Back Story

I always played sports, always involved in workout groups, always an athlete. Even during the time when I was gaining weight was I active with workouts. I felt like I was doing everything I needed to make a difference in my body, or so I thought.  It was frustrating because I felt like I was doing all the right things, but you don't know what you don't know: Like the fact that its 80% diet and 20% working out. BINGO! 

Changing my eating habits was a game changer for me. Like I introduced in my last blog post, I stopped eating meat almost 4 years ago. I started my journey on a better eating habit.  I am not the best cook nor do I really cook, cook! I am very much a "kit" girl; salad kits, stir-fry kit. Even though, I must say I did make vegan burritos last night. okkurrrr!!

I try to keep myself motivated all of the time but its not always that easy. A friend shared a quote earlier this week: "You will never always be
motivated, so you must learn to be disciplined." Diet continues to be the game changer for me on this journey. I know this has made me the happiest and I don't ever want to be back where I was a few years ago. I keep that present in my mind and it helps with not letting myself fall backwards. I've also been surrounding myself more with people who are on the same lifestyle/journey as I am. I continue to learn new things from them and share our journey; it's beautiful!

Eating out

I try and stay away from eating out during the week, unless there’s a special occasion. Things like birthdays, family gatherings, and happy hour during the Astros Season! This has helped not only with my diet but also with even saving money!! 

Currently on my Grocery List:

Salad Kits-Trader Joes has some great ones

Stir Fry Kits

Lots of Fruits

Bananas

Blueberries

Avocado

Almond Milk

Hummus-TJ has the best!

Cereal

Water

Beyond Meat

Plant based “meats”

Black Beans & Sweet Potatoes for Vegan Burritos

La Croex-I was a huge coke person but these have helped tremendously 

Plantain Chips-current obsession and favorite snack even though they are high in carbs. Learning to eat them in moderations LOL

Teas

Chips (I don't deprive myself from my favorites, I don't want to HATE the journey At least one thing to snack on during the week)

Frozen Fruit for Smoothies-sometimes its dinner

See my grocery haul here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_LHO2AAPBW/?igshid=19to8wjpmp6vg

Workout Routine:

I get it, who doesn't want to get home, and just rest? They say the hardest part about a workout is putting on your shoes. Is this true? 

I workout 4-5 days a week with a variation of outdoor running or a gym session. I started a 6-week workout plan that involved gym time 6 days a week. It was put together for me to target points in my body I wanted to work on. I started adding weights to my workouts. I was always so focused on cardio but I have noticed the difference with my body since incorporating weights. I will continue with this plan once the gyms opens back up.  

Edit: With our current situation and the gyms closed, I have gone back to my all running days. I just completed a 100 mile challenge for the month of April. Wow, I see the results from all that running (image above). I now have a goal of 50 miles a month, at least, to keep up with my progress. I am running between 3-6 miles 4 to 5 days a week.

All that I have accomplished thus far was not done alone. I like to state that I have wonderful friends and people in my life who support me and my journey so much! 

XOXO,

Alessandra Laura