I'm fit...or am I?

A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I were sitting at dinner when I shared this cool interactive weight loss app I've been asked to test. I mentioned how the aspiring in the real world reader who asked that I test it chose me given my fit and healthy lifestyle.

He laughed. "Do you really think you live a fit and healthy lifestyle?"

I instantly got offended and defensive. Who was he to tell me I didn't live a healthy lifestyle? I moderately limited my calories, worked out when I could within my busy schedule - living a way healthier lifestyle than most people I knew.

But after discussing further, the guy had a point. You're not fit if you work out more than the person sitting next to you, and you're not healthy if you eat five healthy meals per week and five unhealthy meals per week. Fit is who I used to be - working out 4-5 times per week, attending hot yoga on a regular basis, limiting my intake of dairy, red meat and carbohydrates. Now? Not so much.

So I realized I had to make a change. In addition to adopting the simple carbohydrate mantra, I needed to prioritize hitting the gym and making it a part of my regular schedule. The boyfriend had a great point - that even when you're as tired as can be, stopping by the gym on your way home from work for 20 minutes of cardio is better than nothing. And doing that everyday can make a big difference.

And so, I'm making a change. For the past two weeks, I've worked out 3-4 times per week (woohoo!), which is big for me with the hours I work. And you know what? I feel good. Getting back to the gym makes you motivated to work out, especially seeing everyone there who is actually fit. I've discovered walking in the door is the hardest part - but once I'm there, I'm so glad to be.

So how am I going to keep this change? Here's my fit plan for 2012: 

• Purchase a new gym membership with the extra $$ I've earned so far in 2012. This gym is close to my office, allowing me to go there straight from work (while I'm still energized) and then miss the rush hour commute home
• This new gym also offers yoga classes in the evening and before work, meaning I can get back into another aspect of fitness I love without paying extra money (especially as yoga can be expensive)
• Keep a permanent gym bag in my car and make it a priority to hit the gym at least four days per week - even if it is just for 15 minutes
• Motivate myself with a new set of workout clothes to go along with my new mantra

It's not perfect yet, but it's a start - and I think making this goal known to the world on my blog is definitely a step in the right direction.

How do you stay fit? What are your tips? Where could you improve?