1 one year into fitness- 3 Things I did not foresee

willgallagher6

Happy to be writing that I have consistently trained and watched my diet for 13 months now. Reading and sharing positive routines and strategies is helpful for all of us. Like many I have attempted a healthy lifestyle many times before this past year. The benefits are well known and fantastic to experience.

1. The biggest change I made was limiting my alcohol. No more drinking at home. I thought this would be difficult. It wasn't for me. The pros outweigh the cons. I feel better without it. I relax and sleep better. Dehydrated is a terrible way to try and train. Sub in a nice joint or gummy if need be.
2. I started training after PT for neck issues. Before rehabbing I had limited mobility and was very weak on my right side. My attitude went from ugg I need to go weight train to thank god I am able to go do it. The gym is me time. That me time makes me a better person. My family, friends and work benefit from this not just me.
3. Without a doubt mental health has been the best gain. Yes fitness takes time and effort. You also shed many burdens that come with being unhealthy. Im down 60lbs (lost some before tracking here) and feeling much more comfortable. Less aches and discomfort. Not as irritable and cranky. Having a clear head and positive outlook about health is such a change for me.

So yes looking better and having energy rank high on everyone's list as they should. Wanted to mention these things that I did not see coming when I started. What was your surprise benefit ?

BarbMessimer

Since following IF, losing 60 pounds and eating a whole food diet, my hair, skin and nails are glowing... and I'm 76 years old! I was losing my hair but now have a lot of regrowth. My nails are tough, and I have to keep them trimmed because they grow so fast; and what's happened to my skin is amazing. I used to have skin tags (acrochorda) and growths (seborrheic keratosis) all over my body. They're vanishing. I even had a deep pocket "blackhead" on the small of my back that had been there for over 50 years and could never be removed. It finally came out! Unbelievable!

They say your skin is a reflection of your health so I would say I'm very healthy! I want to lose an additional 40 pounds but am happy with the good health I've achieved and will continue to "walk the walk".