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“Felt fat+needed vacation=The birth of the fitcation”

Recap

Although I had altered my diet earlier in the year, it seemed as if I’d hit a wall. I had no weight loss results. My workouts, sporadic as they were, had plateaued and I was still giving in to food temptations. The healthy me was saying, “Hey, you don’t eat meat anymore and you’re working out at least 20 minutes per day.” While the unhealthy me would counter with, “You DID work out 20 minutes today, how about that dessert!?!” Well, eventually all those counters started getting backed by junk food jabs that had me up against the ropes. Like Ali, I needed to employ a “rope-a-dope” strategy to win this battle.

Fitcation to the rescue!

 Healthy Vacation break

The Route

My journey back to health began with a three day hike through the villages and mountains of Lake Atitlan. Three days of ups, downs, and overs that had my legs feeling like jello. Several times throughout I asked:

Why am I doing this to myself?

Thoughts that were quickly dismissed by the beautiful views and vistas that made the journey worthwhile.

Weight loss results from hiking

The Home Stretch

Never assume! I mistakenly thought that initial hike would be a walk in the park. That thought process lead me to scheduling a two day club up Central America’s highest peak, Tajumulco, to immediately follow it. Aching muscles, paired with hours of nonstop downpour did not make for a pleasant trip (or chances for photo ops) up to Tajumulco’s base camp. Cold, combined with a leaky tent throughout the night, made it hard to wake up summit morning. But, ultimately, the rain stopped and perseverance prevailed as the summit was peaked. My old thoughts of doubt were replaced by thoughts of:

If I can do this, then sticking to a fitness and diet routine will be a breeze.

 

Weight Loss Results

Two months later, the road to fitness continues. Daily use of the myfitnesspal app, and a more intense fitness routine have propelled my fitness kick start on to the next level. Excited to see where the journey may take me in the next month, the initial fitcation enthusiasm persists.

Weight loss results

 

In the comments below, share your personal weight loss or fitness goals!

45 Comments

  1. Holly says:

    You are doing great. I am about to get back on my journey too. Working on it bit by bit.

    • EG III says:

      That’s all it takes. It’s a marathon, not a sprint and when tackled biy by bit the results usually last longer.

  2. Tiffany H. says:

    Great job! I can def see the hard work paying off. I was just telling my friend about the stairs and hikes I plan to do in Colombia later on this month. OMG I’m already scared its 740 stairs to the top.

  3. Kiwi says:

    Your do diligence paid off. I am sure it was a struggle but look at the results congrats and happy to see more black male bloggers! Keep writing!

  4. Thanks for sharing. Maybe a hike will get me out of my rut.

  5. Kasi says:

    The fit-cation was a great idea, and congrats on your progress so far! I’m very into fitness, so I work out and eat healthy regularly.

  6. Kita says:

    I have never gone hiking. I will try it if it means I can lose weight while starting a new healthy habit.

  7. Carissa says:

    I’ve been saying I want to hike, and right now is a good time to go. Im going to suggest this to my husband! Good Luck on your journey! Very motivational!

  8. Bernetta says:

    Good luck, however, you might want to try more than 20 minutes a day 🙂
    A good hike is always fun!!

    • EG III says:

      Those hikes are at least several hours…And even in just twenty minutes you’d be surprised how many calories you can burn with high intensity training.

  9. The background scenery where you were hiking is so beautiful. I love being out and about in nature so the atmosphere would be perfect for me.

  10. Keisha says:

    This idea is so lit! Love it. Lots of people think hiking is just a walk lol not so much especially when mountains are involved. You look great and I’m sure you’ll reach your desired goals!

    • EG III says:

      Thank you…and I agree, when you factor in hills and a heavy backpack then suddenly that walk isn’t just a walk anymore.

  11. Kat says:

    Wow what a great concept! I’ve never hiked before, I’m also not very “fit” lol. Maybe one day I’ll be inspired to go on my own fitcation.

  12. Tisha says:

    Congrats! You’ve definitely made a lot of progress! Hiking isn’t too easy to do here in London but I’ve always wanted to- thanks for the inspo!

    • EG III says:

      Well the great thing is that London offers easy access to lots of great cities in countries with awesome mountains!

  13. Eva says:

    Good luck! I like hiking because with all the scenery you forget that you are actually getting a ton of steps in.

  14. Jeena says:

    Hiking is such a nice way to exercise. You can enjoy your surroundings and also get in some fitness! Unfortunately where I stay it is 100+ around 7 months of the year so most of my exercise has to be indoors which can get tedious!

  15. Our Family World says:

    Hiking is a good total body work-out. It is just sad that I could not do it as often as I wish. Other than a workout, hiking also gives you the chance to marvel at some fantastic views!

  16. Congrats on making the decision and sticking to it! It’s one thing to make a decision to do something and quite another to act on it. I don’t know why we often resist the things that are most beneficial to us. Probably because they require more effort!

  17. Sheri says:

    Congratulations on working on yourself. Too many of us ignore our bodies and eating healthy. Glad you are on it.

  18. Sarah says:

    Congratulations! That looks like a fun hike and the view from the top is amazing!

  19. London Mumma says:

    Oh my gosh check you out! This great work and the motivation has certainly paid off, you look great.

  20. Eloise says:

    It’s motivating when you can see great results like that! Well done! I love hiking, that’s how I keep my fitness up these days. I find that being close to nature clears up the mind!

  21. eliza says:

    I truly believe hiking is one of the great outdoor activity – either your goal is get fit or to explore or just simply appreciate the nature. Well hiking will be perfect . Me and my friends to go for a walk every other weekend.

    • EG III says:

      Long walks are definitely underrated when it comes to a form of exercise. Low impact, yet plenty of calories can be burned!

  22. Wow congratulations on your weight loss you have done a great job and it is good that you did it the natural way too! I like the idea of hiking to keep more active and fit!

  23. It is always nice to get out in nature for your work out, I used to ride my bike locally but the traffic has made it impossible. I think I am going to go on more hikes on the weekends.

  24. Sreekar says:

    Absolutely love hiking. Even better when it’s serving a purpose like losing some weight. Two birds one stone!

  25. Tiina A says:

    I’m gaining and losing weight all the time! Need to have some kind of routine and not just start and give up. Hiking sounds nice as it’s not just physical exercise but also kind of mental thing.

  26. Arra Odeza says:

    I love hiking. It’s fulfilling whenever you reach the top and see the magnificent view. Good luck to your road to fitness. I hope you’ll achieve your goal soon.

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