To compliment my Life with Acne post, I decided to open myself once more and write on how I lost 20 pounds.

If you want to know what my breaking point was and what propelled me to make a lifestyle change, check out my first ever blog post.

The person I have to thank for my weight loss is Joe from Fight Fit Bootcamps.  Not only did he get me addicted to working out, but he taught me how to eat.  Truth is, I lost 20 pounds within 7 months of joining Fight Fit Bootcamps, but maintaining it has been a challenge.

A lot of people want a “quick fix” for weight loss but in order to maintain it, you really need a lifestyle change.  Exercise can only go so far, so watching what you eat plays a huge part.  Contrary to my Food Friday posts, I really watch the type of foods I eat on a daily basis.

Joe has one-on-one with his clients which allows him to gain perspective on their eating habits and how to change it into a healthier lifestyle.  (Note: none of these changes happened overnight.  It was gradual to ensure that it would be sustainable.  I hope this post doesn’t come across as me preaching, rather show what has worked for me.)

Reduced the amount of carbs.  Coming from a Chinese home where you eat a bowl of rice for dinner, this was huge change for me.  I have to admit that sushi is my main weakness.  But I will try to order sashimi instead of sushi or just eat the filling.  When going out to restaurants, I try to eat protein rich dishes and avoid pasta dishes, even though I  have a soft spot for risotto.

Introducing healthier foods.  Learning about the nutritional benefits of flax seeds, coconut oil, grape seed oil, spinach, etc. has really changed the way I cook.  In one of the newsletters that Joe sends out on a weekly basis, he had a recipe for spaghetti squash with pesto (without parmesan).  Boy…this dish was a hit at home with the kids and with my boyfriend’s family!  One of the main issues I had when changing the way I ate was that I would get hungry quicker.  Joe suggested that I can eat almonds and even add avocado to my salads.  Even though these foods are high in fat, they are high in saturated fat which is better for you and gives you a longer sense of fullness.  (Note: the almonds I eat are raw almonds that have been oven roasted at home.  We don’t add salt or anything to it.)

Taking vitamins. I never took vitamins before…okay, maybe Gummy Vites.  But now, I take adult multivitamins and fish oil to ensure that my body has the right nutrients to function properly.   You can only get so much from foods.  Added bonus, fish oil helps increase your metabolism!

Taking supplements post-workout.  I never thought that I would ever be one of those people that take protein powder and BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids).  Always thought they were for body builders and I would bulk up.  Well contrary to popular belief, these items helped with my fat loss by promoting leaner muscle and faster muscle healing.  Bootcamp is intense.  Especially when it’s legs day, it hurts to walk down the stairs or even sit on the toilet.  So taking these products has reduced the onset of muscle soreness after working out.

I’m sure some people don’t believe I lost 20 pounds or just interested on what I looked like before, so here are some Before/After photos & stats:

– lost 5.5% body fat
– lost 2 inches in the waist
– lost 2 inches in the hips

2008 (Left) / 2013 (Right)

2008 (Left) / 2013 (Right)

To end off the post, here is a testimonial I wrote for Joe:

Since starting Fight Fit Bootcamp, I have lost 20 pounds…all thanks to Joe! Fight Fit Bootcamp is not like any other bootcamp where you are constantly doing drills (i.e. sit-ups, push-ups, and sprints). They integrate kickboxing, kettle bell, and changes up the exercises throughout the week to create muscle confusion and a total body workout. The results with me really do speak for themselves. Originally I purchased an online deal for these classes with no expectations but a high level of intimidation as I have never done kickboxing before. All levels of intimidation were diminished after the first class. They create such a warm and inviting environment where not only he teaches you the technique and proper movements but your peers are also there to help and motivate. Essentially Fight Fit Bootcamp is a family; this is what sold me into purchasing a membership. I started going once a week and now I’m going three to four times a week because I enjoy working out. It’s not like going to the gym where you have the same routine and all you’re doing is cardio and lifting weights. And it’s more cost effective than having a personal trainer. You can see how much passion Joe has for his business and his students. He is constantly motivating us for a healthier lifestyle by distributing weekly newsletters, bringing in a naturopath, and conducting one-on-one assessments. Plus, if you ever get injured in class, Joe knows how to wrap you up!