Weight Loss Update: October Mini Goals

I've decided that starting over is harder than starting the first time. I'm sure this sounds crazy since I now know the strategies and resources, but I also know what it feels like and how hard it is. A low carb lifestyle is something I have to work at daily and since the end of July, I've backtracked a lot. 

So, hello October. I know how hard this next month will be because I've been here before. I know what it takes and I know I have to make a fierce commitment if I want to see change. I've decided to commit to some mini goals. I have a great accountability partner and I want to help motivate and encourage her as much as she does me. We can do this!

October Mini Goals

-Log ALL food in MyFitnessPal app

-Remain consciously positive and grateful 

-Give myself some grace for slip ups

-Plan ahead for meals out

- Meal prep my lunches

-Exercise 3 or more times a week

There you have it. To my readers, hold me accountable. I want to do this. I need to do this.

I can do this.

Weight Loss Journey Update...the Good, Bad, and Ugly

With all that has been going on lately, I totally missed a July weight loss update. Granted, there was not much to report. I figured I'd hit the highlights honing in on the good, bad and ugly.

Let me begin with the Ugly...

Mid July we went on vacation. I should leave it at that, but seriously, I bottomed out. I made very few "good" choices despite knowing I needed to. I had opportunities to make healthier choices but threw them to the wind. It has been a major struggle to get back on track. I'm up 3lbs and holding.

::via::

The Bad

I have not jumped back into full commitment mode. I keep telling myself everyday that this is it. This is the day I pick back up where I left off.

::via::

The Good

I recognize my shortcomings and I've identified some areas of weakness. The majority of temptation has been removed from the house (again) and I have a game plan for next week. Monday will be my first day back (with students) for this new school year and I am looking forward to having the support I've missed over the summer. I will get back on track. I will get down to my first weight loss goal. I will be healthier for myself and my children.

::via::

Monthly Weight Loss Update June 2016

Here I am, 4 months in to this new WOE. I can honestly say, that despite the occasional challenges, I am honestly liking. I like how I feel. I like how I am beginning to look. I like the food. I like that I am not hungry.

This is truly a way of life for me.

::via::

This month was a little slow going in the way of weight loss, but overall, I am still pleased with what is taking place. I had a few more splurge days than normal and I know that is where my downfall lies. I'm still trying to master eating out...and even though we do not eat out often, it remains a challenge for me. I also struggle some when we go to the homes of friends or family to eat. Because what I am doing has nothing to do with allergies, people aren't as aware of what is best for me to eat. I make due and if I am able to contribute to the meal, I try to ensure that I bring something that I know I can enjoy without exceeding my carb limit.

This month did result in some changes...

I am down 3.8lbs from last month which puts me at a total loss of 23.8lbs. I'm down a total of 5.5 inches overall. I can tell this primarily in my chest and waist.

I continue to experiment with different recipes. I always try them out with my husband and daughter, and thankfully, most of them have been family approved. This is very important considering I am making this a lifestyle.

Over the last month or so, I have had a couple of friends/family members jump on board. I love having the support. We share recipes, frustrations and successes. I really encourage you to find the right kind of support if you are going this route. My goal is to have my husband join me on this journey but I have not quite convinced him to do so yet. Fingers crossed.

I am continually reminded that when this change is hard, I am doing it for a better quality of life. My God has already numbered my days, but I want to care for myself and make each one of those count. I'm learning how not to allow my "messy days" to take over all the good I've accomplished. A couple steps back will not keep me going backwards. Thanks again to all of you who continue to walk this journey with me and encourage me along the way.

Linking up for Mommy Moments

::via::

Monthly Weight Loss Update May 2016

::via::

Another month has passed and although I have had multiple setbacks this month, I am still proud of my success thus far.

I have lost a total of 20lbs!

I've lost a total of 7 inches.

A lot of my clothes are actually appearing to be too big on me.

I'm down a total of 3 notches on my belt.

I feel good (minus this weekend's hit with the GI bug).

I am looking forward to having the summer off with my kids. I am counting down the days. I am also hoping to add more exercise into my routine. One thing I know I need to do to better myself is to not treat the weekends like I'm on a free-for-all binge eating party. I have had a real issue with just letting myself go on the weekends. I don't feel well after eating like that and I know it is not good for me.

Self control.

::via::

So...here's a toast to more progress. I am so close to my 30lb goal!

