Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m so happy that you’re here!
I love finding new ways to make my life better, healthier, and more enjoyable.
I started my fitness journey 2008 when I finally decided it was time to lose weight. It wasn’t easy, but it was very rewarding to discover how small changes in habits and choices could produce a huge impact in my life, and every day rewarded me with small victories.
Since then, I’ve learned how adding certain foods to your diet can help you to lose weight, or that ditching other foods can give you more energy, less anxiety, and more focus for your daily tasks.
In 2015, I created Days to Fitness so I could share my experiences, changes, mistakes, and stories of how I’ve achieved my goals during my journey to a better, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Today, I’m here to help you, motivate you, and guide you to start changing your own life for the better.
My Story
Seven years ago I was promoted in my job and I put all my dedication, time and energy into work. Starting early, finishing late, my focus was only on work. I always used my car to go to work and come back home so didn’t even do much walking, let alone exercise.
I started to gain weight and was feeling more and more tired every day. Not just physically tired but mentally too; every day my energy levels were decreasing little by little. Summer was coming so I decided to lose some weight; my goal was 10 pounds. I started a 30-day home workout DVD program.
I have to be honest, I only lost 4 pounds, but I had a very good experience and learned a great lesson; I felt much better, had more energy and was less mentally tired. I was physically tired due to the workouts, but my mind was more relaxed, my thoughts were clearer and I had less anxiety.
For the first time I experienced what happens when you treat your body with healthy food and some exercise. This feeling was way more valuable then losing 4 pounds. Of course losing weight was great, but feeling better really changed my life!
After these early results, I decided to dedicate more time to my body so I could feel even better in my mind. This goal is very clear for me and so now and I had to find the way to achieve it. I started with small changes, nothing too big; small steps for bigger goals – that’s my motto!
I started with overhauling my diet. I bought a recipe book and started to look for tasty and healthy meals to take to work. Since I didn’t have to go out to buy food for lunch, I had more time to eat. I could eat slowly and enjoy the recipes I’ve learned. Some days I would still go out, but I no longer had a burger or sandwich five-days-a-week but only once a week instead. This was a big change! After just one week, by only changing my meals, I felt much better. But I wanted to continue the change so I decided to add some workouts to my new routine
Again I took small steps and initially just did a few abs workouts at home. In the beginning it was hard but while I was doing it my head was not thinking about work or the tasks I had to do which left me feeling physically tired but mentally relaxed. That’s a very nice feeling!
I found some easy home workout schedules and did them twice a week. Nothing too hard, nothing too crazy; I just wanted to keep on doing it regularly because keeping on going was giving me very good results.
Adding more small steps, I learned more recipes, did more exercise and I lost more weight but most importantly I felt better about my body and more relaxed in my mind. This showed in my job. I was able to deal with tasks more efficiently, and it became even easier to make clear and logical decisions. Your mind and body are inseparable and a healthy body makes for a healthy mind.
My No-Sugar Story
Last year, I read a lot about the health problems related to high sugar diets. I was really surprised how high sugar consumption can make you gain weight. Lots of people eat way too much sugar and gain a lot of weight as a result. In fact, it’s more sugar than fat that is the cause of the obesity crisis.
Yes, that’s right, most of the added sugar we eat is converted to fat.
But wait … “I don’t eat a lot of candy, cakes, and cookies, so I don’t have a high sugar diet!”
That’s what I thought but boy, I was wrong; very wrong!
Most of the processed food on the supermarket shelves contains added sugar, and some, that are even advertised as “healthy” like cereals, contains tons of it.
This is no conspiracy theory, (which was my initial thought when I start to read about added sugar), it’s a fact. And you don’t have to take my word for it, just grab a box of typical breakfast cereal and read the nutrition label for yourself.
The recommended amount of sugar per day is six teaspoons (24 grams) for women and nine teaspoons (36 grams) for men. Knowing this, take five minutes and check some of your shelf and fridge food; you’ll be shocked at just how much sugar is in your food – even if it isn’t sweet.
What happens when you eat more sugar that you need? That’s a good question!
You’ll gain weight: Most of the added sugar we eat is converted to fat and then stored in all those places you don’t want it – hips, thighs, butt, etc.
You never feel full: Eating a lot of sugar means that two of our hunger hormones won’t work properly and never inform our brain that we’ve had enough to eat. As a result, you continue to eat, increasing your calorie intake which leads to weight gain.
