I have hit a milestone! So far...since January 7, which is 25 weeks...I have lost 51 lbs!! That averages out to about 2 lbs a week. Which I see as being a decent paced weight loss. I have A LOT to lose...200 lbs to be exact and one BIG worry of mine is excess skin when all is said and done. Hopefully, by losing slower and sticking to my exercise routine...I will be able to give my body the opportunity to bounce back. Only time will tell...
Believe it or not, I have really enjoyed this journey so far. One thing that I am super proud of, is the fact that, in those 25 weeks...I have only gained once. And, most likely that was due to changing my medicine around...in particular, my water pill. So, truthfully, in my opinion, I don't think that counts! One big goal of mine, is to not gain. Even if I only lost 0.2 lbs or stay the same...I don't want to gain! So far...so good. :)
I say it again and again...this year has been such a life changing year for me. I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of. Joining Weight Watchers was easy to do...it's actually following their plan that is hard. So many times, I have made an attempt at losing weight, and then realize that I have to actually follow through with my attempts for it to work. Whether it is, joining WW or buying exercise equipment or joining a gym...all of that is great and is a step in the right direction, but it won't do the work for me. I am the "Queen of Good Intentions"! I am a great planner and visualizer...but I really suck at implementing my ideas and sticking with it. That is why I am so proud of myself with what I have accomplished so far! I am proving to myself that I CAN do hard things and I CAN change bad habits.
Exercising...this is a HUGE accomplishment of mine! I have never been fond of exercising! I hate moving around...I hate the feeling of all of my fat bouncing around...and I am embarrassed for anybody to watch me. But, I just had to get over it and deal. I understood that it was a necessary evil that had to be done. I usually dread the days that I have to exercise and moan and groan for awhile. But then, I force myself and after a few minutes, I get into my groove and enjoy it. What's funny is, that, I enjoy my fat shaking around now...not that I want to stand in front of a mirror and admire myself! It's just that, it makes me feel like, the more it shakes...the harder I'm working at getting rid of it! What's even more rewarding is that because I have worked so hard, I'm am getting stronger and capable of doing more and more everyday. I recently discovered that I could do a certain exercise now that I couldn't 2 months ago. And, now my trainer has more to throw at me when she puts together my circuit. It's exciting because I can't wait to see the results. Not to mention...it's awesome to be able to move this body in ways that I haven't been able to for so long!
Food...that is a work in progress! I have made a lot a changes in this department...for the better! I am proud to say that I have been SODA FREE since January!! That is also huge for me because I love soda! Yes, I do miss it, but my health is more important. I didn't like the effects it had on me. So, I eliminated it...moderation wouldn't work with this one. I am eating A LOT healthier, more fruits and veggies. I am still struggling with fast food and fatty foods, but small steps, right? Food is the area that I really need patience with myself because I love it so much. This is also the area that I feel the most uneducated in. I have grown up eating out all the time, so cooking is something that I am still learning. There are a lot of foods that I've never used and don't know what to do with. So, my menus are pretty basic without much variety. I am always researching new recipes or asking people for tips. I think the more I learn, the better I will do with food and with getting over my dependency on fast food...the convenient choice and what I'm familiar with.
All in all...I am proud of my success so far and all that I have learned. I am excited for each day and feeling the benefits of my hard work and dedication. And, I am looking forward to learning more about myself and all the ways that I can change to make myself and family healthier!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
School's out...
School's out...now what???
For the past 9 months, I have been very spoiled. With my youngest being in school full time, I have had all day...8am-2pm...all to myself. I have had complete control over my schedule...for the most part... and I could totally focus on ME. So, that's what I did.
The first half of the school year, didn't really go how I planned. My vision was to start dieting and losing weight as soon as school started. Well, that didn't happen. But, that's ok. I was working on my mental state and less on my physical state. At least...that's what I've been telling myself. :) Then I came back to reality. And, the truth is...it was more like, "NO KIDS! Live it up!!" I was enjoying the much needed ME time. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE my kids. And, you know what, I can still love them, while they're at school! LOL :) But, honestly, I think I did a lot of soul searching during that time. I realized a lot of things about myself and my habits and my behaviors. And, I decided, it was time for a Jill Overhaul.
So, the second half of the school year has gone just how I envisioned. I have become dedicated and motivated to change. I have forced myself to exercise 4-5 days a week...and not just walking leisurely for 30 minutes a day. I have been really working on getting more fit and stronger. So far, I have lost 35" as a result. I have a routine that I try to stick to as best as I can. And, some days I have to switch things around, but I almost always get it done. I was patient with myself at first because let's face it...I was 375 lbs when I started...so my abilities were limited. But, I recognized when things were getting easier so I pushed myself. And, how exciting it is to be able to bend easier, lift more weight, do more reps and just notice the fat disappearing.