Linking up for Tuesday Talk

Monthly Weight Loss Update April 2016

::via::

Getting healthy is no joke. I have a ton of reasons why I want to do this for myself and for my family and I'm using all of those reasons to keep me encouraged when things get tough. I've made it through about 3 months of low carb eating and I can honestly say that I do not really miss those things that I was missing last month...such as pasta, bread, etc. I still struggle some with sweets, but nothing like I did in the beginning. I can't take all the credit to my weight loss this month. I had a couple episodes of health issues that led to me not feeling so well, which in turn led me to not wanting to eat as much as I normally do. I hope all of that is on its way out and I'll get back to feeling 100%.

In the past month I have lost 9 lbs.

That makes a total of 19.4 lbs.

I'm over half way to my first goal of 30lbs.

I'm now fitting into clothes that I could not wear 2 months ago.

I went down another notch on my belt.

I can literally walk out of some of my pants because they will not stay up without a belt.

The biggest challenge I now face is getting into an exercise routine. Life is crazy, no matter how I try to slow it down and it just does not seem like I have time. I'm looking forward to June when I'm out of school and I can have a little more time to focus on me and exercise.

::via::

I'd love some tips from other working women and/or mothers on how you incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

My Weight Loss Journey

Linking up for Waiting on Wednesday

Weight Loss Journey Update March 2016

::via::

I remember starting this journey in 2011. I wanted to feel good and be healthy. I tried various weight loss techniques that included watching what I ate and exercise. I was diligently training for a 5k at the time. It took me a whole year to lose 25lbs. I could not understand why I wasn't closer to where I wanted to be considering all the time and effort I was putting in. I was diagnosed with PCOS later that year, which explained a lot. My body was working against me, not for me.

My weight loss came to a halt when we became pregnant in 2012. After struggling with infertility, this was a welcomed surprise. I jumped on the "get healthy" wagon again soon after G was born. Once again, the progress was SO SLOW! It took me about a year to lose and maintain the loss of 20lbs. We faced our infertility issues once again and we were hopeful that the weight loss would help. It didn't but we at least knew where to start and I became pregnant in the fall of 2014.

All of that brings me to this. It's time to really get healthy and to find a lifestyle change that truly works for me. With my PCOS diagnosis, it's no surprise that weight loss is even more of a challenge. I've never known how to really work my diet outside of exercise, calorie counting and portion control...until now. I've read multiple articles and various medical findings that suggest a low carb way of eating. A few weeks ago a friend of mine suggested that I give it a go. She has lost substantial weight with this type of eating. I was slightly skeptical so I looked into it.

Some people tend to go a little overboard in my opinion and I'm in awe of the ability to eat so few carbs that some people have. My friend currently allows herself 20 carbs a day, along with no sweets. Whoa. I'm still amazed. I've also learned that by only focusing on carbs, you can quickly become over saturated with sodium. I for one have to watch my sodium intake, so while bacon has little to no carbs, I can't eat it repeatedly for the sake of my sodium levels. It's all about finding a happy medium.

::via::

I have decided to learn how to eat low carb. I chose to lower my carb intake to 100g or less a day. I feel comfortable with this level and it is often the level used in clinical studies (like this one) for PCOS patients participating in a low carb/high fat way of eating. The exciting news is that a lot of women with PCOS discover that their symptoms lessen or even go away completely...including infertility issues. For me, this is a win-win all the way around, even if it does not result in fewer infertility issues.

So, here I am. I began this new way of eating on February 29th. One month later I have seen some exciting changes.

I have lost 10.2 pounds.

My wedding rings are looser.

I moved one notch on my belt.

I was told that my face looked thinner by someone who is unaware of my attempts at weight loss.

I've met my first two mini goals!
I'm still trying to decide on a reward for hitting 10lbs but I got this beautiful bead for my pandora bracelet. The color represents PCOS Awareness and it is a reminder that I can overcome the challenges of my diagnosis.

This type of change in diet is not for the faint of heart. To those who said I would not miss pasta or bread...I'm calling your bluff. I do miss those things but I'm working on ways to substitute them. For the record, I am not the 'no carb police'. I allow myself a cookie now and then or a taco shell. However, I do include those things in my count. Those types of things have truly become treats.

Needless to say, the first two weeks were certainly the hardest. Things have become easier as I go along. I consider this a life style change and I refuse to live my life hungry. It's been a lot of trial and error as I try to discover what will meet my dietary needs as well as make and keep me full. I am determined to do this. I'm actually looking forward to meeting with my doctor this summer. I hope she's pleased with my progress.

If you have been doing LCWOE, I'd love to hear any suggestions in the way of snacks and recipes that you love for Low Carb eating. I believe I'm in this for the long haul.

