This is my weekly check in for the #SexyBack11 challenge. I can't believe it's been a month already. As I've said previously, I am staying off of the scale. I have been doing very intense kettlebell workouts and know that my body is changing in muscle definition and shape, but not necessarily in the scale right now. In order not to get discouraged, I am staying away from it. Because, I FEEL GREAT!!
Here's my tracking information for this week:
Inches lost: 2!
Workouts: 5 (3 kettlebell workouts and 2 walking)
It is amazing how much different you can feel in just a short amount of time. I am looking forward to continuing to work on eating healthier, making better decisions about food, and consistently working out.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Check In - #SexyBack11 Challenge
Week 3 of the #SexyBack11 challenge is complete (and week 4 for me personally). I feel great! I am focusing primarily on eating healthier and working out, so I am not going to be weighing in this morning.
I have started an amazing workout routine at a kettlebell studio. Wow! Talk about an intense workout. They took all of my measurements, and really emphasize not getting on the scale, which has also been my focus. They are also an incredibly encouraging and motivating group. I am looking forward to getting to know some of them better!
Here are a few key indicators for me that my changes are making a difference.
1. I am fitting into my clothes better, and some are way too big already
2. I have more energy
3. I have a strong motivation to work out consistently
4. My cravings have significantly decreased
So, for the #SexyBack11 challenge, I will now be updating you on how many times I worked out that week, as well as inches lost. Every few weeks, I'll check in with my weight also.
Here are the results for this week!
Kettlebell workout - 4 times this week
Walking - 2 times this week
Inches lost - 1 1/2!
I am so thankful to be on this journey towards better health. I have a very supportive group of friends and family that are helping me and encouraging me. If I can help encourage you too, please let me know!
Have a great week!
I have started an amazing workout routine at a kettlebell studio. Wow! Talk about an intense workout. They took all of my measurements, and really emphasize not getting on the scale, which has also been my focus. They are also an incredibly encouraging and motivating group. I am looking forward to getting to know some of them better!
Here are a few key indicators for me that my changes are making a difference.
1. I am fitting into my clothes better, and some are way too big already
2. I have more energy
3. I have a strong motivation to work out consistently
4. My cravings have significantly decreased
So, for the #SexyBack11 challenge, I will now be updating you on how many times I worked out that week, as well as inches lost. Every few weeks, I'll check in with my weight also.
Here are the results for this week!
Kettlebell workout - 4 times this week
Walking - 2 times this week
Inches lost - 1 1/2!
I am so thankful to be on this journey towards better health. I have a very supportive group of friends and family that are helping me and encouraging me. If I can help encourage you too, please let me know!
Have a great week!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Morning of reflection
Last Friday, I finally took the morning to be by myself and focus solely on having a morning of quiet time, prayer, and reflection. My Pastor has encouraged me to do this for some time, but I never made the time to actually do it. Wow! It was so incredibly peaceful and serene.
One of the places I ended up was a forest preserve with a Japanese garden and island right by the river. I had been there before, but only in a rush. I never took the time to see the beauty all around me.
One of the first things I noticed when I was off the beaten path, were these trees. They were not straight, like many of their neighbors. They were stretching and reaching across the path. I couldn't help but think about what a great analogy that is for where I feel I am right now. God is stretching me in so many areas, and although it can be painful, it is also beautiful!
The next area where I spent a considerable amount of time was next to this lighthouse, which was right along the river. I loved how it is cracked and aged, but still standing strong, providing light to those around it.
I spent the majority of the time sitting next to this lighthouse reading my Bible, studying, and praying. I had specific people I was praying for, as well as asking for direction in many areas of my life. Romans 12 was the area where I spent the most time that morning.
I am in the process of eating healthier, and trying to make better decisions. This verse continued to resonate with me. "I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him." Romans 12:1
I am also in the midst of determining some life changing steps that I believe God wants for me. To this point, not many things have been clear. So, the following verse was very applicable as well. "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2
Wow! God was definitely speaking directly to me through these scriptures that morning!
Here are a few other pictures that I took that morning. I finished the morning feeling restful, peaceful, and with my soul restored. I would highly recommend carving out some time to have a day of reflection. I never could find a way to have a whole day, but the morning worked incredibly well for me. Next time, I'll plan for the entire day.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Check in to Healthy Living
So, I am officially past three weeks of eating healthy and exercising more. I am also participating in the SexyBack Challenge with about 200 other people around the country.
I am really focusing on NOT weighing myself constantly, or getting caught up in how much weight I am losing. Yes, that is one of my goals. However, the MAIN goal is for me to get healthier. From what I eat, to how much I move, to how I feel.
So, the official total is that I am now down 10 pounds from when I started. I have also lost over 3 inches. I am very pleased with that, but again, really trying not to get focused on the numbers. For me, these are some of the things that I am getting pleasure from feeling:
* My clothes fit better
* I have more energy
* I am more active
* I feel great!
