It's been a while since my last post - so (due to popular demand - hint, hint Molly!) I'm posting an update on what's happened since I last wrote.
First of all - I WON the competition - yea me! Over the three months (Jan-Mar) I lost 42.4 pounds, 13.55 inches and reduced my body fat by 8.7%. I celebrated with a pre-planned trip to Mexico with the family over spring break and was actually pretty happy with how I felt and looked in my swimsuit...now that's saying something! Had a great time on vacation, didn't stress a ton about what I ate, but still tried to make good decisions, and felt good about my choices.
However, getting back into the swing of things once I got back from vacation proved to be a little difficult. I got out of my routine, relaxed a little too much and found it hard to get back on track. I gained 2 pounds during my "time off" and after nearly a month of floundering and some soul searching I realized that I wasn't quite ready to be kicked out the nest and fly on my own. I still needed/wanted guidance and support, I missed the twice weekly training sessions with my fabulous trainer Lori, and I needed a goal to set on the horizon.
So, here's what I've done and decided: I'm working out with Lori again 2x a week, I've started a high-protein, low carb eating plan (that includes one cheat meal a week, to help satisfy those cravings) and I'm setting a few short term goals. My first is to follow this eating plan for the next month (starting today and ending on my 41st birthday June 8). I'm striving for a minimum of 10,000 steps a day, in additional to daily strength training, I've scheduled a massage for myself on June 9 (the one I won as the winning contestant!), I hope to have shed at least another 5 pounds during this time period, and possibly drop another pants size so I can take myself shopping for some new summer clothes as a birthday present to myself. Yea me!!!
Here I go (again)...thanks everyone for your continued support and encouragement!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Final 4
4 days to go until my final weigh-in and body measurements. Can't believe I started this nearly 3 months ago! Quite a bit is becoming second nature to me, and I feel like I've transitioned into a healthier lifestyle. I'm making better food choices (although I do have occasional temptations and weaknesses - just learning that it's okay to have a "cheat meal" every now and again), I'm exercising at least 5 days a week (but usually 6!) and I include at least 45 minutes of cardio as well as at least a half hour of strength training. Feels good, I'm liking the results. Had to go shopping the other day for new pants - not even a belt would hold my old ones up! Was happy to see that I've dropped about 2 sizes - yea! Even had to buy a couple new bras since I've gone down in size in that area as well. LOL
I was originally hoping to reach a 50 pound weight loss goal by Thursday, but that's not going to happen - and I'm okay with that. I should be over the 40 pounds mark (in 3 months - that's pretty amazing), but I'm more concerned with the body fat number and the total inches I've lost. My body has slowed down a bit on the weight loss (22 lbs the first month, 12 lbs the second, and I'm thinking around 6-8 lbs this final month). It's taken me some time to adjust, and embrace these changes, and I'm sure my body is wondering what the heck I'm doing pushing it like I have, while at the same time thanking me for taking better care of it. It needs some time to take in all these changes as well! So, I'll be kind to it, keep on doing what I'm doing, and know that we'll continue to work together towards a common goal. (Talking about my body in the third person is kinda weird, but I think you get my point.)
So, stay tuned as I'll post my final numbers on Thursday evening. It's been an incredible journey and I'm looking forward to the additional changes, challenges and triumphs I'll encounter as I keep on keepin' on!
I was originally hoping to reach a 50 pound weight loss goal by Thursday, but that's not going to happen - and I'm okay with that. I should be over the 40 pounds mark (in 3 months - that's pretty amazing), but I'm more concerned with the body fat number and the total inches I've lost. My body has slowed down a bit on the weight loss (22 lbs the first month, 12 lbs the second, and I'm thinking around 6-8 lbs this final month). It's taken me some time to adjust, and embrace these changes, and I'm sure my body is wondering what the heck I'm doing pushing it like I have, while at the same time thanking me for taking better care of it. It needs some time to take in all these changes as well! So, I'll be kind to it, keep on doing what I'm doing, and know that we'll continue to work together towards a common goal. (Talking about my body in the third person is kinda weird, but I think you get my point.)
