Sensational Santiago

Santiago after a rain in the winter is probably the most beautiful city in the world. There is no smog. The air is clean. And from my bedroom I have a clear view of the snow-capped Andes mountains. All of this just makes me want to go outside for a jog.

Chile is also a great place because there are so many holidays. Of course, nothing is open on these holidays, especially not the gyms (Although Planet Muscle off of Pedro de Valdivia might be). So yesterday I took the opportunity to go for a jog outside, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful view of the mountains. I didnt run as far as I wanted to (only 5km, in the gym lately ive been running 7-8km a day), but it was great to get some fresh cold air in my lungs. It reminded me of my home far far away.

Balance

I realize that losing weight and becoming healthier is all about finding a balance in your life. This balance includes not only excercise but a proper diet. I understand this. I get this. But putting it into practice is another story.
I mean I LOVE candy. and I LOVE pasta. Oh and I dont mind going to happy hour with friends and having a beer or two. And I know that candy, pasta and beer are probably the worst things you can eat/drink, but you only live once you know?

So I am trying to control my cravings for all of these things and clean up my act. Last night I even asked for a glass of water instead of a second beer! So I feel like I am slowly on the road to recovery here. We will see how long it lasts though...

First steps

I finally took the first steps to improving my health. I joined a gym.

Maybe I should explain. I live in Santiago, Chile and I like to run outside. In the summer its great to be outside getting excercise. Unfortunatly, this city becomes extremely smoggy in winter time and I think running outside is basically a fast-paced route to lung cancer. So, after much debate over where I should go to the gym and which gym I am actually going to attend frequently (I am known for being lazy and putting things off if it means I can take a nap or grab a drink with a friend instead), I joined a gym!

The next shock was when I went in for my "evaluación". Which I have never done before. I thought I would be okay, considering I ran a 10k only a few months ago in a decent time. However, this guy started pinching my fat with this measurer, and turns out, I am fat. I have 30% body fat. 30%?!?! I couldnt believe it. I mean, Ive never considered myself Skinny, but FAT? no. I thought I was healthy. And I have been the same size for the past 6 years... which means I have probably been FAT for the past 6 years. OH my gosh. Shock. Embarressment. Motivation- all at once.

So, its been 2 weeks on this training plan which involves 50 minutes of cardio and 15-20 minutes of lifting. And I am proud to say that I have already lost 1 kilo!! Its a great feeling and I cant wait to keep on working towards better fitness!