Nov 12, 2015

My Pilgrimage Through A Fad Diet

Almost every day I hear through someone in my social circle/social media promoting and talking of a new “fad diet.” At first I thought it was weird how often these “fad diets” come up in everyday conversations. With the rate of obesity in America increasing though, it’s not shocking that people (including myself) want a quick fix to lose weight.

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I knew America was having issues with obesity, and (not so) shockingly here are the facts: “According to the most recent data, rates of obesity now exceed 35 percent in three states, 22 states have rates above 30 percent, 45 states are above 25 percent, and every state is above 20 percent. The data shows that 23 of 25 states with the highest rates of obesity are in the South and Midwest.” (Source, http://stateofobesity.org/adult-obesity/)

Clearly everything is bigger in Texas…including myself.

I have tried many diets before and end up falling off the bandwagon, and I finally realized maybe it was due to me not following a program. I have all the tools in front of me. I work for Fringe Sport, have been exposed to clean eating, and have plenty of help to have a healthy lifestyle. However; the temptation is everywhere, and I am ashamed to say I am obese for my BMI.

I knew my weight had been on the higher end of the scale, but I had conveniently been able to wear stretchy pants to work, avoid scales, and avoid most photos. I had basically reached ninja level expert at avoiding mirrors.

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That all changed with the rude awakening (I had been so desperately avoiding) when I went to go try on wedding dresses last weekend. Every dress I put on I kept thinking, “Yeah this would look great if I wasn’t so overweight.” So I figured there was not better time than the present to go on a diet.

I went through my options of “Fad Diets” none of them sounded appealing to me. I didn’t want diet pills/supplements/drinks at all in my system. I needed something that would encourage healthy habits, and that I could continue effortlessly after I was done with the allotted time of the diet.

The 21 day fix is simple, and instills good eating habits for you to easily continue after you complete the 21 days. Here is the breakdown of what the 21 days will consist of. (In case late night television infomercials is not your thing.)

BASICALLY you shove your food in these tiny color-coded containers, drink a shakeology drink once a day as replacement of a meal, and do a “quick” 30 minute workout. Simple and easy, just what I wanted.

So now I embark on the 21 day fix journey and pray I survive. I was so excited until completing my suggested reading of what is/is not allowed. My reaction was, something along these lines.

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First of all you HAVE to work out EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. I will try to make it happen, but yeah...You think it’s only 30 minutes, but between work full-time, and doing everything else you need to get done the thought of working out last night made me feel like….

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and....

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Secondly, No booze. Well not exactlly, a whopping three times a week you can trade one of your yellow containers for ONE 4oz glass of wine. I am not an alcoholic by any means, but I do like to enjoy a cocktail or four on a Friday after a long week. This whole 4 oz is a joke right? If it fits in a glass…does that count?

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I may not be rich...but can't this apply to me?

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Also where the heck is the cheat day on this? Oh wait there is none...

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This is what I signed up for though, and I am determined to stick with it. I will be documenting my success and being honest if I cheat. I will post my before and after photos once the 21 day fix is complete. So now I will be embarking on my quest.

Hopefully this doesn't happen at work..