important learning in overcoming this challenge is, that I know now, that if I really set my mind to something I can do it! I just kept reminding myself why I started this challenge in the first place.

RESULTS
For those who wonder about the results I achieved so far: I lost almost 8 kg (18 lbs.) in 2.5 months. And I feel way more energized. Although I increased my workout frequency from 3 to 4 times a week (due to the personal training sessions I have now), I constantly feel like doing stuff instead of being a couch potato. But I realized that when you work out a lot, you should also allow yourself plenty of rest. When you work out in the morning you can feel really tired in the afternoon. Don't fight it, just reward your body for the hard work with a well deserved powernap.

TAKE IT EASY
It's very motivating when you and the people around you start to notice the changes you're undergoing. But prevent yourself from exaggerating it. Of course you need to push yourself to reach your goals, but enough is enough. I set some rules for myself to make sure this whole pursuit of fit won't become an obsession.

• Allow yourself a cheat day. Don`t deny yourself everything you love. If you really like Ben & Jerry's, spoil yourself with a few scoops  (better not down the whole pint at once) every once in a while. But make sure you really enjoy the taste of your favorite food instead of gorging yourself on it.

• Weigh yourself only once a week. If you stand on a scale every day, you'll drive yourself crazy. It`s normal for your body weight to ebb and flow. Because if you step on the scale you are not just measuring muscle and fat. That number also represents the weight of your bones, organs, bodily fluids etc. Given all of these variables you shouldn't panic if your weight slightly increases on some days.
• Schedule a day of rest in between your workouts. The body repairs and strengthens itself in the time between workouts, and continuous training can actually weaken your muscles. I know the feeling of sore muscles is kinda nice, but this saying applies to (almost) everything: don't overdo it.

Don't let your fit goals become an obsession

• Set realistic goals and celebrate if you achieve them. My ultimate goal is to lose 20 kg (44 lbs.), but I don`t expect it to happen overnight. I agreed with myself that it is more realistic to lose 10 kg (22 lbs.) before the end of July. Every kg I lose extra, is a nice bonus. And if you reach your goal at any given time, don't forget to celebrate. You worked your ass off to get there (wo)man.

• Don't compare yourself to others. Don't get hyponotised by all the fit pics you see on Instagram or the body of your BestFitFriendForLife. Yes, it's good to get inspired by someone else. But no, you will never look exactly the same as the person you see in the picture. Every body responds totally different to food and excercise. The world would be a boring place if we'd all look a like. Check out Aranka en Chris`s foodlog. They`ll explain that they might look the same on the outside, but their bodies work totally different on the inside.