Days 20-22

It has been a difficult past few days.  Beginning with an unfavorable reaction to liquor, my weekend has been far less than productive in regards to weight loss and making positive choices.  I refuse to settle for my behaviors the past 3 days.  Tomorrow, I return to my regularly scheduled workout, plus one!  I have to go grocery shopping tomorrow evening, but I plan on carefully selecting foods that are available at work.
The reasons surrounding my weekend include: a hangover lasting allllll day, donating blood, in which they recommend no strenuous activities, and getting the house in order before the work and school week begin. Not saying all or any of those reasons are good ones, but they are what happened.  I still refuse to let this be the end of my journey.  I just read that it takes 21 days to form a habit.  Unfortunately, I fell off on day 19.  I plan on getting back on track and finishing my 30 days strong.  I've got one week to make up for lost time and hopefully see some encouraging results that keep me going for the next leg of my journey.  Thank you Mom and TLJ for checking in with me.  It's a mode of inspiration that is very effective for me.  :-)

Highlights: none
Lowlights: poor food choices, little water, very little exercise

Goals:  Water, exercise, better food choices.

Day 19

Wooow! Rounding the bend, on the final stretch towards the [temporary] finish line! Just over 1/3 to go for the first leg of my journey!!  In 11 days I will weigh myself and take measurements to compare to the data on Day 3.  I'm a bit nervous considering I haven't been doing well with the food component.  It's better than it was by far, but there is a lot of room for improvement.
 Today was definitely a decent day, and I was even home for most of the day.  Honey nut cheerios w/ 1% organic milk for breakfast (no refills :-) ), the remainder of my chicken souvlaki salad w/cucumbers and feta, light dressing, and for dinner, a 3 oz. piece of pan seared steak, mashed potatoes, and a cucumber and carrot salad.  I was able to get in about 50oz of water, but I'll try to get more in before bed.
 I go back to work on Monday, so I definitely need that routine in place by then.  I also need to go buy some fruit, veggies, and lunch food.  I'll get on that.  Thank you for keeping up with me.  If you have any suggestions for low carb lunches, I am open to them!!

Thank you too!

Thank you to all those that are avid readers of my blog, even though you may not be "followers".  Each view of my blog is a burst of encouragement that has kept me going even this far.  I appreciate each and every one of you and the support that you bring.  Thank you.

Day 18

Today had come and gone, and tomorrow awaits.  I've been asking myself what I'm going to do with tomorrow, if I do have the privilege of being here.  My answer? I don't know.  I know what I want to do, but getting it done is a lot more effort, I'm sure you all know.  I wish it were easier.  I wish it didn't take so much effort.  But the fact of the matter is: it does.  For me, being fit will take work, as it will for some readers.  I guess what I have to remember is not everything takes work for me, but I do have to work at this.
The past two days I have encountered some physical pain that only worsens with Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred.  I've temporarily replaced it with The Biggest Loser Power Walk.  It is a lower intensity Biggest Loser mile long walk.  I actually still have to modify some arm movements because of my shoulder, but the rest it pretty straightforward.  Each mile is only 16 minutes long, so there is no excuse for me not to fit it in.  I recognize that I need to do more if I want results.  So far, I don't really notice any physical results.  I try to avoid the scale because it can be discouraging when you feel like you are making good changes and you don't see an improvement in the numbers.  I won't measure until day 30 (12 days away!!!) so I don't know of changes there either.  I do realize that I feel better.  I have more endurance during the workouts and other things, like going up stairs.  But I know I can do more.  I think I am withdrawing in preparation for the change in my schedule, and life, when I go back to work.  I'll try to think of a routine and post it on here, that way I have some accountability.  I really will not have much to do with my time other than workout and plan/prep for work, so it shouldn't be too hard.
My diet choices were a little better today, although I'm eating a salad late.  I do plan on being more routine with my eating habits as well, so I'm hoping that will catapult my journey in the right direction.
Lastly, water has been a challenge, maybe because it hasn't been so hot that I need to drink a lot, I'm not really sure.  I did purchase a Brita filter water bottle so hopefully it is easier at work to get in my daily amounts of water.

I'm still pressing on.  Determined to take this 30 days at a time!

