I have a flat stomach which is the subject of envy among my friends and relatives. However, my stomach was not flat a few months ago. I had a lot of belly fat and I disliked my body very much. I had stopped socializing altogether and had become a couch potato. I dreaded to go out and meet friends and relatives. I was obsessed with my body but I did not take any measures to combat the belly fat.
All this changed when my husband challenged me to take up a 30 day ab challenge exercise workout. He was sure that I would not be able to complete the challenge. He spoke about the determination and the dedication that is required to take up such a challenge. He was sure that I would take up the challenge but drop out after a few days. His tone and tenor was totally condescending and I took the bait. I wanted to show him what I was capable of and hence started my initial 30 day ordeal which changed to something very pleasant, subsequently.
Every day I did my warm-ups and then I would do some spot jogging and exercises. The exercises were for different muscle groups. If on Monday I did shoulder exercises, the next day was for the chest and the following day was for the back and legs. Along with these exercises I did the ab workouts every day. The abs workouts consisted of planks, twists, butt lifts, sit ups, leg lifts and more. I was tempted to drop out but just looking at my husband and remembering the condescending tone was enough to recharge me. I took up the exercises with more zeal each passing day.
Though the exercises were the most important, I also made a few lifestyle changes. I started eating healthy food and totally stopped eating fried and junk food. I started adding a lot of vegetables and fruits into my diet. I have a sweet tooth and love to gorge on my chocolates. My coffee and tea were always fully laden with sugar. I needed the sugar boost every day and without it my day would become stressful. But after starting the diet I gave up sugar completely. It was hard. I had sugar cravings. The doughnut which my husband was eating was what I wanted badly, but one look at my husband’s face and seeing his wide grin, made me more determined and motivated. Sugar is just junk food to me today. I haven’t touched sugar in months. I also started eating small portions and instead of thrice a day I started eating 6 times a day. I started drinking green tea laced with honey and it is really a lifesaving drink. I take protein rich foods every day and it helped me lose weight. I also make it a point to stay hydrated and hence drink a lot of water. And the most important, I do not eat anything at least 2 hours before I go to sleep. I ensure that I sleep for 7-8 hours every single day.
All the efforts and the lifestyle changes started taking effect and my belly fat melted away. My husband seemed to be the most happiest after seeing my transformation. He told me that the condescension was to motivate me and to make me feel good about myself. He was unable to see me dejected and whiling away my life in front of the television and felt he had to do something to motivate me and hence the idea to challenge me. I have that flat stomach, what are you waiting for, I challenge you to go get that flat stomach NOW!