Linking up for Mommy Moments

FOF: Weight Loss Edition

It's been a while since I've linked up for a Five on Friday but it's been a while since I've done a lot of things. One of those things is taking better care of myself. Since the birth of Baby N, I've not felt like I've had the time or energy I need to focus on myself. Now that I've got the majority of my health things in order, it's time to get back on track.

1. Stop making excuses

I've had multiple medical issues since my delivery in July. Some birth/pregnancy related and some not. I've been working on getting these matters addressed and now that most of them are resolved, it's time to stop making excuses. I am a full-time working mom so I'll always be some degree of tired. I have a treadmill so the weather can't be a factor. Even 20-30 minutes is better than nothing...no more excuses.

2. Love

I have to love myself enough to do this. I have to love my children enough to want to live a long, active, and healthy life with them. I want to love myself enough to be the person my husband sees me as. I need to love my God enough to adequately care for this body He designed just for me.

3. Water

As a teacher it's really difficult to get in enough water each day. I can't just use the bathroom anytime I want. I've been trying to get in more at lunch and when I get home. It's just a little tricky.

::via::

4. Portion Control

I'm back to being concious about serving size. This is a big deal when you consider how many calories/fat/sodium are in one serving of certain foods (I do love cookies lol). Focusing on serving size helps me maintain portion control. It also helps me weed out what I consider worth eating. I want to be full, happy, and healthy. This leads me to #5...

::via::

5. Eat more of the right things

Some habits, especially food habits, are hard to break. I've dealt with emotional eating in the past and I know how easy it is to fall into that mindset. Keeping the right kinds of foods, including snacks, in the house make eating right so much easier. 

I'll be getting back to posting weight loss updates soon...I'm currently down 3lbs for March!

Five on Friday
Mommy Moments

Opt Out October

Well, judging by the scale you could assume that I've given up. Not true. I've just not prioritized things the way I've needed...or maybe I have, but the balance is off. Whatever the case, I'm not happy with the last month and a half and I need to get things back together.

The same goes for our spending. I'm pretty saving savvy but this past month I've made some impromptu purchases and I need to reign it back in. These things have led me to choosing to do an "Opt Out October" personal challenge.

October will be the month that I get some things back on track.

::via::

To get healthier this month I will opt out of the following...
-excuses for not exercising. I have to get back to making my body move. I've signed up for the Glow Baby Glow 5k to get myself motivated.
-doubt. There have been moments over the last month that have made me question whether or not I can really do this. I can.
-complaining. If I don't like what I see or how I feel, I have no right to complain because it is within my control to change it.

::via::

 To make some savvy spending choices this month I will opt out of the following...
-buying coffee more than 1x a week.
-eating out more than 1x a week. We normally rarely eat out but this past month has been a bit crazier than most. It's just been so easy to grab a pizza or Chinese instead of making a healthy home cooked meal.
-buying clothing...I rarely buy clothes for myself, but for my little one...yes. I adore tiny human clothes and when I find a great deal I jump on it, especially since she is outgrowing all of the clothes we were given as gifts/have received as hand-me-downs. The one exception will be a pair of black tights.
-home décor purchases. Nope. None. We're working on getting our house ready to sell and that is where the money needs to go.
-things we don't use...need to be gone. I have big dreams to remove even more clutter from this house.

This month will hold a couple little treats. We're hoping to have some family pictures done this month or next. We're also planning on celebrating our 6th anniversary later this month. Those will be special items that I'll budget for. The only other things that I'm having to work out are the unexpected medical bills we have coming in. Suddenly my insurance is not covering some things that they've been covering in the recent past. Grrr.

So this is my plan. I'm hoping to see positive results in both areas. Wish me luck!

Linking up with Annie

Monthly Weight Loss Update

Well, August has been another month of maintenance. I still weigh less than I have in over 5 years but I still have a ways to go. It's definitely been a journey. 

September is PCOS Awareness Month and I'm no stranger to the struggles it can bring. I was diagnosed in 2011, although looking back the symptoms were evident even in my teens. Before my diagnosis I was unaware that there was a "real" problem. My symptoms were my "normal" and no one had ever told me different.  As a teen I was told things would eventually even out or that some things are just genetic. No to the first and yes to the second. While looking at me you would never guess the battles I face...this is true for most women with PCOS.

We get pretty good at wearing smiles. I generally pride myself in being open and honest but this is one area of my life that I've kept pretty quiet until recently.  In order for me to not deal with this alone and to offer support to others I've had to learn how to talk about it. One of the hardest things to talk about aside from our infertility struggles is that of my weight/weight loss.

