…is hard to do.
I’ve never been athletic in any way. Sure, I’ve done what we’ve all done in order to not be couch potatoes, but, I am not one of those people who live and breathe all things fitness-related.
Now, don’t get me wrong – I do exercise a few times a week, though it’s mostly low-to-medium impact cardio and strength building/toning. I try to eat properly in order to not have areas that will depress me when I see myself naked (vanity, right?). Not wanting to sound like a hypocrite in any way (see Top 10 post), but I do care about being able to dress and not have to wear any of those undergarments that squeeze and compress. This is about me, not what the world sees, or expects.
I’m no saint. I’ve fallen victim to the fads throughout my life: the insane work-out programs, the crazy diets, et cetera. Tae Bo, anyone? Word to the wise: Never practice a fitness style created by someone who gets his ass kicked in all of his fighting films.
I remember a few years ago I was having trouble losing weight. It may have been a combination of the continued nursing and the birth control, but I was stuck and unhappy. A group of girlfriends of mine (aptly named The Wolf Pack-more on that later) had tried J.J. Smith’s Green Smoothie Cleanse with decent results (for those who aren’t in the know, with this diet, all you drink are green smoothies, a detox tea, and water every day for 10 consecutive days when using the full cleanse method. You also snack on all things crunchy and nutritious too, ensuring that you are guaranteed to lose between 8 and 15 pounds by the end). I found it intriguing, so I decided to give it a go. I’ll admit, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. My self-control was definitely tested.
Why? Because I began my cleanse at the beginning of barbecue season.
Everyone around me was grilling. Weddings, birthdays, graduation celebrations, baby showers, hell, because day ends with Y. I couldn’t walk outside without smelling charcoal or propane. And the boozing that typically accompanies those barbecues…I was quite miserable.
Despite everything, I stuck with it and lost 18 pounds in 10 days. YAY!
I definitely recommend the cleanse, if you have the tenacity for it. It can feel VERY grueling in the beginning. Tread carefully, though, as you will experience a few literal and figurative headaches. Also, it takes away nearly all your excess fat, even in places you don’t want it to! For example, losing additional breast girth after breast feeding makes you feel like you’re carrying fleshy wind socks. Very National Geographic “Women of the Bush” -esque. Also, you can’t just go back to eating normally. Everything is a process.
But, I’ll move on as this post is NOT a commercial for J. J. Smith products.
Here is the true issue: I experience the endorphin rush that one gets with working out. That translates to a boost in my libido, which isn’t always good when you’re abstaining. Or single. It leads to me getting less sleep, being somewhat less productive, potentially being extremely cranky, and no one likes a cranky Liz. Since I’m past the “booty call” phase in my evolution, I have to utilize that energy in other areas. Sometimes I run out of ideas.
So, the actually working out in itself isn’t difficult. No pain, no gain, right? It’s the goat of horndoggedness that I experience as a result that makes me not want to do it. Who wants to walk around on that edge all the time?
One can only do so much.
Happy reading!
Liz K
Classy With An E 