Simplicity. A cliche idea we like to use to describe elements of our lifestyles that are anything but. So. New goal in this eternal battle for the yin of physical and mental perfection, neatly yang-ed with happiness and wellness. I am trying to acheive simplicity in dieting. Here's the thing: I preach about living a realistic lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise, and not so much the whole "I'm on diet because I feel fat." Which I admit to having said. Out loud. Multiple times. :)

But, with the whole theme of being realistic, we have to admit that we all have not so "skinny" times when we go on vacation and live it up, or work 24 hour days and stress eat. Which might cause a little unexpected weight gain (no sarcasm at all...) I've found that the key to being where you want to be physically is to sometimes get aggresive. Work really hard for a few months, and keep the diet tight. Focus. Be a little extreme, don't cut ANY CORNERS!! Then you can maintain, which is much easier than losing.

I'm returning from a long vacation in a steak and potatoes country, and with the warm breeze of summer in the air, I'm hitting up a 6 week lockdown and tighten up plan. For 6 weeks, I'm going to follow my Ten Simple Diet Rules, (adding 2 additional rules every week) and go high intensity on workouts. GUARANTEE: by May 18th I'll be beach ready.

So I took my normal guideline poster off the wall...



And wrote out my Week One Rules:
1. Abs everyday
2. Aim for 5 small meals a day.
3. Yoga on Wed.
4. No beef or pork.
5. No drinks w calories except coffee, whiskey and green juices.
6. 5 days in the gym (Yoga doesn't count). 3 are cardio and two are strength. One strength day is endurance and two cardio days are high-intensity intervals (my FAV days). ALSO 2 a days are always ok to me, if I feel like I have the energy for an extra 20 min cardio.
7. High intensity when working out WITH clients.
8. Workout in tight clothes.
9. No food after 10 pm (I work late so this is a real challenge for me).
10. One healthy treat a day or a glass of red wine.

Here's the key when writing your personal guidelines: look at your lifestyle, and the things about it that you think will impact your weightloss the most. For example, I don't have enough time during the day and often catch up with a big meal when I get home late. Also, going high intensity when training with clients gives me a great opportunity for extra calorie burn.

Meal choice updates and exercise ideas on TWITTER...

And in closing. My blurry, sad, pale, loosly clothed BEFORE pic :)