PCOS...it makes it so much more difficult to lose the weight. My doctor sympathized and was pleased with my progress at my annual exam. She encouraged me to keep going...even though she knows I'm up against a lot. Unfortunately I have to work a lot harder than most at losing the weight thanks to the way my body breaks down the food I eat and produces insulin. This in turn causes various hormone imbalances that lead to weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight and in my case, infertility. There is always something out of whack.

However, I refuse to use that as an excuse. I know I need to amp up the exercise and continue adding more fruits and veggies to my diet...because when you hit a plateau, that means you are in need of a change.


::via::

August held a lot of highs and lows. We made an offer that was accepted on a piece of property with a beautiful view. We'll be signing on the dotted line tomorrow and then we can really begin planning our forever home. This has been a wonderful distraction from the disappointment of yet another unsuccessful month of trying to conceive. From a health perspective, I'm waiting to hear from my doctor about our next step. I've also been checking with my insurance on what they offer in regards to a dietitian. I've found a local dietitian who has worked specifically with women with PCOS. I'm hoping something will work out. I feel like I'm at the point where I could really benefit from an expert's advice.

With all of that being said, I'm trying to make some changes this month. I'm not a huge snacker but I definitely did my fair share over this past month. I'm a stress eater and with work beginning again and some of the other things we've had going on...I've not always considered all that has made its way to my mouth.

Being at work has definitely helped with my snacking issue, but I also need to focus on snacks that work for me, not against me. One of my friends gave me a great suggestion for my sweet tooth. Chocolate milk is seriously one of my most favorite sweets. Milk, while good for you, can hold a ton of calories...and then when you add the chocolate...well, you might as well have just had dessert. She recommended I try dark chocolate almond milk. I've converted to almond milk and must say I really like it. I've used it in both my cereal and baking/cooking and don't notice a major difference and with the low calorie/high nutrition content, I feel good about my choice. Now back to the sweet stuff. The dark chocolate almond milk is A.MAZ.ING! It tastes delicious and for 100 calories I can enjoy a full glass without the guilt. (I've only tried the Silk brand...and I've not been endorsed to recommend it.)

I hope to have better news in my next weight loss post. I've got the reasons for motivation, I've just got to get my act back together. I've only got this one life. I need to live it right and care for the skin I'm in.

::via::

What are some of your healthy, go-to snacks? I'm looking for grab and go...

Linking up with Home of Malones

Monthly Weight Loss Update

If you remember in my last post, I didn't have any thrilling news...which is okay. You win some and lose some and while I wish I was losing more than what I am, I'm proud of small victories. I gained a few pounds last month and it was my goal to get them off. Of the four pounds that packed themselves on I have lost 3 of them. That puts me back at a 20lb loss.

Even greater still are the discoveries I made this past week. I decided that with school starting, and since I have not bought new clothes in ages (I am currently still wearing clothes that I bought after graduating collage), a little shopping trip was in order. Having lost 20lbs, many of my clothes do not fit like they once did. This is a good and bad thing. Some of my pants now fit as they should while other pairs literally fall off of me.

Now, when it comes to pants, I've always had a problem buying a pair that fits just right. This is simply because those that make pants must assume that women with my waist size have hips to boot. I do not. There is nothing "hippy" about me. How does this relate to my discovery?

Well, I ventured into Old Navy to purchase a couple of tops. They were having a sale on their khakis. The pair that I had bought last from ON fit fine prior to the weight loss. They now require a belt if they are to be worn. While these pants originally fit better than most, I still looked like I had wings where my invisible hips were supposed to be.

My first discovery was the Diva Everyday Bootcut Khaki pants. Love! They are designed for the souls like me with straighter figures. (Don't get me wrong, I have curves. They are just in the wrong places.) I love how they hug me in all the right places.

My second discovery was the size. I could wear a size smaller!!! Talk about an embarrassing happy dance! I was so excited! While to some this is nothing, to me this was a huge accomplishment! I have not put on a pair of pants this size since high school.

This got me excited and I added a couple more pieces to my work wardrobe (pardon the pictures. I'm horrible at selfies.)

This has given me a new sense of motivation. I'm making a few food choice changes. I've been reading through The Low GI Guide to Living Well with PCOS (again) and I have decided to get back on track with a diet that includes more PCOS friendly foods. Remember, when I say diet, I'm not referring to starving myself. I am referring to the types of food I eat.

I've made a few changes to my menu that include low glycemic foods, which means less dairy, more whole grains, fruits, veggies and lean proteins. There is a balance and I am working towards that. Low glycemic foods break down more slowly, leaving you feeling fuller longer, and helps reduce the surge of insulin that is often produced with starchier foods. You can view a pretty comprehensive list of Low GI foods here.

The final discovery I made while perusing the good ol' internet, is the Food Swap tool by the Glycemic Index Foundation.