So, stay tuned as I'll post my final numbers on Thursday evening. It's been an incredible journey and I'm looking forward to the additional changes, challenges and triumphs I'll encounter as I keep on keepin' on!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
2 / 34 / 13 / 9
No it's not a locker combo - it's tonight's weigh in results! Here's how it breaks down:
2 months
34 pounds
13.75 inches lost (3.75 chest, 5 waist, 4 hips, 1 thigh)
8.7% loss of body fat
I'm truly amazed - and REALLY, REALLY proud of myself. I found this quote today and could totally relate...
No more stories, no more excuses - just forward momentum for me!
2 months
34 pounds
13.75 inches lost (3.75 chest, 5 waist, 4 hips, 1 thigh)
8.7% loss of body fat
I'm truly amazed - and REALLY, REALLY proud of myself. I found this quote today and could totally relate...
No more stories, no more excuses - just forward momentum for me!
Friday, February 24, 2012
55 days
I logged on to myfitnesspal this morning and it congratulated me for 55 days consecutive days of food and exercise tracking! WOW - 55 days since I started this journey, can't believe it.
So, things are going great. Clothes are definitely fitting differently, people who haven't seen me in a while note that they see a difference, and when I look at myself if the mirror I'm noticing a difference as well. I feel stronger, see more muscle definition in my arms and legs, appreciate the importance of eating well and making smart choices, have more energy, sleep better, and really feel like these changes are becoming innate, part of my daily routine. I get antsy if I don't exercise and I actually look forward to going to the gym. Like I said, it feels GOOD!
Lori commented a couple days ago that I had the "perfect" day food and exercise-wise. Here's what my meals/snacks and exercise looked like for the day:
Breakfast (9:00am) - 324 calories
Oatmeal - Nature's Path Organic Instant Oatmeal, Maple Nut flavor
Protein powder - 1/2 scoop of Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey
Organic almond milk - 4 oz (I buy the vanilla flavored version from Trader Joes)
Strawberries - 1/2 cup fresh, sliced
Snack (11:00am) - 190 calories
Mojo Mountain Mix Clif Bar
Lunch (1:30pm) - 345 calories
Organic greens - 2 cups
Red beans - canned, 1/4 cup
Turkey breast strips - 4 oz, Foster Farms
Crispy onions - Fresh gourmet, 1 1/2 Tbsp
Bleu Cheese Vinaigrette dressing - Lighthouse, 2 Tbsp
Mandarin orange
Snack (3:00pm) - 120 calories
Dry roasted almonds - 1 oz
Dinner (5:30pm) - 471 calories
Grilled sirloin - 4 oz
Sweet potato fries - 3 oz, Trader Joes (frozen)
Asparagus - 5 spears, fresh, sauteed with olive oil, salt and pepper
Exercise for the day
Minimum of 10,000 steps logged on my pedometer
Strength training - 45 minutes (395 calories burned)
Elliptical trainer - 30 minutes (493 calories burned)
Total food consumption: 1450 calories
Total calories burned with exercise: 888
Net: 562 calories
I have 36 days to go working with Lori and I'm really excited to see what the "end" result is going to be. While it won't really be the "end" since this is now part of my lifestyle, it will be a good milepost for me reflect and continue to move forward. I feel like I'm finding my way....
So, things are going great. Clothes are definitely fitting differently, people who haven't seen me in a while note that they see a difference, and when I look at myself if the mirror I'm noticing a difference as well. I feel stronger, see more muscle definition in my arms and legs, appreciate the importance of eating well and making smart choices, have more energy, sleep better, and really feel like these changes are becoming innate, part of my daily routine. I get antsy if I don't exercise and I actually look forward to going to the gym. Like I said, it feels GOOD!
