Starting the Countdown to My “New” Self.
Racing towards that "summer body," a lot of us are rushing to get started. Summer kicks off on June 21st, and my next 6-week push starts on May 6th - the perfect jumpstart to a season filled with sun and sand. But why wait for the official start? And really, can you even make a big change in just six weeks? Well, I guess we're about to find out. Here's are a few components of my plan!
The Delayed Start Illusion
Starting always feels like the biggest mental block for me. I hold off kicking things off on May 6th because, in my head, that's my last hurrah of indulging before getting serious. But am I really prepping, or just dragging out habits I'm trying to quit? The truth stares back at me from my plate and my activity levels. But easing into this change isn't just delaying; it's playing it smart. Athletes don’t just dive into a race without warming up first. That's the cool part about planning ahead. This transition time? It's my warm-up, both mentally and physically.
Mastery Through Practice
Empowerment really shines when you carefully plan your transformation journey. It's not just about changing my body; it's about transforming my mindset with disciplined practice. Tracking my macros, especially those tricky protein grams, turns into a way of taking control. It's like teaching my willpower to speak a new language, one that's all about setting goals and knowing your limits.
My Six-Week "Blueprint"
High Protein, Low Carb
This isn't about a fad diet; it's a lifestyle adjustment. High protein, low carb, and timing your meals within a restricted window isn't a temporary fix; it's a commitment to learning about your body and what it truly needs for fuel.
Strategic Substitutions
Your daily snack ritual or Starbucks run doesn't have to go away; you might just need to get a bit creative with substitutes. It's all about finding cool swaps—like trading your usual Starbucks for 100-calorie drinks and swapping out popcorn with sunflower seeds during family movie nights.
Remember to catch some good z's at night, instead of wasting them on last-minute rushes.Trust me, been there, done that, and nothing beats waking up feeling refreshed because you chose to chill instead of stressing out over plans. Remember, sometimes winging it is just another way to let your creativity flow and see where the night takes you. Keep it easy, keep it light.
The Monitoring Ward
MyFitnessPal is like my personal coach, keeping tabs on what I eat, how much water I drink, and how much I work out. It's not just a logbook, though; it's like a buddy keeping me in check. Time to start tracking the basics and really get to know myself over six weeks of honest check-ins that go way beyond just body stats.
The Competitive Edge
This isn't a humblebrag or a guilting by comparison. But I'm two weeks out from the start, having ended another workout program. The edge isn't in starting from scratch but in building on what you've consistently maintained. Getting used to that fitness vibe makes the whole journey less scary and a bit more straightforward.
Six Weeks to Shape Your Story
This plan isn't set in stone and totally rigid. Think of it more like a story – and every good story can have a plot twist, right? Let's mix it up a bit – how about smoothies for breakfast, dates for dessert, and a cool variety of grains that keep your eating plan on track without being boring.
Fit for a Purpose
I'm not just working on my looks but also on getting the energy to make the most out of summer. Whether it’s a chillin' by the shore in the morning or a Pina Colada at the local hot spot in a cute summer dress, dedicating six weeks to myself means investing in all these potential awesome moments.
The Practice Run for your Empowered Self
Two weeks out isn't nothing. Sure, it's not winning, but it's far from losing too. I like to think of it as a map showing you the bumps ahead—weekends, busy workdays, crazy eating sprees—and it's my chance to plan around them. This is like a dry run for the new me that I look forward to meeting on June 21st.
Awaiting the 'You' of June 21st
As everyone starts getting excited for summer, I'm kicking off my own countdown to self-empowerment. It's more than just a play on words; it's about leaving behind the old and embracing the new. Slowly but surely, moving from a version of the self I was okay with, to one I'll actually start to hopefully admire a bit. It's not just about getting my body ready for summer, but more about nurturing my spirit through practice, preparation, and ultimately, becoming my most empowered self.
Stay Fierce,
Ashlee