I specifically remember the night the crew and I went out and this picture was taken. I weighed in at just about 160 pounds and though I’m 5’8 and that might not seem like anything to gawk at, as an ex ballerina who used to eat anything and everything I wanted and just burn it off, always maintaining my 125/130 lbs on the scale, 160 just wasn’t working for me.
I remember that night struggling to put on my favorite pair of jeans, and some nights later standing in front of the mirror in nothing but my birthday suit and not feeling good in my own skin. I didn’t feel sexy. As a dancer, your body is your tool. In many ways, in the dance world, you are your body (why many dancers have body issues and eating disorders but that’s a whole other topic). I didn’t want or need my dancer’s body back, in fact I was actually quite pleased with the additional ass-etts I’d acquired since I stopped dancing but some of the additions had gotten out of hand.
In January 2009, I decided to join a gym for the first time ever and get back in shape.. Not only did I feel it essential to get in shape, I also wanted to live a healthier life style all together. So, it wasn’t only about working out, it was also eating healthier and living better.
In the beginning, trips the gym were a group activity. There were four of us and we would hit the gym at least three to four times a week. My girls were both my inspiration for joining and my motivation to keep going and also the ones who would remind me of my pledge to get fit and get healthy. There was no quitting and no reneging. It was all about the win. I also got a trainer to test my limits, push me even further and help me to create new workouts and keep challenging my muscles.
Fast forward to January 2010. 160 became 130 and a healthier life style has not only become a necessity, it’s a passion
I didn’t know about the Goddess Body Diet when I started. I just called it “Go Hard or Go Home”.
Abstinence from Alcohol
I didn’t drink for about 8 months. Folks looked at me crazy every time I would turn down a drink, which motivated me even more. I wasn’t a big drinker from the start but you would be amazed how great you look and feel when you stop consuming empty calories.
Abstinence from Sex
When you don’t feel comfortable or sexy in your own skin, it affects your sex life. I had never had any complaints in the body department from anyone I was involved with but it was about how I felt.
2009 was also the year that was “all about me”. No sex for 30 days by any means isn’t a super yummy piece of cake, but, and especially if you are involved with someone, it’s a challenge and I’m always down for that. I would apologize ahead of time to the significant other though.
At least 6 hours of sleep every night
If you’re really getting in your cardio work outs and weight training you will have no choice but to give your body the rest it needs and will demand. I got hip to this quick and learned to literally go sit my ass down and go to sleep.
No packaged food unless it is signified as Organic
I’m not a huge packed food eater in the first place and I did really get to enjoy and exercise my love for cooking when I first started out. Tested new recipes, snack ideas and tried all kinds of new foods.
No farmed fish or meat
I didn’t always follow the no farmed fish or meat rule but tried to shop as naturally and organically as possible.
Dairy products must be cage free, non- homogenized
I was never a big milk drinker, only had it with cereal and Oreos but now I don’t drink it at all. It’s all about Silk (soy milk). Still working on that cage free business but I limit my intake of dairy a lot more now (down went the cheese lover in me).
These are all key elements of clean eating (look this up! it’s like the key to unlocking a healthier life style).
Consume a gallon of water every day
WATER IS THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH. That and cocoa butter. Drink it! And if you’re like me, and don’t like the taste of it…buy some lemon juice and add it to a glass or your bottle. Water is essential, especially when working out.
3 days of cardio workout. Can include core workouts for strength training (i.e. Yoga, Pilates, Swimming)
ATLEAST 3 to 4 days of cardio a week.
By cardio I mean 30-40 mins heavy duty, sweat the hair out, test your boundaries, skies the limit, feeling like super woman-cardio. I said go hard right? My cardio choice is running. Not only does it get your heart rate up it’s also a great stress reliever. You don’t have time to be stressed out or think about anything when you’re trying to keep a steady pace and control you’re breathing.
In the Winter time, to keep from getting bored with the treadmill I did interval training and in the warmer season I take it out door. Out door running is loads better than the treadmill. It is truly a full bodywork out.
Exercise doesn’t end with cardio. Weight training is also essential, also 3 to 4 times a week. I alternate between lower body, upper body and core (yoga and pilates are great core workouts).
For healthy tips and for overall motivation I am an avid reader of Oxygen Magazine and my girl Lita’s blog>
You can also follow E. Isis on Twitter through her day by clicking this photo:
Check in with the rest of the participants on the GodBodyDiet Lifestyle:
Jill Person aka JI double L
Julie McShay, ASouthernSocialite
Leilah Reese
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