Monthly Weight Loss with Pictures

I can't believe another month has gone...and so quickly! My little girl turned 10 months old and celebrated her first Valentine's Day. It was not the best month for weight loss, but at least I still saw some progress (no matter how small).

Truth Time!

From December 29-February 27 I have lost a total of

 

While it's only a 1.6lb loss, I'm okay with that. I ran into a couple of slumps over the last month and I know highs and lows will come. This may not be a strong month in the way of loss, but it's still 1.6lbs I no longer carry on my body...and did I mention I've lost an inch off my waist?! Small victories!



 

I have learned several things over the last month...

 

1. Regular exercise takes away the guilt of a splurge. In January I was very consistent with my exercise. For various reasons (and excuses) I was not as consistent this month. I felt so guilty if I splurged on a brownie or wanted to enjoy a special Valentine's treat. Just the month before I allowed myself to enjoy those things because I knew I was working out regularly. Let's just say I felt a lot of guilt this month...so much so that I took a week off from sweets.

 

2. Accept the numbers. I was really down on myself for the days I did not do well, which were clearly more often than not. Thanks to the encouragement of my best friend, I stepped on the scale each week, regardless of what I thought knew would be the end result. I learned to accept that not everyday would be good and that was okay. I also decided to not solely focus on the weight loss itself. I added my waist measurements.

 

3. I am worth it. This is something that, while it seems like a "duh" kind of mindset, is far from a statement I have been comfortable with, let alone believe. I know I am loved and I know that I mean a lot to others, but I've not accepted myself in a way that provides motivation. I strive each day to give my all to others in all that I do and I am learning that this needs to seep into my weight loss journey. There have been days when I ask myself "why am I doing this?!" and then I look into the face of my daughter or in the eyes of my amazing husband and I am reminded that I need to do this for them. I need to do this for my future children. I need to do this in order to live the life God intended me to live. So while I strive to lose the weight, I will also strive to own my self-worth.

 

 



I'm also really excited to announce an upcoming goal! My friend Shannon and I are going to be participating in the HoosHeal 5k coming up in April. I will be racing in memory of Sarah Ann and in honor of my daughter. In case you missed my Raising Royalty post where I introduced many of you to precious Sarah Ann, you can find it here. I am so blessed to have a beautiful, healthy daughter of my own and I never want to take that for granted. I truly feel it an honor to race for those who have gone before, for those who are currently fighting, and for those who may face childhood cancer in the future. This will be my first race since before I became pregnant in 2012. It will be a slow go but I will finish. That finish line is mine...