I cannot believe it's been 3months since I finished my diet planlosing 16 pounds in two weeks to get in shape for summer! For everyone who has written to me on social media channels about your experience on the diet plan, I commend you for trying itand I hope you have seen great results! I know it's not a walk in the parkbut itcertainly can be very effective.
The'before and after' pictures from when I originally finished the diet plan three months ago/caption] After the post went up I noticed people were doubting whether or not I was going to gain the weight back. After all, it was a _crash_ diet and the truth is everyone gains a little bit of weight back after anydiet. However, there are ways to avoid putting the pounds back on, like on-the-go[workouts as well as travel hacks for not going overboard. Today, though I wanted to share the lessons I've learned over thepast three months about how you truly can keep the weight off successfully.
## WHAT I'VE LEARNED:
## Listen to Your Body
Sort of like rebooting a computer, after a diet your body's restart button has been hit. Your stomach is smaller, your cravings are different and your awareness of what you are eating is extremely high. It's veryimportant that you listen to your body and let it lead your intuition when it comes to eating. If your body doesn't want that to be fedat 8AM, grab an iced coffee or an iced tea and listenuntil it really indicates it is ready for some nutrition.
### **Bottom line: Put your body before your mind and let itmake the decisions.**
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## Don't Resist...Moderate
As expressed in my diet plan, socializing after work and on the weekends while dieting is very tricky. Therefore, after the diet you will want to see your friends and go out, as you should! I found that it was best for meto stick to low sugar drinks like vodka and soda with a few limes, or a simple glass of champagne rather than splitting a bottle of wine with friends. This way I knew I was in control of what I was drinking, rather than the glass being filled up without me looking. After not consuming alcohol for two weeks, your body doesn't want to be filled with boozy sugary concoctions - it will let you know when it would prefer a glass of water, or sparkling water instead. Also, for every alcoholic drink you have, follow it with a glass of water to essentially replenish while you go. Oh and by the way, if you don't feel like drinking , then don't. One of my favorite tricks is toorder a soda water with limes and just let your friends think it's a vodka soda, then no one will pressure to to "just have one."
### **Bottom line: Drink in moderation and avoid heavy sugar drinks or beer.**
## Exercise is Key
After the diet was over, I committed to working out 6 days a week. I know that sounds like a lot but I switch things up so that some workouts aren't as difficult as others. Personally,I wanted to continue building lean muscle for the summer months, but I also wanted to commit to a challenge. As many of you know I travel a lot for work and during my recent tripsto Southampton, New York City, Montauk, London, Italy and Martha's Vineyard, I've had to stay regimented. Seriously, I have been on the road for at leasthalf of the past three months!
About to take off over Capri during July 4th Weekend/caption] To feel more in control of my schedule, I researched in advanceto findways to get my workout in. In the Hamptons and New York City, I discovered there were [Soulcycle classes. Though expensive, it was a small price to pay to sign up and get in an incredible 45 minute sweat just like I would at home. In London, I foundthere was a Barry's Bootcamp (literally the exact same workout I do in Los Angeles) which kept my routine alive even though I was thousands of miles from my house. In Martha's Vineyard, I took to running and playing tennis since there wasn't much option other than creating my own workout. Then in Italy, I swam every day and made sure to keep active each day. It was really about striking a balance since we all know how delicious pasta and pizza can be!
### **Bottom Line: Traveling doesn't mean yourexercise routine stops. You might have to be a bit more flexible about the actual exercise, but you need to get it in.Your body, both mental and physical, will appreciate the regularity and you'll enjoy those dining out moments without guilt.**
## Rest
Coming back full circle to listening to your body, you also need to listen to your mind. We are all busy and we are allstressed. Butsometimes you just need to take a step back, take a deep breath, and appreciate everything you have going on in your life. Be thankful for your health and the opportunity you have every day tomake informed decisions about what to put into your body and how to keep it feeling strong and healthy. I'm definitely one of those people who has a really hard time actually "ending" my day; it is difficult to not pick up the phone to check emails one last time or take just one more call. We all need to be mindful to actually take momentsin our days to_chill_. In fact, I just spent a week without a cell phone, and I am excited to share a forthcoming post about how this experience effected my well being.
### Bottom Line: Whether it's having a stretch at your desk, taking a walk around the block, or a fewsimple breathing exercises beforebed, there aretremendous benefits to simply stopping and having a calm moment to yourself & your body.
So, there you have it. Thank you again to all that have joined me on thishealthy challenge I set for myself earlier this summer through my**diet plan.** I truly hope I've inspired a few of you along the way. Keep it up!
xx GM