My fitness Journey (How I lose 8Kg)

If you have been following me here since forever, you’ll see and understand my struggles and joy about my weight loss journey. I have been trying so hard to lose weight since 2016 – but it was just a futile attempt because I wasn’t doing it right. I had a bad practice, a wrong pattern and I lack discipline!

My sister's wedding 2016

I was on my biggest and heaviest on my sister’s wedding – 2016!  And I couldn’t even post a picture of me during the wedding coz I feel so bad about myself. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean to offend the plus size people, my point here is how I see myself back then and how it was affecting my being.

April 2017
(Look how big I was back then. I guess I was at 65kg or so?) 

May 2017

August 2017

August 2017

My weight loss journey is a trial and error slash a yoyo journey. I mean, I will lose a kilo but will gain double! It’s kinda frustrating and depressing and it’s affecting me bigtime – it’s affecting my health and the way I see myself. I hate it when people will greet me with “Oi, ang taba mo na!” or ”Parang tumataba ka, friend!” . I tried to smile and answer them back with “Kasi may pangkain na ko” or “ok lang, pretty pa rin kahit chubby”.  But honestly, these words hurt – a lot! But, can I blame them? No. That’s how they see me however, it would be nice if they will just say hi and hello and how are you doing, don’t you agree?

I think I have already hit the rock bottom and I don’t want to stay that way. I need to do my part. And the 2 most important steps to reach my goals are self love and self discipline. I know, this sounds cliché, but believe me, those two, plays a huge role in my fitness journey + of course, the things I tried - like food and exercises to achieve this. 

March 2018

June 2018

I lose a few kilo - from 63kg++ (138.89 lbs)  to 55kg (121.25lbs), that’s a huge leap, right? But losing 8kg isn’t  an overnight success. I had to wait and watch my eating habits to see the result. Before we continue, please remember that I am writing this down not to brag how much weight I’ve lost, but to encourage you how to meet your target weight without forcing yourself too much.

Self Love – Know and believe that you are beautiful. You’re not defined by your weight. You are beautiful because you are fearfully and wonderfully made and that’s a fact. If you know and you believe that you are beautiful, then you’ll start to appreciate yourself more and you’ll definitely take good care of your body and your health.  

Self Discipline – This one’s hard. It’s a tug-of-war. I didn’t reach my goal several times, because I lack self disciple. By nature, we are easily tempted – to eat, to slack off, to procrastinate, and it takes a lot of courage not to be tempted, especially when you see food. You may also be tempted not to exercise and just spend your time watching the TV while munching on some chips! (confession: I still do this, sometimes. Hush!) Get up, girl. You can do it. Once you’ve practice self discipline or self control, your choices will no longer be dictated by impulses or feelings. You can easily say no to cravings and laziness. 

Now, here are some tips that I want to share with you:

1.     Start small and set your own goal – Since we have different body type, habits and preferences, you need to set your own goal and make it realistic. Before starting my fitness journey, I read some articles about weight loss, checked and used some tools to measure my ideal body weight. I tried healthy pinoy to know my ideal body weight and daily calorie requirements. I started at 63kg or more, my goal is to lose at least a kilo in 2 months – yes, this isn’t much, but that target is doable. And because I hit the target, I got more inspired to take it seriously. Then my office mates started to see the changes, not me. And hearing this magic word “Uy, pumapayat ka” is one of the best encouragements! Thank you, friends!

2.     Be active – Bob inspired me to run every Sunday night – like a couple of hours or so, for 3 months! Then, I tried running along Ayala Triangle after work (for an hr.), twice a week. I attended few Zumba classes + running clinic – courtesy of CWT, few badminton sesh and instead of taking a cab or riding a jeepney, I sometimes opt to walk from the office going home. You don’t really need to do that, but mind you, brisk walking also helps!  These activities majorly pushed me out of my comfort zone, but I enjoyed immensely! If you’re comfy to join a gym class, go ahead. Just make sure that you’re not doing it for IG purposes only. You can run or walk at the park, you’ll free your mind while shaking that flabs out! I stopped running by the way, but I still walk if I have a chance to do so. You can also take note of your steps per day.

3.     Eat right – I really don’t have a specific diet plan, but I see to it that I am eating right. Alright, I started eating nilagang saging and egg and crackers and lemon-infused water + chia seeds. But, I found it boring and dull. I mean who wants to eat banana and egg for a long time? And honestly, I don’t think that I am getting enough nutrients. So I started shifting to another plan – less rice or no rice on weekdays. And it works for me - I had the same meal plan as of this post. I still eat rice, but half a cup will do. Yes, I still eat meat, but more on chicken meat, less pork. I also learned that you will truly lose weight if you stop eating processed foods, prepackaged foods, and fast food!