Thank you

Thank you Leigh, Corey, TLJ, Joanna, Kathryn, Amanda, and Ingrid for becoming "followers" of From FAT to fit, I enjoy the company on this journey.

Day 16/17

It's day 17, and I haven't blogged in 2 days.  Remember how unmotivated I was on Sunday? Yeah, that hasn't changed.  The motivation is well underpar, especially when it comes to my food choice. I have managed to exercise everyday, but my eating is less than almost good.   I need to refocus and get my head back in the game.  A little bit of stress is like a pebble on a train track, if it hits juuuust right, it can derail the entire track.  I'm doing my best to avoid the slip up that can cost me my future.  I know I don't have to be perfect but I also don't want to be counterproductive.  After all, I'm not trying to maintain this weight, I'm trying to lose it.  I need some endurance. Any suggestions?

Day 14/15

Well, it's been two days since my last confession ;-) Today I can say I've made it half way through my first 30 days...and it feels pretty damn good. Of course,15 days is only a pebble on my journey, but it is certainly a good start. In the past, I have been able to adhere strictly to a diet for about this long but I would also slip up and give up shortly after.  I am determined to break the pattern I have ingrained in my past.  Recollection of my previous attempts often leads to discouraging thoughts like "it never worked before" or "last time I actually gained weight".  But then I remind myself that this time is different. What makes it so different? I do.  My attitude does.  All of my reasons and motivations do.  It's just an entirely different experience.  I've been able to work out every day for 15 days.  My 'rest days' still consist of tennis or biking, but otherwise I have done Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred and a boot camp at my fitness center.
 If you've followed from the beginning, you know that I have had days that I didn't want to work out.  Some of those days I was able to encourage myself to get up and get it done.  Other days I needed some support from others, and that is okay!!  Sometimes getting support from others is more motivation because you realize that if you happen to let yourself down, there are people who care and who won't let you fall.  Once you realize that you have that, the possibilities are endless.  That support may not be there the first, second, third, fourth or even fifth attempt.  I finally realized that I had to prove to myself that it was a change I wanted to make before others realized just how serious I was.  My mom is one person who had shifted dramatically with me.  It went from what felt like a lack of support in statements like"or are you not eating that either?" when opting between pizza and chinese for dinner, to full out support, like buying fresh fruits and veggies, and checking which places fall within my plan when deciding on a place to eat for breakfast.  Not only that but she is also an avid reader of my blog and gets after me when she doesn't see one posted.  I thank her for that.  And I thank everyone else who has uttered even one word of encouragement, 'liked' a post of my blog, or became a 'follower'.  Each one has added fuel to my fire. 
The road has been far from perfect.  I eat later than I intend to sometimes.  I don't drink the water I should some days.  I have even indulged in foods that I enjoy once or twice (a week).  But, it's better than I used to be.  I have been eating more fresh fruits and veggies.  I have exercised EVERY DAY.  To me, those are HUGE strides in the right direction. I GOT THIS!

Day 13

I absolutely, positively, without a doubt in my entire mind did NOT want to work out today.  The day started early, without much sleep.  Went to breakfast where, besides drinking coffee, I was able to adhere pretty well to good eating choices....and I haven't eaten since I don't think.  Stress compiled throughout the day; one thing and then another...and by 5:30pm I was OVER IT!  I told Corey that I wasn't hungry because I didn't have an appetite.  I also laid on the couch and stated that I wasn't working out today.  Then, it happened.  She reminded me that some people are drawing motivation from me.  It was ironic how reminding me that things I do motivate others actually motivated me.  I immediately put on workout clothes, slipped on my sneakers, and turned on the tv and DVD player.  I attempted Level 2 of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred, but I began having sharp pains in my OTHER shoulder.  I tried the move again and decided that I couldn't bare the pain. So, I reached for the remote.  Ha! A reason, rather than an excuse, to, you guessed it, give up and try Level 1 :-)  I got it in. Finished it. Felt good after working out, but better for deciding to go against my initial thoughts to not workout at all.  This blog paid off.  It gave me the motivation to stick with it because, not only am I counting on me, but someone else may need that extra push on that one day where they just don't have it. I can be an example of one who pushed through and made it.

