Soul fitness

As predicted, I've taken the summer off a regular fitness routine. 5 months of intense training for my marathon was a LOT and I was ready for a little break.

It has been an EXTREMELY hot summer here in Ontario so I'm really o.k with the break.  Last year I did the same thing but I made two big mistakes and ended up gaining almost 10 pounds.

1) I didn't watch my diet. I lazed around the pool most days, munching on snacks and ate regular meals.
2) I drank a glass of wine a little too often.


THIS SUMMER I've LOST 7 pounds since my Marathon. How??? I stopped drinking alcohol completely ( Minus one very fun date night...lol) , and I've watched my diet.  I'm not 'working out' so I don't need to eat as much. Very simple.  I'm eating what I normally eat...just a little less each time I eat. 

I've just gone back to my normal weight pre marathon training. (I gain weight when I train).  Less training equals a little muscle and water loss. 

In the fall, when we get back to a regular routine, and a jog becomes my 'me time' again, I'll firm up a little.  I'm just glad I haven't GAINED weight by being lazy.

I'm pretty sure the crazy farm chores I've been doing around here have helped maintain a little muscle and fitness.  I understand why farmers are strong...those feed bags are heavy!!!  My pipes are pretty big :)  I dare you to arm wrestle me.... lol


Anyway....I've also been working HARD at  SOUL FITNESS.  I've always said that being a Fit Mom has to do with MIND, BODY, and SOUL. 

This summer time is SOUL time, and I do feel so incredibly renewed.

Body time can come later.  In fact, when my Mind and SOUL are in good shape, my body catches up MUCH FASTER.

How Not enough Sleep = Weight Gain

Getting a few hours less sleep than  you need raises a hormone called Ghrelin. This is the hormone that tells you when to start eating in the morning.   So, the more Ghrelin you have, the more breakfast you will eat.  Less sleep also SUPPRESSES leptin. Leptin tells you when you are full and can stop eating.     

What this means is that when you are TIRED, you will eat more and will think you are hungry.   

This is ACTUAL body chemistry and it is hard to fight that. I know for me, when I am tired I ALSO go for MORE caffeine (which raises cortisol levels), AND I turn to more sugar for that pick me up energy high (followed by a crash)  Of course, sugar spikes insulin levels, causing your body to pack it away quickly as fat.

Getting less sleep also stresses your body. When you are stressed, your body increases it's Cortisol , ALSO leading to extra fat storage and a lower metabolism.

Ancient wisdom, although absent of the 'science' was right.  A good night's rest will do you some good.... ;)