Not Just A Weekend Warrior: Flying High & The FASTer Way To Fat Loss Program

It is that time of year again where people make resolutions and plans for a healthy new year. I am a gym regular and have been a member of the Faster Way to Fat Loss (FWTFL) program for nearly two years so I didn't really start out the new year with any new goals or intentions...frankly, I like what I am doing. December was a bit of a tough month for me to get to the gym, first with an ill child and then I caught a terrible cold that wiped me out for nearly two weeks. But FWTFL is "progress, not perfection", which I love.

My hubby, son and I after our sledding adventure at Loup Loup Ski Bowl

By the time New Years weekend rolled around I was feeling better and managed to ski two days and go on the epic Bear Mountain Luge Experience at Loup Loup Ski Bowl that was a couple hours of great outdoor exercise. I also got a ClassPass which I used this past week to try new things. I was a weekend warrior, where I started by attending my very first Bungee Fit Class at Coreo Fitness. It was a blast and a great workout! I highly recommend it. Then my friend, fitness guru and fashion designer Kate Mensah invited my daughter and I to her class at Fly Fitness, Boxing Conditioning-TKO which was off the hook! It was the most intense and most fun workout. Both Gracie and I got our behinds kicked but we loved the boxing so much! I did that class through my ClassPass as well. It is a great way to check out fitness studios and classes all over your city.

Gracie, Kate and I after Fly Fitness Boxing Class--yes, I am a sweaty mess!

It feels good to workout but I also know that the KEY to the FWTFL success is nutrition. It has not only helped me lose 20 lbs, gain muscle, as well as lose not only fat but terrible stomach issues that have plagued me for years. I have talked about this program before on my blog, but it is time to share the love once again. Founder Amanda Tress is truly an inspiration and I am so happy with this lifestyle I just have to say more. With FWTFL I have learned how not only how to eat well, but so much about nutrition. At the end of the day, my missing the gym due to illness did not set me back because I was resting my body and taking care of myself, which I attribute to the knowledge and power of FWTFL.

I am a fashion writer and I love stylish things. I have been following trends and writing about fashion for many years, and have been a lifetime lover of style. But, I have struggled with both health problems (IBS--yay) and the inability to figure out what to eat and how to exercise to get back to being me again. I learned to disguise my issues through how I dressed, but the basic problems never went away. I felt trapped. In a world of beautiful clothes, there were many things I couldn't wear and more importantly I often didn't feel well. It felt often like looking in from the outside.

Back in April 2017, when my family and I were in Hawaii, I wasn't feeling great or confident or myself. There is nothing like swimwear to make you face reality. I read my friend Jennifer's Lovin's post, (here is her latest Instagram), then I texted her and after we talked I was in. And I haven't looked back. The FASTer Way To Fat Loss starts as six week program (plus one week of prep) using intermittent fasting and carb cycling, plus coordinating workouts that go with how you eat that day.

Alison Roman's Spiced Chickpea Stew featured on The Today Show is SO GOOD

What I love most about this program is it is real life. I am not a cleanser, I don't believe in "dry January" (the very word, "dry" makes me sad) and I know that I do not have the discipline or the desire to deprive myself. I also have a social life and being able to make this program work and still go out to dinner, socialize with friends and enjoy cooking, which was key for me. We EAT on this program, and if you don't, well, you get called out, and it isn't going to work for you. You have to feed your body. We also rest two days a week. Letting our bodies rest is also an important part of the success. At the risk of sounding dramatic, this program has changed my body and my life. I have learned so much about nutrition and eating in a way that makes my body happy and healthy. I can't imagine not doing being a Faster Way To Fat Loss participant. It is a lifestyle that I love, and it loves me back.

I am 56, nearly 57, and will have been at this for nearly two years. Here is my before photo on the left, in Hawaii in April 2017, and on the right on January 11, 2019.

I consider myself a constant work in progress. At the end of the day it is a powerful thing to do something good for yourself. I love feeling strong and healthy and I wanted to share what has worked for me. Please let me know if you have any questions and if you are interested in the program you can follow my link here!

Cheers to a happy and healthy you!
xx
Lisa