A source of inspiration:

Day 12

I did it! I completed level 2 of Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.  Granted it was extremely challenging, but I was able to make it through the entire workout with very few pauses. Of course, I needed to modify a few because the moves were a bit more demanding on my back and shoulder, but I wanted to try it.  It feels really good to sweat this much.  I envision it as fat just melting away, even if that's not scientifically what happens.  I feel myself getting stronger and gaining endurance.  Who cares if I can't keep up with the fit chicks in the video? If I were that fit, I wouldn't be able to keep up with me either.  But I'm not there yet, and I may never 'look' like the girls in the video, but by any means necessary, I will get to the point where I can at least keep up with them.  That'll make me happy and prove I'm healthy.  And that's what I'm striving for.  [Jennifer Hudson "I Got This" is a source of motivation].  Thank you all for keeping up with my workouts and my journey.  I really couldn't have even gotten this far without you.

I'll revisit later to talk about my diet and water intake.

Day 11

Day 11, definitely a good day. My eating choices were not bad at all.  I even avoided popcorn or pretzel bites (my fav) by packing fruit before going to the movie (shhh! don't tell them that I brought in outside food). I did end up finishing my meal after 8, but at least it was hours  before sleep set it, considering I am still up. I am strongly considering Weight Watchers to help with the diet aspect, but I don't want to spend the money.  Shrug. I also need to increase my water. Lots. Anywho, after a PT session and a visit to the chiropractor, I also went back to Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.  It wasn't so bad, even after missing two days, most likely because I was still active in between.  I'm strongly considering going up to level 2 starting tomorrow, but we'll see how my back and shoulder feel in the morning.  I'd like to send out an extra thank you to my mom for asking where my blog was tonight. The good news is it wasn't for lack of effort, my computer needed to be charged but I don't have the cord.  Thank you all for continuing on this journey with me. If you have a story to share, please post it in comments so we can all continue to inspire each other.

Day 10

I made it to the double digits!!!!  Day 10 has come and gone, and I feel pretty good.  Due to some back and shoulder pain, I had to make some accommodations for working out.  Rather than weights and strenuous workouts, I put my birthday gift to use and rode 7 miles around the park.  I probably could've gone a little longer, but it had been about an hour and I surpassed my previous record of 6 miles in a little over an hour.  My meals weren't too bad either.  An apple, a nectarine, some pineapple, baked chicken breast and some mashed/smashed red potatoes.  I need to pick up on my water and hydrate a bit better, but the rest of today seemed to adhere very closely to my plan.  Thanks to all who continue to comment, encourage and support.  Getting through these next 20+ days will be much more feasible with your help.  :-)

Day 9

Today was overall a good day.  I was able to go to my gym Simply Fit and take part in a Boot Camp class. The class itself was a good change of pace.  It was nice to do something new and challenge myself a bit more.  Unfortunately, there were some moves I couldn't do due to injury or pain.  Hopefully those things will mellow out and I won't have to modify anything.  In the meantime, I think I will return to class on Wednesday but also continue Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred.
 I was also able to adhere pretty well to my goal of making good food choices.  Again, wasn't my best day food-wise, but it certainly wasn't the worst. I'm not really happy with what I see on the scale, but I know my body is changing and I will see results soon.  I look forward to incorporating work into the formula, although it does intimidate me a little bit.  I know that I can stick with it and I think maybe I can even be better at it.  I won't be at home with food or the freedom to go get food.  I also will be in more of a routine, which may help with the exercise portion.  OOH! I purchased a Biggest Loser calendar that has tips, recipes, and other little helpful components like a box to check for exercise of the day and a space for calories (if you count, which I don't do yet).  I think that will also help me organize my life enough to get to my goal soon.  My short/medium term goal?  Shed a few tens of pounds by New Years, and feel better looking at pics from the holidays.  Any hints or bit of encouragement are greatly appreciated!  Just become a member or follower and comment! Thanks again for your support.  Until...

