21 Day Fix Extreme Results

Last night I got 14 hours of sleep!  Can you imagine? lol  I decided it was time to share my results from this round of the 21 Day Fix Extreme.  I am going to be doing another round for anyone who is interested in joining me.   Before I share my results, I wanted to share some things that happened to me during this round.

Not only did I have a lot of stress from my youngest son graduating from high school and knowing that he will be leaving for the military in less than a month.  I also had some major changes in my sleep schedule because of work.  I have been getting about 3 hours of sleep at night before work, going to do my 8 hour shift and then sleeping for an hour or so when I get home before I do my workout.

I keep telling everyone in my groups how important nutrition is, how important drinking enough water is, and how important working out is.  The one thing that I easily overlook is how much sleep you should get.

I found from various studies that a lack of sleep can slow your metabolism.  This is something I really don't need because I have hypothyroidism.  A lack of sleep also increase your feelings of hunger.  Ugh!

So between my thyroid issues and lack of sleep this last 21 days has not been exactly what I had hoped for.  But it is ok because I now know that I need to get more sleep.  I have made a commitment to myself and to a fellow coach and friend to increase my sleep little by little each night.  :)  I am working on that.

I have also made a commitment to keep a bullet journal every day.  I admit that yesterday with work and hiking with Zach, I neglected my journal but I am starting fresh today and I will do it!  The next round is going to be different.

BUT even with the setbacks I still lost:

I lost 2% of my body fat!

I lost 4.52 lbs of fat!

I lost 8.75 inches! 

I gained 1.52 lbs of muscle!

This is just the beginning.  My next round starts on June 27th! If your looking for some accountability then let's talk!  

Thank you so much for the support and your interest in this blog!  If you haven't already, please make sure to check out Darlene Caron - Health and Fitness Coach where you can find more recipes, fitness tips, motivation and information on upcoming health and fitness challenge groups that I offer.

 You can also reach out to me by email: darlenecaronfitness@gmail.com

F.L.Y. into your new life with Darlene Caron Fitness!

Can You Eat Too Much Watermelon?

I woke up with the insane craving for watermelon.  I'm not talking about wanting just a few bites, I am talking about having to eat a lot of it.  An overwhelming feeling of needing to it.  If I didn't know any better I would think that I was pregnant.  Which of course...I AM NOT!  lol

Ok, so I know what you are thinking. You are saying to yourself that it is JUST watermelon and watermelon is HEALTHY. It's GOOD for you.  It's NOT like I am craving chocolate, or ice cream, or even chips right?  Watermelon vs junk food.

They say that if you have cravings for watermelon, whether you are pregnant or not, it means that you are lacking certain nutrients. And that is why you are having the craving.

There are good and bad side effects from eating too much watermelon.

It is fat-free and is a good source of Vitamins A, B6, and C. It also contains potassium, lycopene and citrulline.  It can lower blood pressure and aids in the function of organs.  It can also benefit the heart and circulation. It can also enhance the libido ;)

But if you eat too much of it then it can cause nausea, vomiting, bloating, indigestion, irregular heartbeat, weak or absent pulse, in the extreme it can cause cardiac arrest.  It can also elevate blood sugar and triglyceride levels.

I am learning that it does not matter what you are eating, good or bad food, you still have to watch your portions.  A healthy diet has balance, variety and moderation.

Don't put a ban on your favorite foods. Enjoy the foods you love in moderation.  Getting fit isn't a punishment.

Thank you so much for the support and your interest in this blog!  If you haven't already please make sure to check out Darlene Caron Health and Fitness Coach where you can find more recipes, fitness tips, motivation and information on upcoming Health and Fitness Challenge groups that I offer.

#DarleneCaronFitness #AllThingsinModeration

F.L.Y. into your New life!

Are You Struggling?

Are you struggling with what to eat? Let's be real for a moment.  I know a lot of people and I mean a lot, who say they exercise every day but they can't figure out why they haven't started toning up.  They still have their belly flab.  I will admit that I was just like them.

So, now my first question to them is what are you eating?  It doesn't matter who you are, it doesn't matter what you are doing for workouts, if you are not watching what you put in your mouth, you will not see the results that you want to see.

Just because you (or me), workout hard and are sweating like you just stepped out of the shower, doesn't mean that you get to have a giant piece of chocolate cake.  Do you really think you will get trim and toned that way?  No!

So, what do I have to do?  I work out hard every day.  That doesn't mean going for a leisurely stroll, that means breaking a sweat, getting your heart rate up.  Ok?  Check.  Next step, I log.  I log everything that I do,  I log everything that I eat and I log everything that I drink.  Drink?  Yes, drink!  Drinks can be a downfall if you are not careful.  Just because something says it is a diet soda does not mean it is good for you.

Ok, so maybe you are not sure what is good for you and what is not.  Let's face it, there have been a lot of fad diets saying no carbs, no fat, tons of protein, eat all the bacon you want etc.

Send me a message and let's talk.  I spent so much time struggling with my nutrition that it boggles the mind. Now, I have simplified it and between my logging, meal plans and prep, plus my containers, life is much easier for me.  I am starting to get the lasting results that I want, and all because I changed how I viewed what was in my kitchen and my workouts.

Thank you so much for the support and your interest in this blog!  If you haven't already please make sure t check out Darlene Caron Health and Fitness Coach where you can find more recipes, fitness tips, motivation and information on upcoming Health and Fitness Challenge groups that I offer.

~Darlene <3