Fitness | Goals + Supplements

     So around this time last year I implemented the #SMFJ or Sydnee's March Fitness Journey...and I did decently enough for a few weeks, then went on holiday and it fell apart from there. This is the LAST TIME that I'm going to jump back on the fitness train, because I'm not falling off this time...

     Something that I touched on in the video I made last year, and even in the new one, is that I gained weight a little while ago and haven't been able to shake it all off. I do not advocate for focusing on the weight the scale says BUT I know that I'm capable of being 10-14lbs lighter than I am, with less fitness. So that is the reason why I have a target weight. That being said, my biggest aim is to tone up and gain muscle. We've all been told muscle weights more than fat, so if I get toned and end up being the same weight I am now (or even if I become "heavier") I'll be okay with that because I will look the way that I want to. 
     Another motivator I have this time round is my boyfriend, as he also wants to get back into shape. We've committed to a few major dates for checking in: May 24 weekend, my birthday (July 1st) and our final date is our Tough Mudder Challenge Date of Sept. 11. I know that I need to be in better shape to do the Tough Mudder Challenge and I'm determined to kill it so that's another big push for me. This will be his 4th Mudder, but he knows that he can improve for this next round. We've been able to motivate each other both at each of our gyms as well as at home workouts at his place. His family are all pretty active so they are helping to keep us on track as well. My dad's gone back to the gym, so he and I try to head over 3x week (it may go up to 5x but we shall see). 
     So now that I've committed to fitness, I had a few things to address with my eating. I generally eat quite well and have always been on the healthy side of things (read: I don't have cookies in my house - a friend of mine almost died when I told her that aha) so I'm not trying to change that but incorporate more of what I'm lacking. Cue a trip to Popeyes! I wanted to start on a clean slate, and know from experiences my family has had, that cleanses can really help clear out gunk weight in your colon. So I picked one up to give it a try, as did Scott (we did get different ones to compare notes). Once that cleanse was complete I knew that I could start to use my new products more effectively. I was also in need of a protein powder and ended up buying this massive one as well as this VegeGreens product. I know that I'm lacking in protein and was told about the Dietary Reference Intake, which is 0.36 g per lb (or 0.8g per kg). So I need roughly 45g of protein a day; and now with my protein shakes I can get 24g (if I just use the powder) or up to 30g if I add peanut butter to my shake. As for my veggies...sure I like them and have them at dinner but I know that I could benefit from eating more, which is difficult for me. One scoop of the VegeGreens powder is the equivalent of about 8 salads; it includes so many different veggies and plants that I haven't even heard of! And it tastes good because it's citrus flavoured and not lawn clippings. So I'll be taking a shot of this first thing in the morning and then having my shake after my workouts, or sometimes just for lunch. 
     I had also read up on CLA as a fat burner and thought that I would try it out once I had established a workout routine, so as to not waste it. I'm going to start with them this week and see how they go and if they help. I will also be continuing to take a few different vitamins: B12, Vitamins C + D. Another goal is to drink more water, which I've become much better at, though somedays I'll barely touch my water bottle and others I'm guzzling them back. An ideal amount of water to drink according to Katrina & Karena of Tone It Up, is half your weight (lbs) in ounces. For me that's about two 32oz bottles, though I would love to get up to 3/day. I've only managed 3/day once in the last two weeks but I felt really good about it. 
     Thus far, I've got to the gym 6x in the last two weeks (3x/wk) and getting back into the gym life has felt AMAZING. I feel so great after a workout and when I have rest days on the weekend I'm itching to get back. I'm grateful that my motivation has stayed with me and I hope it continues until I reach where I want to be and then maintain my fitness. 
     That basically sums it up, but I'm sure I add a few more things in the video so be sure to check that out and subscribe to my channel if you aren't already! If you'd like to see more fitness style posts and/or videos, let me know in the comments and be sure to check out #SydFit on IG/Twitter for my progress and SnapChat (syd_xox) for daily happenings! xo