You feel tired and sleepy: The liver is the only organ that metabolizes sugar, and this is a complex and energy-consuming process. That’s why you’ll often feel tired after a big, high-sugar meal.
Increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes: The American Diabetes Association has categorically linked a high sugar intake to developing type 2 diabetes.
Raised cholesterol and increases risk of Heart Diseases: High sugar diets raise the levels of triglycerides, and small, dense LDLs – your bad cholesterol.
So, there are lots of reasons to do something about your intake of added sugar!
I had to reduce my sugar intake and so I started a no-sugar journey on January 1st 2016.
I named it 20 No-Sugar Days; a good name helps me to stay motivated!
During these 20 days, I didn’t drink any sodas, eat any candies, processed food, or cereals, or consume any other food containing added sugar. I cooked most of my own meals – I’ll share the recipes with you.
I continued to eat fruit, as I always have fruit for breakfast (fruit contains low levels of natural sugar along with fibers and vitamins and is healthy for your body) but had no sugar in my coffee or tea – both of which actually taste better without sugar.
Initially I missed sugar so I added some honey to my breakfast and my cravings were magically gone!
What about results? That’s the best part!
More Energy and Focus.
I lost a few centimeters from my waist and my belly is flatter.
I lost weight – 11 pounds in 20 days.
I no longer found myself eating or needing snacks all day long. My main meals leave me feeing fuller so I’m eating only what and when I need to. Overeating is a thing of the past.
I’m enjoying the real taste of foods as sugar is no longer covering them up.
Today, I can take bites of a cookie or chocolate but do not feel the need to eat more as I feel that is too sweet. This is awesome as my body is naturally controlling my sugar intake.
Read my 20 no Sugar days story, where I share my first 7 days diary.
Now I challenge you
I’m so happy with my results that I would like to invite you to start your very own 20 No-Sugar Days Challenge.
It’s suitable for anyone and works great alongside the 21 Day Fix, or any other exercise plan. Even if you don’t exercise, you can still make this journey.
It’s a totally FREE, easy, and simple challenge that worked for me and will work for you too.
There are TWO simple rules:
1. No added sugar and
2. No added artificial sweeteners
Sugar free recipes for your daily meals. Sugar alternatives to avoid added sugar
Why Days To Fitness Blog ?
I’ve created daystofitness.com, designed especially for those of you who are new to the gym or haven’t been to the gym in some time or for those that go regularly but want to get better results. Not a fan of the gym? No problem, I’ve got some great home workout ideas for you too.
Not only will I give you great information about working out, I’ve also got lots of things to tell you about food and healthy eating and motivation too.
So, let me help you like I helped myself; I’m in your corner and want to show you how you can get fit and healthy and lose weight. Not only will you LOOK better, more importantly, you’ll FEEL better too!
Our Motto Is Clear: Simple Eating. Simple Fitness. Fast Results.
Perhaps the best part is that this innovating system does not require a single visit to the gym. In fact, we have designed a quick and easy technique for getting fit and have provided all the necessary “cheat sheets” for your convenience. The only thing left for you to do is to get started and follow through. We’ve even come up some with some portion monitors and a few handy at-home workout routines for you.
Easy and Effective Home-Based Fitness
Put down your keys and take off your shoes; you will not be going to the gym today (or at least not for the next 21 days of this program). In fact, you won’t even need any special equipment – just your willpower and your desire to get fit quickly. With this plan you will never get bored, never go uninformed or unassisted, and will probably never look at food or fitness the same way again. For your convenience we offer:
- A 21 Day Fix Complete Guide
- Detailed information about the color-coded containers for better portion control and organization
- Weekly calendars for meal planning and calorie counting
- Comprehensive list of 21 Day Fix Approved foods
- Deliciously simple recipes for easy shopping
- Structured yet flexible workout agenda (it’s printable too)
- Considered a great Shakeology alternative for those with a real appetite
I Invite You to Take a Closer Look
Have you had a chance to decide whether or not this program is right for you? Remember that it features a unique series of moderate-to-advanced at-home workouts, and it also limits your caloric intake significantly. However, extremely positive results can been seen by responsible and motivated people in as little as 21 days (that’s just 3 weeks). Be sure to take a moment to peruse the website for more information, and speak with your doctor directly about any health concerns before beginning this program.
Cheers,
Sarah