It’s the time to reflect on another year passed by too quickly. Where does the time go? As I am writing this, I find myself reflecting more on my personal relationships rather than my fitness accomplishments. At the end of the day, what matters most is my relationship with God and others.

Since this is a fitness blog, however, I will share what I have learned related to fitness and nutrition.

 

10 Things I Learned in 2012

 

Lesson 1: Eating too many carbs will make you fat!

Simply put the number 1 factor to manipulate for fat loss is carbohydrates. I have learned to not have any bread in the house, something that was accomplished last year, but this year I don’t even miss it. Wow, never thought I’d feel this way.

Lesson 2: Eating protein and fats in the morning regulates hormones!

I have never felt as satisfied and energized as I have this past year after applying this rule. I tell EVERYONE that is having difficulty with energy levels throughout the day to start this ASAP! They all have the same results; energy to make it through the morning and ability to work more efficiently throughout the afternoon.

Lesson 3. You need to EAT to build muscle!

I know what you are thinking, “how didn’t you know this when your husband is the muscle building guru?” I knew this but didn’t realize how much you really need to eat in order to REALLY build some solid dense muscle. My legs got so big this year I had to cut back. The funny thing is, last year I was trying sooooo hard to build my legs, all it took was more calories.

Lesson 4. There are 2 types of muscle tone that are responsible for that “toned” look we all desire!

Myogenic and Neurogenic Muscle Tone. If you don’t know how to develop both types of muscle tone, you won’t be able to build that sexy toned body. Read more here: www.CurvaliciousWorkout.com  As seen in the Latin Grammy Gift Bags!!

Lesson 5. Unless you write it down, you’ll never lose weight!

This has been one of the biggest fat loss factors in my body transformations. I really want you to focus on this one tip! If you want to change your body, you have to keep a food journal. Look back at your journal each week and see what worked, what hasn’t worked, where you dropped the ball and what you can do to make it happen next week.

Lesson 6. What gets measured, gets managed!

This is an addition to number 5 but we are taking it one step further. You need to measure weekly. Measure your weight, but more importantly your thighs, chest, hips, waist and if you are trying to build muscle, measure your arms, calves – wherever you are trying to add size. Without this how do you know what you are doing in your workout is working?

Lesson 7. Eat 90% of your meals according to your nutrition plan!

What this looks like is this; if you eat 4 meals a day, that makes 28 meals a week. 25 of those meals have to be SPOT ON – no deviations, 3 meals you can bend the rules a little. If you eat 5 meals a day (which I recommend) 31 out of 35 have to be PERFECT and 4 can add some extra “treats”. But this is about giving yourself some play room, not having full-on cheat meals 4 times a week. This means, have the risotto one night, grab that piece of cheese you are craving, add in a glass of wine and have that little piece of dark chocolate once in while. No sense in driving yourself crazy!

Lesson 8. Pushing yourself won’t kill you!

I used to be so scared to push myself to that “uncomfortable” point. I would always tell myself, ” I can’t push myself too hard right from the beginning or else I won’t have energy to finish my workout”. What a load of BS! Once I started pushing myself, I noticed a HUGE change in my body. If I walk away from a workout knowing I didn’t give it my all, chances are I didn’t do much changing that day 🙁  This is something I constantly struggle with. Two things I tell myself to keep focused are:
1) If I wan’t to look different, I need to act different.
2) There are 24 hours in a day. I dedicate only 1 hour to change my body. I owe it to myself to work my *ss off right now.

 

Lesson 9. Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect!

What I mean by this is you need to know how to lift weight properly, why you are doing that exercise, and what muscle you are trying to work. Otherwise, you are just going to be disappointed or worse, injured.

Lesson 10. Perfect is different for everyone.

My perfect figure is not your perfect figure and that’s ok. Some women want to look good in a bikini and others just want to fit into a pair of old jeans. Whatever perfect is for you, you can achieve success. All you need is you! You need to be able to execute. YOUR SUCCESS IS UP TO YOU!