Looking forward to continuing this journey together. Have a great, safe 4th of July weekend! I am so thankful for the people who sacrificed so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have. God Bless America!!
I am really focusing on NOT weighing myself constantly, or getting caught up in how much weight I am losing. Yes, that is one of my goals. However, the MAIN goal is for me to get healthier. From what I eat, to how much I move, to how I feel.
So, the official total is that I am now down 10 pounds from when I started. I have also lost over 3 inches. I am very pleased with that, but again, really trying not to get focused on the numbers. For me, these are some of the things that I am getting pleasure from feeling:
* My clothes fit better
* I have more energy
* I am more active
* I feel great!
Looking forward to continuing this journey together. Have a great, safe 4th of July weekend! I am so thankful for the people who sacrificed so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have. God Bless America!!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Healthy Living Challenge
Week one of the SexyBack challenge, and week 2 of my own healthy living challenge = complete!!
I feel amazing.
More energy.
Lighter.
Healthier.
More determined.
Can't wait to see where this journey takes me!
I feel amazing.
More energy.
Lighter.
Healthier.
More determined.
Can't wait to see where this journey takes me!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Five Simple Steps
I'm two weeks into my health living transformation, and I feel great! Here are five simple things I am doing that are having an impact.
1. Letting myself feel hungry
Instead of eating just because it's the time to eat, I'm actually allowing myself to feel hunger and then eat at that time. It requires having healthy snacks available for when that time hits.
2. Get moving!
In addition to exercising regularly (I have walked 3-5 times per week), I am also seizing any opportunity to move. That means riding bikes with the kids, as well as walking around the park while the kids are playing, instead of just sitting on a bench checking Facebook or Twitter on my phone!
3. Water, water, water
I always drink water, but sometimes I need a little flavor. I used to reach for a Diet Coke at that time, but now I grab another glass of water and put a shot of MiO Liquid water enhancer in it. It has a little flavor that breaks up the water routine!
4. Stop beating yourself up
Even if I slip up and eat something not so healthy, I no longer beat myself up. I quickly re-correct and start again with a healthier choice at my next opportunity. We are always so much harder on ourselves than others. Why is that?
5. Cardio Burner app
This is my new favorite app. It tracks your workout and lets you listen to your music at the same time. I had used RunKeeper before and tried to play Pandora at the same time. It never seemed to work right. Cardio Burner has reminders for upcoming workouts and will track how many calories you are burning. It's a great motivator!
What simple steps are you taking to get healthier? I'd love to hear from you!
1. Letting myself feel hungry
Instead of eating just because it's the time to eat, I'm actually allowing myself to feel hunger and then eat at that time. It requires having healthy snacks available for when that time hits.
2. Get moving!
In addition to exercising regularly (I have walked 3-5 times per week), I am also seizing any opportunity to move. That means riding bikes with the kids, as well as walking around the park while the kids are playing, instead of just sitting on a bench checking Facebook or Twitter on my phone!
3. Water, water, water
I always drink water, but sometimes I need a little flavor. I used to reach for a Diet Coke at that time, but now I grab another glass of water and put a shot of MiO Liquid water enhancer in it. It has a little flavor that breaks up the water routine!
4. Stop beating yourself up
Even if I slip up and eat something not so healthy, I no longer beat myself up. I quickly re-correct and start again with a healthier choice at my next opportunity. We are always so much harder on ourselves than others. Why is that?
5. Cardio Burner app
This is my new favorite app. It tracks your workout and lets you listen to your music at the same time. I had used RunKeeper before and tried to play Pandora at the same time. It never seemed to work right. Cardio Burner has reminders for upcoming workouts and will track how many calories you are burning. It's a great motivator!
What simple steps are you taking to get healthier? I'd love to hear from you!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Sexy Back Challenge
I'm already more than a week and a half into the changes I've been making to eat healthy and drop the excess weight. I'm tired of making excuses for why I can't do it. It's time to change.
So, when I saw @loswhit's SexyBack Challenge Sexy Back 2011 posted, I knew I had to join. Now, in addition to what I am doing to make healthier choices, I can join in with over 200 people who are trying to do the same. Having a support group always makes a huge difference!
No, I do not plan on taking my shirt off, and the whole idea of "sexy back" is not something I think of when I think of me. But, I am looking forward to the results in the next 12 weeks!
My realistic goal is 25 pounds in the next 12 weeks. I am already feeling so much better in a week and a half. I can only imagine how much better I will feel in 12 more.
So, when I saw @loswhit's SexyBack Challenge Sexy Back 2011 posted, I knew I had to join. Now, in addition to what I am doing to make healthier choices, I can join in with over 200 people who are trying to do the same. Having a support group always makes a huge difference!
No, I do not plan on taking my shirt off, and the whole idea of "sexy back" is not something I think of when I think of me. But, I am looking forward to the results in the next 12 weeks!
My realistic goal is 25 pounds in the next 12 weeks. I am already feeling so much better in a week and a half. I can only imagine how much better I will feel in 12 more.
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