The Fit Life!

Few years after leaving the swimming team, I started gaining weight. Tragic.

2007. Credits: Nada Al-Nahass.

It's all because swimmers eat so much as we require a lot of calories to be able to swim kilometres everyday and do fitness a couple of times a week. But when we quit, we remain programmed to eat the same amount but it doesn't get burned so, eventually and gradually, we gain weight. For the first time of our life.

So many months of my life were wasted in unhappiness.. 

It took me some time to realize this. I did eat a lot, to be honest. Even if it was mostly healthy food, but still. I knew I had to start exercising as soon as possible. I knew what needed to be done.

So like many sports beginners, I went to the gym, but failed to commit. It was like torture to me. Zero motivation. Not fun nor exciting at all. Recently, I found out that it was because I hate the gym and that's actually common and pretty normal. You don't have to hate exercise to hate the gym. And I know it's weird to figure this years later but it's also confusing. There are tons of exercise options and people often limit them to a handful and that is unfair and not creative as well.

There was a phase where I did pilates at home everyday and ate better. I started seeing results and it was as rewarding as it should be. Everyone told me I lost weight and I couldn't help but be proud of myself. I felt that finally I would be happier looking in the mirror. But then for reasons beyond me, I gained all the weight back again.

Fast forward to now, I know what types of exercise I like. They even excite me. And I understand that I need to do some which I hate in order to get in shape, AKA abs workouts. (and then probably I'll stop the moment I achieve my goal because I hate them). I cook (mostly) light and healthy meals. I tremendously reduced my portions. I drink lots of water. I limit soda and desserts as much as I can. Fruits became my snacks instead of cake or cookies. I discovered that may be being healthy is harder than leading a regular lifestyle, but it's not that hard and is totally worth it.

When I go for a run, I usually see old couples running together, and they actually beat me. But I also see old people struggling to walk 0.2 km with a walking frame. And this is one of the reasons why I chose the fit life.

And just like my close friend said "I've tried both and I'd choose the fit life over the fat life any day."

I have to admit that some times I fall off the wagon and stop exercising for a month or two and eat garbage, but I get up again and again and again.

If you liked or related to this article somehow, give it a thumbs up and don't be so shy to leave a comment, I won't bite, I swear! 

You can also be notified by email, click here.