Goals and Aspirations

I did not make any New Year's Resolutions.  Resolutions seems to be all or nothing rules that are not sustainable.  I spent the last four months of 2015 making changes, so instead of waking up on January 1 with new rules for myself, I have, when the time felt right and I have evolved, set new goals for myself.

The first goal of 2016 that I set for myself is to commit to clean eating.  I was eating okay, better than a lot, but there was progress to be made.  To me, clean eating is about choosing foods that work for me, not against me.  I've been using Fooducate to help me make good choices.  I've cut out a lot of packaged/processed foods my putting my food choices through the "Fooducate Test."  If a food doesn't rate, it's off my plate.  I've stopped drinking diet soda all together.  I was never a heavy soda drinker, but I did drink it occasionally.  Also, no more Morningstar Vegetarian Bacon.

I recently forgot to put a product through the Fooducate Test.  It made me feel awful!  Not sure if it was the hydrogenated oil or the corn syrup, but in the trash it goes!  This proved to me that clean eating does make a difference.

I do still count calories, but I also work to make sure I get enough protein and fiber.  I really think these macronutrients are key in transforming my body.

I also still have fitness goals.  As I said, my bonus weight loss goals is to drop 4 more pounds.  But, more important is to lose my remaining belly fat.  I might get one of those fancy scales that measure body fat percentage to see my progress. I really want to get killer abs, and develop greater upper body and core strength.  I don't want to get skinnier, I want to get stronger.  I have the confidence that I can do it, after all, I've already come so far and accomplished so much!

Still Going Strong

So, blogging  is pretty much like my healthy lifestyle. You have to stick to it to make it a habit. At least I've stuck to the other habits! Eating healthy and working out are really my regular routine now. I seem to be pretty steady at 122 pounds. I still have goals and measurements but the scale is less important now.  My bonus weight goal is 118 pounds, but I'm really relaxed about it.  That goal weight was based on the Self Magazine Happy Weight quiz, and I'm happy now!

I have found other ways to measure my progress.  Some of these are less cut and dry than weight, but in the grand scheme of things more meaningful.

I have gone from size 14 to size 6!  This is kind of amazing.  Casey thinks that I will end up in a size 4. I am happy either way, but I have been avoiding buying too many new clothes in case she is right....she's already gotten enough pieces of clothing from me! I've also dropped a bra size.  I recently purchased a few 34Cs, and they are soooo comfy! Maidenform One Fabulous Fit is the bomb! (wish I could say I was getting swag for saying that).

I am more energetic.

I am happier than I ever have been in my life, though that may be due to this guy:

but, the benefits of pet ownership deserves a separate post (or blog).

I see so many more muscles in my body.  I got distracted at work a few weeks ago admiring my cut forearms!

I feel stronger, and am capable of so much more.  My favorite yoga pose is Crow.   I feel SO strong and confident when I do it.  I kind of want to do it all the time!

My relationship with food has become so healthy.  I really don't categorize foods as "Good" or "Bad," but I do think about what my food will do for me.  I choose foods based on macronutrients as well as my taste. But, if something is maybe nutritionally not so great, but something I love the taste of, I will eat it guilt free.  On the other hand, I won't eat an "indulgence" food if it's not something I love.  In fact, I won't eat a healthy food I don't love either (unless I am expanding my horizons and trying something new.)

I am feeling more adventurous.  I've always been reluctant to exercise in public, but a few weeks ago I went to a Yoga Around Town event.  I was nervous, since I don't do "real" yoga, but Jillian Michael's Yoga.  The fact that it was at my favorite venue, and there was a glass of wine included in the price helped to get me there. It turned out to be a blast!  I kept up with the workout, and it was there that I first nailed Crow.  I also can do something called "Full Bind," which Casey assured me was impressive. 

I also feel more adventurous in non-fitness ways.  I'm going to Puerto Rico in the fall.  This will be my first plane ride (unless I win another trip before then).  I am not nervous about the flight at all.  In fact, my only airplane anxiety revolves around how to get bumped to first class.  I am so excited about my trip, and hope to take some surfing lessons with a pro while there!  I feel so confident now about my ability to catch waves....I am so much stronger and fitter since the last time I surfed! I'm also so excited to ride in the rainforest, and maybe on the beach.  Riding was my first athletic passion. 

It has been such an adventure.  I still have goals, but perhaps that is for a subsequent post.

Breaking the Barrier

The holidays were hectic,  so instead of letting workouts and nutrition slide, I stopped blogging.

Today's weigh-in was 129.5. Getting under 130 seems like a really big deal to me! There's something symbolic about that middle number being a 2. Makes me feel like I have accomplished so much! I am almost 30 pounds lighter now!

Of course,  I must again say that the number on the scale is just one metric. Other signs of progress are smaller clothing sizes, how I look, more muscles, and how I feel.... stronger, fitter, and more confident. Bring the New Year on!

I feel great!

Did my Sunday morning workout. 40 minutes on the bike, then Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown level 2. My first time doing it and got through the whole thing! It was definitely a challenge, but I feel awesome for having done it.

I still have energy for the afternoon. No nap today!

Thursday weigh-in

Weighed in today at 138! I am 12 pounds down since the beginning of September. My mini goal is to hit 135 this month.
Pounds lost is a quick metric to measure progress, butI realize that as I continue to shed fat and gain muscle the number on the scale will become less important.
My ultimate goal is to eliminate my tummy fat, and to become lean and strong. Dropping clothing sizes, seeing the visual changes in my body, and becoming stronger in my workouts will be the true measure of progress.

It's an exciting journey and I feel confident that I will meet my goals!

Back on track!

After a week of blahs, I'm back on track! Did Fat Burning Ab Attack last night. Weighed in this morning at 139.5! My calorie tracker projects that I will hit my goal of 135 on November 28, the day after Thanksgiving. This amuses me, as the day after Thanksgiving is the worst day of the year to weigh oneself!
Feeling healthy and energetic this morning. I think I got away with just a few days of aches and fatigue instead of the full blown nasty cold so many of my coworkers have. Perhaps the exercise is boosting my immune system?

Did 6 sets of biceps curls this morning!  3 basic and 3 zottman. I'm noticing new muscles!

Goal!

Had a rough week or so, fitness wise. Last week of the month was period time, and I felt cruddy most of the week. Then I went away for the weekend. Then this week I've been fighting the cold going around work.

My workouts were lighter over the past week. I did not meet my October goal by the 31st. But....I hit it today!