Day 8

I just finished my workout for Day 8 of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred. I am more than a quarter of the way through my 30 days. I am definitely feeling more endurance throughout the workouts.  I don't believe I rested even for a few seconds at all today, and I even tried to complete all exercises without modifications (physically permitted).
Today was easy to get up and do.  After my 10 year high school reunion last night, I realized that it's okay to shift focus on to my health. Initially, I wasn't going to attend at all.  I am  bigger than I was in high school, and I wasn't even small then.  I simply didn't like where I was physically and I let that overshadow where I am with the rest of my life and the accomplishments that I have made.  However while there, a few classmates mentioned that they read my blog and, although slightly embarrassed, I couldn't help but be extra proud of myself. I can acknowledge that it really takes a lot to put all my personal business, which also happens to be what I'm most self conscious about, on the internet for all to see. The words of encouragement continue to be the fuel that keeps me going.  It's my hope that at my 20 year reunion, I will not have any hesitations about attending.  I will proudly walk through the doors and not be ashamed of my physical state.  I will have met and maintained my health goal, while continuing to pursue professional and personal milestones as well.  I will be happier and healthier, and that's what matters.  And if I have inspired or encouraged anyone else to seek their own happiness, or pass it on to someone they know who may need to do so, then that too will be an accomplishment.

Day 7

Well, today began with some honey nut Cherrios and about 2 hours of tennis.  Although it wasn't a 30 day Shred workout, it was definitely a workout!  It's good when you find something fun and it doubles as great exercise.  I can tell I've been doing something because although I was sweating I wasn't completely exhausted and short of breath.  Speaking of short of breath, I hope to still squeeze in a 30 day Shred workout, buuuuut no guarantees.  I did however stick to my goal of some type of exercise each day.  Anyway, food-wise I followed tennis with water and a plum.  It was filling and tasty!  Because today is a semi-bust day, I hope to be able to maintain decent choices.

Day 5/6

Greetings all.  It has been 2 days since my last blog.  However, today is the only day that I have yet to workout (I'm mustering up the energy as I write).  This is when the going gets tough and I remember the obstacles that have slowed me down or brought my efforts to a screeching halt in times passed.  Life by itself, vacation, women days...all the things that contribute to a complete lack of oompf, whether that's how you spell it or not.

Correction: I got my workout in, super duper late, but again 'better late than not at all'.

It's now 11 o'clock on a Friday night and I just finished my workout for the day.  I knew today wasn't worth a miss because I was still alive and well enough to complete it.  Like I said before, I have rested for almost 29 years.  I did workout on Day 5, I just didn't get a chance to video or blog.
Today (Day 6) was the hardest day to get motivated and workout.  I had all the excuses that used to derail me, but this time I also had a response:
Woman days=hefty medication, although accidental
Tired=so what!?
lots of company=go in the un-airconditioned guest room for a sauna workout
nausea=toilet is close by, get over it
lack of motivation= Dee Dee did it, so can you  :-)
I'm really quite proud of myself, and I know some of my biggest supporters are too.  I thank all of you, including Corey and the company who are occupying themselves with the TV in the other room in order to drown out my workout sounds.  Measurements and weigh-in to come in 3-5 days :-)  No need to do so now, as my results will likely be depressing.

I'm ending the day more proud of myself than the day I began this all.  I showed even myself that I am serious and determined.


Highlights: PRIDE; workout
Lowlights: late workout; food choices; motivation

Day 4

 Another late blog, but it was an early workout.  With my body still sore from last night's, I mustered up the energy and motivation to pull through today's.  It wasn't too bad, as the video tells.  Eating was a bit better today since I ate as soon as I woke and had little meals throughout the day.  Dessert was strawberries and a little bit of yogurt; that really hit the spot.  I'm coasting through my cravings as of now.  I carried an apple and a plum when I left the house, and those held me over until I got home.  So far, I feel really good.  It's different than the past when I felt like I was trying really hard to avoid food and had all types of excuses why not to work out.  I really feel like I can keep up with this for a while without a relapse to my old choices.  A few things really hit that mental switch this time.  I'll get to those once I get past my record of 11 days of good choices. Until then, secrets make friends ;-)

Highlight: Early workout; regular 'good-choice' meals
Lowlight: amount of water

Day 3

Today seemed to be the hardest of the three to actually get up and started.  I was a bit sore, had an appointment at early o'clock and I couldn't avoid being lulled back to sleep by the rain.  I didn't eat until almost 3 pm, but when I did it was an apple, followed by a banana shortly after.  By 6 p.m. my only 'workout' was walking around Sam's club and tidying up the house. My lesson today became "better late than not at all".  I've been working out right when I get up, but today it ended up being just before 10 p.m..  I was determined not to let life keep me from working out, so I decided I'd prefer a late workout over a 'rest' day.  Thankfully, I had Corey's support and company.  I don't usually like working out in front of her, but I took the next step of my journey and asked her to join.  It was a good workout for the both of us, both physical and emotional.  I'm not quite ready to make a habit of it, but in time it will be something we can share on a regular basis. Hopefully I'll even be able to keep up!

