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....

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!

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. :)