All the people who know me well, know that I love the idea of a thigh gap and have a mild obsession of wanting anything organic and think that I am healthier then I actually am. I buy the organic greens, the expensive workout clothes, and order that skinny vanilla latte hoping that the minor gap in calories will help me reach my goal weight. I try to do all of these things, but then I go out to a bar, and later see myself in front of a pizza trying my best to stuff as much as I can without feeling too guilty the next morning. These are the two completely different types of lifestyles that I live with, and I know many people struggle with the same problem.
In college we experience an irregular schedule with no organized sports or high school coaches forcing us to run more or work harder during practice. We are dropped into a place where we have to figure out what to eat for three meals a day, how to stay awake during the day, keep an active social life, and make sure that school is somewhat a priority. This overwhelming change and adjustment can cause weight gain, stress, anxiety, loss of sleep, and lack of motivation. Some of us, like me, are about to enter their senior year and still struggle with balancing everything that we have. Because of the juggling game that I am continuing to have with my life I finally made a bold decision. A decision to choose three to five days a week where I block out an hour or less out of my planner to work out, and once a week to go shopping at HEB.
Working out… Ha, good one right? Like I am actually going to follow through with that? Well yeah. I'm following through with it right now, and if I can do it, honestly anyone can. It only takes twenty-one days, three weeks, to make a habit that can make your life a little easier.
There are so many benefits to working out, to name a few, working out reduces stress, improves self confidence, increases productivity, and helps you sleep better. I'm not sure about you but I definitely need more of all four.
Working out can mean many things, it can mean walking or biking to class or work, rather than driving if you live semi close to wherever you are going. It can mean taking advantage of a free boxing class at Title Boxing, a YouTube video of a yoga class, a run with a friend outside, a Kayla Itsines workout; it may mean trying out the gym whether your in the pool, the weight room, or catching up on your Netflix addiction on the elliptical. It can be easier to take time out of the week than you think if it means you'll be able to function better as a human being.
Working out doesn't mean going on a ten mile run everyday or running a marathon or deadlifting a ridiculous amount of weight for an hour a day. When I plan my schedule I plan it like a class because I have a new love for boxing so three times a week Ill try to go to a boxing class that fits with my schedule and ask a friend to come with me.
If you start working out regularly while continuing to eat what you normally eat, don't expect to drop a ridiculous amount of weight and get that thigh gap like those models on the runway. Because what you eat is so much more important than many think. Making sure you have at least a veggie and a fruit a day rather than cheese-its and goldfish can make that difference. In order to do this successfully you have to make this a lifestyle choice rather than binge eating healthy choice for a day or two and then binge eating fast food. Yet, if you make these healthy choices everyday for just twenty-one days, then you wont have to think as hard about it because it will become a habit.
Healthy choices don't have to be at every single meal, we are in college, healthy food can get expensive, and when you go out the empty calories in alcohol and drunchies can be more than you think. But if you try your best throughout the week to choose that healthy option rather then the alternative bad one then that Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night out at the bars wont hurt as bad. You'll be able to have your cake and eat it too.
By choosing to work out, however that may look, and eating healthier -- start off slow with a snack or a meal and work your way up to an entire day. By the time you know it, you might not crave that cake, or in my case pizza rolls, that you've wanted so badly. You'll crave that feeling of alertness and productivity because you started working out and eating better. Your schedule will be a little less demanding because you are getting so much done, and overall you will just feel better. Now honestly who doesn't want that. Try to make a pact with a friend or a commitment to yourself from twenty-one days and I promise you'll see results, whether it is physically or emotionally. I dare you.