Let me share with you few of the things I've tried. **Disclaimer: This isnt a paid post**

1. Herbalife - I tried their aloe drink (mango flavor), shake and tea. I would say that this really works esp the aloe shot. Tried this for a month or so, but I am not being consistent, I know and I'm sorry. 😊😅

2. Green Tea - Thanks, CWT for the freshly brewed tea every morning. Instead of drinking coffee, I switch to drinking green tea. It's free and healthy, why not? 

3. Diet Meal from The Good Food Manila - Bob ordered me a week of healthy meal with 1500Kcal. He paid Php2,296.80 for a Plant Based + Fish meal for a week. It's kinda expensive but worth it. 

See sample meal below: 

Brown Rice with Tofu and Spinach

Sweet Potato with Mushroom &Yogurt + few chunks of fish

4. Lots of water! 

Annnnnd, because I dont want to spend that much in food (sorry, my frugal spirit kicks in!) I started making my own food – like this overnight oats (rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, fresh milk and mango). This is yum and easy to prepare. 

I still eat donuts and cookies coz I so love them, but of course I am now well aware and conscious about my health. I just don’t deprive myself from eating these guilty pleasures.

My Very Own Chia-Mango-Oats Pudding

I stopped drinking soda and replaced it with water (lemon water, chia water, lemon-cucumber, plain water). I found out that drinking enough water will really help you lose weight and it flushes the toxins out. I still drink coffee but not as much as I do before. yay! 😇

Whilst doing these simple steps, I then noticed that I am no longer forcing myself to go through motions. I learned that it’s about making good choices, be it on movements and nutrition. I am not a slave to counting calories or depriving myself from eating what I want. But, I noticed that my cravings has changed too – French fries vs. Salmon! Hahaha J

August 2018

I may not have the best weight loss story, but still, I want to share my journey to remind you that weight loss is indeed a journey – it’s a long process. There may be short cuts, but there might be consequences too.

Today, I’m 8kg lighter than I was when I started my weight loss journey. No diet pill or fad diet, but more of a DIY program. I was a hopeless girl with low self-esteem, trapped beneath large t-shirt and leggings and desperate to lose weight to just be normal. I had no idea that it would turn into a journey of self love, discipline, freedom, and finding joy.

Just remember: Starvation ≠ weight loss.  Don’t starve yourself. Never! 

This year, my goal is to tone my body - because as we lose weight, the skin under our arms,neck and chin becomes loose and sag. I am happy with my body now and I want to take good care of it - not just to look good, but to ensure that I have a healthy body + sound mind and a confident spirit. 

December2018

You can do this! Start right now! Then share your story with us. 😙😍😙

Ash 🖤🖤🖤

2018 Annual Look Back

2018 was a big year - spiritually, personally and professionally. But honestly speaking, I had fears at the beginning of that year. Lots of doubts and fears caved in. There is so much to say about it as this has been a year of correction and breakthroughs. 

As an annual look back,  I wanted to share a few highlights here, and also encourage you to reflect on the year, perhaps writing down some of the major things so you can remember. 

The greatest change this year was my walk with God. I wrestled with God and disobeyed Him a lot of times, but I was just so blessed that He still reached out for me and extended his loving arms so I can be back into His presence. I started my journey January of 2018 - unsure, nervous and a bit lost and it was just around April when I really started attending a VG. 

January - 1st Family Staycation + random dates. I have always been dreaming to have a day or two of staycation with my family, and it happened this year. Using the Famous Agents points, we've booked a room in Fairmont Makati.  

Pool Time. 'twas raining, though. :)

Dinner, before going back home. 

Dinner to celebrate my 3rd year in CWT. 

February - The love month! My 1st Hot Air balloon festival experience, a quick Baguio trip, few eat outs with friends + spontaneous dates. 

Dust everywhere!

Strawberry ice cream in Strawberry farm. How's that? :)

Satinka naturals

Dinner on Vday after the service. 

March -  Bob and I, along with my college buddy went up North for the Holy Week.  On the same month, we also attended my college friend's wedding in Tagaytay. This is also the month I started my diet plan hahaha, a difficult one as this is also the month full  of catch up + eat outs. Who's foolin' who? 

Anda, Pangasinan

Morning walk at the beach. 

Sherlyn & Dexter's Wedding @ Casa De Corazon, Tagaytay

Catch up sesh with Jackie

Dinner with Pete @Gringo's

Thank you, Qantas 

April - Joined Minkah's outreach ministry in collaboration with SuperBook and few eat outs! Come on! :)  Minkah Ministries is a Christian NGO who helps underprivileged children by organizing a once a month outreach program to the street children of Barangay Valenzuela, Makati City. The ultimate aim of this group is to bring food that would help nourish the physical hunger at the same time spiritual hunger of the said children. 