I also, have been tracking what I eat everyday. That is a real eye opener! At first, it's overwhelming to remember every "bite, lick and taste" a.k.a. BLT that I put in my mouth. But, if I want to lose weight...then I need to SUCK it up and do it! What has been interesting to notice about myself, is the desire to really stick with it and not cheat. I used to try to fill my points with junk food. I was still within my points...so who will know, right? The scale knew, I knew...and my weight loss was very slow, if at all. Now, I really try to eat healthy and make smart choices...and I have lost 46.2 lbs as a result. My next venture...to drastically cut down on processed food and eat more natural foods. This will be a challenge because I have to create a lot of new habits. But, I am always up for a challenge!
So, getting back to school being out. There goes my ME time for 3 months. I can't lie...I'm nervous! As a mother, I am afraid that I will fall into the ever so familiar pattern of "putting the kids first". Do I want to make them go to the gym with me? Do I want to make them wake up early to go to park and walk before it gets blazing hot? Do I want to exercise in front of them and be embarrased as my fat is jiggling everywhere? No...not really. But, will I? Yes. This is going to be tough though. I will for sure hear moans and groans coming from the peanut gallery, but you know what..."Tough cookies!" . I can not get off of this GREAT rhythm that I have. So, I will make it work!
The hardest part will be coordinating exercise time, activity time and "school time" to prepare them for next year. Sydney needs a lot of one on one time to get her ready! Let's not forget...just time to chill out and enjoy the summer! Food has me concerned too. If we're out and about a lot, I really have to force myself to plan ahead, so I am not picking up fast food all the time.
I just have to keep telling myself to...relax...focus...and don't get flustered. Keep my goals in mind. If I keep myself organized and prepared then everything should run smoothly. Right? Here's hoping! :)
For the past 9 months, I have been very spoiled. With my youngest being in school full time, I have had all day...8am-2pm...all to myself. I have had complete control over my schedule...for the most part... and I could totally focus on ME. So, that's what I did.
The first half of the school year, didn't really go how I planned. My vision was to start dieting and losing weight as soon as school started. Well, that didn't happen. But, that's ok. I was working on my mental state and less on my physical state. At least...that's what I've been telling myself. :) Then I came back to reality. And, the truth is...it was more like, "NO KIDS! Live it up!!" I was enjoying the much needed ME time. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE my kids. And, you know what, I can still love them, while they're at school! LOL :) But, honestly, I think I did a lot of soul searching during that time. I realized a lot of things about myself and my habits and my behaviors. And, I decided, it was time for a Jill Overhaul.
So, the second half of the school year has gone just how I envisioned. I have become dedicated and motivated to change. I have forced myself to exercise 4-5 days a week...and not just walking leisurely for 30 minutes a day. I have been really working on getting more fit and stronger. So far, I have lost 35" as a result. I have a routine that I try to stick to as best as I can. And, some days I have to switch things around, but I almost always get it done. I was patient with myself at first because let's face it...I was 375 lbs when I started...so my abilities were limited. But, I recognized when things were getting easier so I pushed myself. And, how exciting it is to be able to bend easier, lift more weight, do more reps and just notice the fat disappearing.
I also, have been tracking what I eat everyday. That is a real eye opener! At first, it's overwhelming to remember every "bite, lick and taste" a.k.a. BLT that I put in my mouth. But, if I want to lose weight...then I need to SUCK it up and do it! What has been interesting to notice about myself, is the desire to really stick with it and not cheat. I used to try to fill my points with junk food. I was still within my points...so who will know, right? The scale knew, I knew...and my weight loss was very slow, if at all. Now, I really try to eat healthy and make smart choices...and I have lost 46.2 lbs as a result. My next venture...to drastically cut down on processed food and eat more natural foods. This will be a challenge because I have to create a lot of new habits. But, I am always up for a challenge!
So, getting back to school being out. There goes my ME time for 3 months. I can't lie...I'm nervous! As a mother, I am afraid that I will fall into the ever so familiar pattern of "putting the kids first". Do I want to make them go to the gym with me? Do I want to make them wake up early to go to park and walk before it gets blazing hot? Do I want to exercise in front of them and be embarrased as my fat is jiggling everywhere? No...not really. But, will I? Yes. This is going to be tough though. I will for sure hear moans and groans coming from the peanut gallery, but you know what..."Tough cookies!" . I can not get off of this GREAT rhythm that I have. So, I will make it work!
The hardest part will be coordinating exercise time, activity time and "school time" to prepare them for next year. Sydney needs a lot of one on one time to get her ready! Let's not forget...just time to chill out and enjoy the summer! Food has me concerned too. If we're out and about a lot, I really have to force myself to plan ahead, so I am not picking up fast food all the time.
I just have to keep telling myself to...relax...focus...and don't get flustered. Keep my goals in mind. If I keep myself organized and prepared then everything should run smoothly. Right? Here's hoping! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)