Nashauna Drummond, Staff Reporter
Yep, it may look hard but I did it. Of course with the help of a personal trainer at Sweat Shop Fitness Club in New Kingston. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
IT'S BEEN a while since my last update and you might be wondering, 'Has she quit? or, have the psychic evaluations finally come in and proven this skinny girl trying to gain weight clinically insane?'
None of the above. I've stuck with the programme and it's an absolute success. My current weight is now 100.5 pounds an increase of 3 1/2 pounds, I've finally hit the 100 mark. But I'm more impressed with the increase in my measurements.
I'm so ecstatic with my new body that I've become the butt of some of the jokes in my office, but who cares I'm getting what I've always wanted.
IT ONLY GETS BETTER
When I started the Fat Chance programme approximately eight weeks ago I could squat on a good day maybe 50 pounds. But now I'm able to squat 110 pounds. I impress myself easily but this time I think I've outdone myself.
I guess I have my personal trainer Mark Whyte of Sweat Shop Fitness Club on St. Lucia Avenue, to thank. He keeps pushing me and telling me I can do it. I used to think he was pretty mean whenever he increased my weight. Whenever he asked how it (weight) feels I was afraid to say ok because that automatically spells an increase. But look at the results!
IT'S ALL ABOUT DISCIPLINE
During all of this I've realised that whether you're trying to gain or loose weight, it's hard work. There were days when I just didn't feel like going to the gym. Those days I had to literally pull myself away from the office. However, once I got through the work out I was glad I did. I felt energised and revitalised.
Last week I had to commend myself for sticking with it. I always wondered why it seemed so difficult for person's trying to loose weight to just loose it - now I know. I know that it must take more than just looking in the mirror and say I need to loose this. It takes a dedication beyond imagination. I'm not sure what it is that keeps me going. Even the work out sometimes get so hard I want to just save myself all the stress and just stop.
NEW DIET
The diet is the easiest part. Once I've mentally told me self that certain foods aren't healthy then staying away from them is no big deal. The fast food is out the window, so is the excessive chocolate and ice cream and all those things my friends say I could never give up.
My nutritionist, wholistic and lifestyle consultant Winsome Belnavis New wholistic and lifestyle clinic on phoenix avenue noted that food is meant to be enjoyed. She noted that I should use this opportunity to discover herbs. Use this new lifestyle as a food adventure. "Look at it as a whole new adventure not sacrificial but a whole new appreciation for food", she said. For any diet programme its not about depriving the body of anything you can have almost anything - just in moderation she warns.' If there's something you want have it in moderation, give it to yourself as a treat, deprivation does not benefit."
In my last update my weekends were a problem as it broke my routine. But now I use my weekend as a time to experiment with cooking new exciting meals a form of experimentation. Belnavis has suggested that I start introducing herbs in my meals such as; escallion, thyme, basil, and ginger. and I've started. Last weekend I had something I haven't had in over five year; cabbage. I had it because I know its good for me. It noted to contain; iron, calcium, and potassium, vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, and D. Unfortunately I cooked it so that lowered its nutritional value so I still have some work to do.
I prepared it with thyme, escallion and sweet pepper, there goes me cooking with herbs.
I've tried my Symmetry premium plus nutritional drink in two new ways. I've tried it with tropical rhythm and it works with all flavours. I've also tried it with milk and it was very malty but good, however, that I can't have too often or my body will definitely get tired of it.
THE GYM
Last Monday I had a great day at the gym. Based on my rotation each body part would fall on a specific day. Monday legs and biceps, Tuesday triceps and shoulders etc. But today my personal trainer Mark decided to change things up a bit. He noted that there is the possibility that my body might get 'used to it'. So even though I worked chest and shoulders on Friday we decided to do it again today.
Something was definitely different. I was more concentrated. I promptly stretched after each set and made sure no less than a minute passed between each rep. I left feeling stronger - so much stronger.
I don't hurt much anymore and it feels like something that could become a part of my life even after this programme is over. But so far I'm happy very happy.
BEFORE NOW
| Weight | 97 lbs | 100.5 |
| Arm | 9" | 91/2 |
| Bust/Chest | 28 | 30 |
| Waist | 27 | 28 |
| Lower abs | 29 1/2 | 32 |
| Hips | 34 | 35 |
| Thighs | 16 1/2 | 19 |
| Calves | 11 | 12 |