Lori commented a couple days ago that I had the "perfect" day food and exercise-wise. Here's what my meals/snacks and exercise looked like for the day:
Breakfast (9:00am) - 324 calories
Oatmeal - Nature's Path Organic Instant Oatmeal, Maple Nut flavor
Protein powder - 1/2 scoop of Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey
Organic almond milk - 4 oz (I buy the vanilla flavored version from Trader Joes)
Strawberries - 1/2 cup fresh, sliced
Snack (11:00am) - 190 calories
Mojo Mountain Mix Clif Bar
Lunch (1:30pm) - 345 calories
Organic greens - 2 cups
Red beans - canned, 1/4 cup
Turkey breast strips - 4 oz, Foster Farms
Crispy onions - Fresh gourmet, 1 1/2 Tbsp
Bleu Cheese Vinaigrette dressing - Lighthouse, 2 Tbsp
Mandarin orange
Snack (3:00pm) - 120 calories
Dry roasted almonds - 1 oz
Dinner (5:30pm) - 471 calories
Grilled sirloin - 4 oz
Sweet potato fries - 3 oz, Trader Joes (frozen)
Asparagus - 5 spears, fresh, sauteed with olive oil, salt and pepper
Exercise for the day
Minimum of 10,000 steps logged on my pedometer
Strength training - 45 minutes (395 calories burned)
Elliptical trainer - 30 minutes (493 calories burned)
Total food consumption: 1450 calories
Total calories burned with exercise: 888
Net: 562 calories
I have 36 days to go working with Lori and I'm really excited to see what the "end" result is going to be. While it won't really be the "end" since this is now part of my lifestyle, it will be a good milepost for me reflect and continue to move forward. I feel like I'm finding my way....
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
1 Month Progress Report :)
It's been one month since I started training with Lori and the (great) results are in! Here's a breakdown:
Total weight loss = 22 pounds
Inches lost = 6
Fat loss = 3.2%
Woohoo....I couldn't be happier with these numbers! I've worked my ass off (literally, kinda, lol!), have made changes to my eating and exercise habits that are now becoming a comfortable way of life, and I honestly feel better all around.
So, I've got two more months of training with Lori (click here for a link to her website if you're looking for a fabulous trainer!) and I'm excited about what lies ahead.
As always, I appreciate everyone's support - thank you, thank you!
Total weight loss = 22 pounds
Inches lost = 6
Fat loss = 3.2%
Woohoo....I couldn't be happier with these numbers! I've worked my ass off (literally, kinda, lol!), have made changes to my eating and exercise habits that are now becoming a comfortable way of life, and I honestly feel better all around.
So, I've got two more months of training with Lori (click here for a link to her website if you're looking for a fabulous trainer!) and I'm excited about what lies ahead.
As always, I appreciate everyone's support - thank you, thank you!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Limping along (literally)...
Things are going well, I'm feeling strong, noticing subtle changes in the way I look, the way my clothes fit....it's all good except for my stupid knee!
I've been dealing with inflammation and restricted motion for over a month now. I noted earlier that I was diagnosed with a Bakers cyst. But, after several physical therapy sessions we're now rethinking that diagnosis and we've changed it to a possible meniscus tear - not good. I have a very definite limp (and have affectionalty been nicknamed "gimpy" at work.) My leg can't bend past 90 degrees (compared to 135-140 degrees on the my other leg), and the pain and inflammation is pretty intense at night making it hard to sleep. 400mg of ibuprofen 3x a day doesn't seem to help reduce the inflammation either. So, I have an MRI scheduled for next Friday followed up by an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon on the 15th.
So, what does this all mean? Well, I'm limping along, successfully, but frustrated that this is hampering my ability to workout like I want to.
What I have I learned from this? That when there's a will there's a way. I'm modifying my workouts and finding things I can do successfully. I'm not letting this slow me down.
Next Tuesday will be the "one month anniversary" of working out with Lori. This means weigh-in time, BMI measurements, etc. I'm actually excited to see how far I've progressed and will be sure to share my news next week. :)
I've been dealing with inflammation and restricted motion for over a month now. I noted earlier that I was diagnosed with a Bakers cyst. But, after several physical therapy sessions we're now rethinking that diagnosis and we've changed it to a possible meniscus tear - not good. I have a very definite limp (and have affectionalty been nicknamed "gimpy" at work.) My leg can't bend past 90 degrees (compared to 135-140 degrees on the my other leg), and the pain and inflammation is pretty intense at night making it hard to sleep. 400mg of ibuprofen 3x a day doesn't seem to help reduce the inflammation either. So, I have an MRI scheduled for next Friday followed up by an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon on the 15th.
So, what does this all mean? Well, I'm limping along, successfully, but frustrated that this is hampering my ability to workout like I want to.
What I have I learned from this? That when there's a will there's a way. I'm modifying my workouts and finding things I can do successfully. I'm not letting this slow me down.
Next Tuesday will be the "one month anniversary" of working out with Lori. This means weigh-in time, BMI measurements, etc. I'm actually excited to see how far I've progressed and will be sure to share my news next week. :)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
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