Yes, I tried so hard to be on a diet again hahaha! Please dont judge me!

Brgy. Carmona, Makati

Filling Station

May – Summer time, but never had the chance to set my foot at the beach. Loser me! Had a few small celebration at home and at the office.

Mother's day celebration

VCS Kids

June – Summer time is over but  I finally had the chance to go to the beach for our annual team building! All of us were giddy and excited despite the weather condition that time. It’s June and we all know that it’s a rainy month! Anyway, God has blessed us with a nicer weather that day + lotsa food and good company! Just before the month ends, my team also had our very 1^st strat planning/ overnight stay and of course a quick dinner date. :)

Trying so hard to learn Calligraphy. 

Dinner time. 

Go! Blue team! 

July – Let’s get physical. A very active month indeed – weekly Zumba sesh, running clinic and few badminton games and a complimentary staycation in Somerset. What made this month memorable is the P&F. 

Shake it 😂😂😂

Badminton tournament 

Free staycation @Somerset

August – my bday month! Wohooo! Back to back bday celebration + surprises, family staycation (Raffles Makati) and a lot of eat out invites. I know, I know. It has been  a busy month as well in preparation for our much awaited Singles Retreat in Mt. Makiling. Finally met our tribomates and had our puyatan nights. 

Cheers to their 36th year! 

September – More puyatan nights for our ‘cheering’, banner, table centerpiece, daily social media entries! Believe me, it’s kinda exhausting but it’s very much rewarding. Gained few great friends and had a fresh encounter with God! A month that gave me a better and fresh perspective about relationships. The month that opened  the door for new opportunity! Oh by the way, I also got my driver's license - finally! 

The winning entry 👏👏

Bughaw's Blessing Booth :)

Bughaw's Tribal Costume :)

October – Bob’s bday celebration – cooked for him and serenade him (just kidding), played the ukulele as I sang the bday song! Yes, cheesy! Hahaha 💓💓

The last prayer and fasting of the year. God healed my aching shoulder and back!  

My VG also joined VMak's IDFF. I havent seen the final film though, but we pray that we're able to convey God's message, especially to those who are lost. This is also the month of eat outs (of course, what's new?!) Met my tribomates for our dinner slash awards night.

A week after, my friends and I went to Intramuros, it was my 1^st time to explore the walled city. I think I’ve been there one time but my memory’s a blur. 

By mid- October, another wedding took place. Travelled to Lumban Laguna to be part of their union. Met my old chums, who have their own kiddos already. They’re holding the baby’s hand, while I’m holding my phone hahaha! Nice one.

Dinner + Awarding 

November – Victory weekend + Church community, random dates + eat outs. This month is truly a huge one! Fresh and deeper encounter with God. New learnings about the church community. Met new friends. Received the big news – promotion! Thankful and blessed. However, by the end of the month, my dad had an heart attack. He’s alive and healty as of this post, though. Thanks be to God.

One2one is done. 🙌🙌

Victory Weekend💓💓💓💓

Nice art work, don't you agree? Love the notes too. 

1st Wednesday service with these couple. 

December - Festive Season. God has shown His faithfulness through healing and finances. Despite the financial and health issues, we have peace. We’ve got friends who covered us in prayers and even helped us to settle the bill.

Christmas parties everywhere! Attended the CWT’s appreciation night, Bughaw’s dinner + simple party, hosted a gift giving party at home for the church members and for the less fortunate ones.. It was our 1^st time to have games, presentation and exchange gift at home during the Christmas Eve.

Christmas dinner - Tribo Bughaw

Appreciation Night 

Last dinner for 2018

2018 , like I said, was amazingly full but it was a great year that I’ll look back on fondly. Little did I know that there’s a lot of 1^st times this year! There’s a few lowlights but I opted not to focus on those experiences/emotions. I’d rather share all the great things that happened to me, to give me the oomph to continue and to inspire people.

I can’t wrap this post without saying THANK YOU ! It would be awfully sad and unrewarding if I didn’t have the pleasure of interacting with you as a reader through my blog and IG. Though I have stayed quiet for quite some time, there are some of you who’s sending me messages and well wishes.  I’m grateful to have such wonderful readers and I hope you know that I’m always thinking about the content that would be beneficial, motivating, engaging, or thought-provoking to read as there are so many blogs, so many Instagram accounts, and so many other things demanding our attention daily. I’m so glad you take the time to read and follow along, it means a lot! Thank you. May we all have an amazing year ahead. Our breakthrough’s on its way!

💓💓💓
Ash