Another great step today was the added support of my mom.  She invited me to Sam's to pick up what I wanted.  She was very supportive of my food choices (fruits, veggies, and some lean meats) and even proclaimed that she reads my blog every day.  Extra support from Mom and Corey was JUST what I needed to continue on this path.


Highlights: support  Thanks Mom and Corey!!!; completing a workout
Lowlights: eating started late; not much water

I finally found the measuring tape so....here goes nothin'

R bicep 17.5" flexed 18"
L bicep  17.25"  flexed 18"
oh boy....
R thigh 31.25"
L thigh 31"
waist 43"
hips 52"
bust 42"
yikes!! Got some work to do!
weight 253.6 pounds, yes that is a ∆ -2!!

Day 2

Phew! I made it through the second day, barely.  It definitely feels good though.  I started my day with a chocolate caramel Access® bar from Melaleuca again.  They are TASTY! I completed the 30 day Shred workout Level 1, this time I focused a lot on my breathing and it definitely made it more tolerable.  I woke up later.  Speaking of water, we just opened up our Filtrete™ water station.  So far, it's very convenient for on the go water.  I also purchased a Brita™ water bottle that filters as you drink so that I can continue with my water when work starts by  refilling at the water fountain.  Well, I'm off to continue my day.  Thank you for your support, keep holding me accountable, I need it!

Day 1

So, I began my journey with a chocolate caramel Access bar from Melaleuca.  It's supposed to be a nutrition bar that is patented to 'turn fat to fuel', so we'll see. After fifteen minutes I did a Level 1 workout to Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.  If you're not familiar with it, it's a series of 3 circuits that all have 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute abs.  After the first circuit (about 8 minutes) I wanted to quit.  My legs were shaking and burning and sweat was pouring.  By circuit 3, I wasn't sure if I could physically finish.  View my short video from after my workout...don't judge :-P

I followed the workout with a 2.2 mile bike ride around the bike path, a trip that ended with the onset of rain.  Lunch was half of a subway sub (turkey w/ provolone, banana peppers, green peppers, lettuce and of course cucumbers with honey mustard).  The other half was snack.  So far, I feel great...but I could use a little nap.  Until next time...

The Road Map

I woke up this morning feeling the need to prove to myself that I WANT change and that I am willing to work for it.  For months, if not years, I have struggled with my weight.  Today, I stand up to it.  I cannot allow my body's limitations to keep me from what I want.  I have to take control.  This is my chance to prove to myself that I am serious this time. A blog, a journal, a record...whatever it's use, this is my way of getting focused.

I have yet to get my measurements, but I know my starting weight is around 256 pounds.  My overall goal is around 180, but I have resolved that that will take some time.  For now, it's week-by-week, just hoping to see a smaller number than the week before.  As I get to lower numbers, my focus will shift to my overall health and how good I feel, even though that will also be apparent soon.

If you've ever tried to lose weight, you know the abundance of information that is out there.  I am just trying to put it all together and do what works for me.  I have work out videos, a fitness center membership, a Bowflex, P90X, Insanity, a plethora of workout DVD's, and sports equipment that takes up space in my trunk.  I realized that it wasn't about what I had, but what I did with it.  Today is the day that I stop sitting around thinking about what I should be doing and actually start doing it.

So, what's my plan?  Here it is...

Diet aspect

• eat shortly after I wake up, but no eating after 7:30 p.m.
• eat every 3-4 hours
• limited white flour foods
• drink a lot of water

Exercise aspect

• workout once a day, even if it's just a mile on the bike; I've "rested" for years now, so a day of will happen only if it's necessary to physically or I really can't fit it in my day

So...that's my plan. Off I go...