Hi! It’s Vanessa here and I thought I would share the skinny on being fit…or what I like to refer to as “the battle of Fit Versus Skinny…”.

I struggle with my weight (don’t all females say this?). In the past, my exercise routine consisted of cardio and yoga, and I monitored the scale — almost obsessively — until I met my boyfriend. No, I did not give up on my overall health but he taught me that lifting weights is challenging, rewarding, fun, and most importantly great for my overall health. Who doesn’t want to be fit and strong? Easier said than done of course, but here is my ‘fit versus’ skinny journey thus far.

Have I met my goals? No way! But that’s what makes the journey fun and exciting, and in my case a little painful  (you all know what leg day means).  For the past two months I have woken up almost every morning at 5:30am to lift. I also try my best to squeeze in 2-3 nights of cardio to keep my heart healthy and to help lose a bit of fat (yes, it is a must in order to live a healthy lifestyle). Getting up before sunrise in the winter: step one of the journey – complete.

I can proudly say that I am stronger. When I started to lift 10 pounds felt like 100 pounds and now some days I surprise myself with how much weight I can lift. The adrenaline rush keeps me going and it motivates me to complete my workout. Feeling like you can stand strong and have energy for the entire day: step two of the journey – complete.

Protein, a must when working out but can be challenging on a pescatarian diet (the only meat I eat is fish), so I have become more creative with my cooking and the snacks I have during the day. Below is a really easy protein ball recipe I make for a quick snack after or before work (which is boyfriend-approved). Adding more protein to my diet without eating fish three times a day and still enjoying food: step three of the journey – complete.

Another great perk is spending time with my boyfriend. I really enjoy working out with him and suggest adding in some fitness time with your significant other. It is a great chance to talk about your day, push each other to work harder, believe in one another and most importantly, help each other achieve goals. The most important lesson I have learned so far is to not obsess over the number on the scale. The journey to live a fit and healthy life is not something that ends but has goals along the way, which is why I refer to it as a journey. It is the road to living a happy, healthy and centred life.

All my best,

Vanessa

Recipe for Protein Balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup all natural peanut butter
  
• 1 scoop of chocolate Isolate Whey protein (I do 2 scoops if my boyfriend will be snacking on these)
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon Agave Nectar
  
• Optional – dark chocolate chips and unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions

1. Combine the peanut butter, protein powder, flax, agave and chocolate chips (optional) in a mixing bowl and stir until ingredients are smoothed together.
2. Scoop with a medium sized spoon and roll in coconut flakes (optional).
3. Store in an air tight container. I keep mine in the fridge and also have a big glass of cold water with my snack. Enjoy!

Vanessa McHugh, Category Manager at Well.ca