I might regret this later - talking about my weight loss on my blog that is. But, the truth is, I've found a lot of encouragement and inspiration in following other people's journeys towards a healthier lifestyle and seeing their successes (and failures) along the way. Plus, I function well on words of affirmation and accountability (#peoplepleaser), so putting this out there can only help my progress. Right? Let's hope.
Anyway, I'm keeping this short and sweet...
Here's a bullet point for each pound I lost in January:
1. My last Diet Coke was on December 31st. I do not crave them like I used to, and I can fairly easily resist their allure now. BUT, I still think about them and have to convince myself not to "cheat" almost every day. #addicted I AM still drinking about two cups of coffee every day, and guzzling LOTS of water.
2. I got a FitBit Flex on New Year's Day and have been wearing it to keep track of my steps/ calories burned ever since. I am also using the My Fitness Pal app on my iPhone which automatically connects to the FitBit. My goal each day is to have a 1,000 calorie difference between the number of calories burned and the number of calories eaten. (To be fair, most days I am usually closer to the 700 - 800 calorie range.) So far, I am REALLY liking this method. It has gotten to be a habit for me, and it is kind-of like a game every day.
3. At the beginning of the month, I was exercising four - five days a week pretty regularly. After we got sick mid month, I have been a little less consistent with my workouts - probably getting them in more like two or three times each week. My workout of choice is a Zumba class (SO fun), but I also enjoy walking/jogging on the treadmill with my Kindle or a magazine. So far, I haven't done anything really with weights, but I'm hoping to up my workouts a little this month with more interval training etc. (Maybe Jillian Michael's Shred again. Thoughts?)
4. Other than d-coke, I really haven't "cut out" anything entirely. I have still let myself enjoy favorites like cookies, pizza, and Chickfila, BUT I am MUCH more aware of how much and how often I am eating these things.
5. For the first two weeks, I felt sluggish and maybe even more tired than usual. (Also, grumpy.) I can't say that I feel a huge difference in my energy levels now; but, I do think there is some subtle improvement. For example, I'm not napping nearly as often (almost never), and I'm feeling a lot more motivated to get things done around the house etc. after work in the afternoons.
6. The biggest difference between this time and other times I have tried to lose weight, is that this feels A LOT more permanent. I am trying to lose weight slowly and by making healthy decisions that will become a part of my LIFE - not just a phase. Unlike times before, when I've had a bad day (and, trust me, there have been plenty), I don't feel like a total failure. I tell myself: "This isn't about ten days in a row of being healthy, it's about ten years. What's one day?" and get back on track.
7. A few people have said they can tell a small change in my face and - in general - I feel less bloated and like my clothes are a little less tight; but, for the most part, I can't really tell a big difference outwardly yet. I'll admit, that is frustrating to me at times; but, I'm sticking with it. I am trying to remind myself that this is about MY HEALTH and NOT my appearance.
8. While I am genuinely happy with my progress so far and proud of myself for my work this month, I still think it's been at about 75%... I could work harder and make better decisions in this process. I am choosing to look at this past month as the BEGINNING and to up my efforts from this point forward.
So... There you have it. An update on my progress so far.