You can also find more resources on my Living with PCOS board.

So here's to hoping for good things in August.

::via::

Monthly Weight Loss and Pictures

I won't even pretend that I've given a praiseworthy attempt at losing weight or accomplishing my goals this month. In fact, since I'm being completely honest, this month I hit a wall. I've been facing a weight loss plateau and I let it get the best of me. Curse this back and forth sway of 1-2lbs. I lost focus. I got caught up in the traveling, and while wonderful, I didn't eat like I should, nor exercise, during those times. I allowed being away from home to be my excuse for extra snacking and high calorie food options. I was on vacation!

We've also been facing some personal matters and I've found myself settling into old habits. More than once I caught myself turning to food for comfort. Remnants of my Emotional Eating surfaced but I refused to let them stick around.


::via::

I've tried not to be too hard on myself...that would only crush what motivation I have left. While this last week has held many wonderful things, it has also held it's share of stress, anxiety and disappointment, but I did my best to not allow these feelings overrule my better judgment. I've gotten in a little more exercise this past week and I'm feeling better about greeting July (if you don't count the fact that half of my summer will be over ::tears::)

So while I wish I had amazing results to share with you this month...I do not. I know in order to move forward that I can't focus on "what I should have done."

::via::



 

I did, however, have a memorable moment...my hubby and I took our first "real" date since the birth of our daughter over a year ago...and I wore "the dress". This dress has not been worn in almost 3 years. It fit better now than it ever has...I consider that a major accomplishment.

With all that being said, I've decided to take a step back from social media for a while. I feel that I need to be devoting myself more to some of my relationships and health and I need to get myself going forward in full motion again. I'll still be blogging, but maybe not as often and as for Facebook...don't be offended when I look clueless if you tell me about something you posted. More than likely I will have missed it. As much as I love reading updates, I have some updating that I need to do outside of the technological realm. God bless and I hope all of you are enjoying your summer!

 

::via::

Monthly Weight Loss with Pictures

I cannot believe the month of May is almost gone! I've entered into my last week of school and with that comes even longer days, less family time, mounds of paper work and overly rambunctious children. We'll have the student Field Day, First Grade Fun Day, the Spring Awards program, Fifth Grade Graduation parade...and I know I'm forgetting something(s). Now is also the time of year when people begin making comments about how teachers get the summer off, it must be nice not to work, etc. Trust me. It only looks that way on our contracts and, while I can only speak for myself and fellow co-workers, the summer is filled with prep work for the upcoming school year. Our work is never done and it always manages to come home with us to some degree. I'll stop there and save this soapbox for another time.

::via::

For now, I'd like to share with you this month's progress. We've been dealing with a few things personally and in the midst of trying to find ways to make our dreams reality and finish up half started projects around the house, I've been trying to make some weight loss progress. Stress levels have been a little higher this month (which good things can be stressful too) and our mornings, days and nights have been filled with things that keep us busy. I've not been able to work out like I'd hoped but I've tried to maintain at least some type of activity almost every day.

I had also gotten down on myself over not meeting my 20lb goal. I was really struggling with the plateau that I had hit. I had to do something. I wanted to reach that goal!

I had gotten out of the habit of "honestly" tracking my food. I might put in a few things each day but I had stopped entering in everything I was eating. I am still amazed at how quickly I lost sight of healthy eating. My snacking had also become an issue. Instead of keeping healthy options on hand I went for quick, high calorie grabs. I refocused my attention to healthy choices. Here are some examples:

It all boils down to poor eating choices this month. These past two weeks I've really tried to get back on track.

To build some momentum, I've decided to throw in some mini goals for June. This could be a little tricky with some traveling that we have in our plans, but I'm determined.

In June I will...

1. Make SMART snacking choices

Satisfying-it fulfills the craving and tames the hints of hunger
Managable-it can easily go with me and/or doesn't require a lot of preparation
Appetizing-it tastes good (duh!)
Right size-caloric intake is worth the serving size/portion control
Thrifty-on sale or inexpensive

2.At least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week

3. Create a motivation collage. I had one of these in college and it really helped my motivation to see some of my goals and words of encouragement each day. I had mine hanging on the refrigerator.

Now that I've got my goals before me, it's time to take a look at the numbers from this past month. I've lost another inch in my waist (that's a total of 2 inches since I began tracking March)...and since December 2013...drum roll please...

 

I feel like I'm finally starting to see a difference, not just feel it.

 

While the numbers are always exciting, it is also important to identify some of the non-scale victories that I've also accomplished.

-I completed a 5k with my daughter (you can catch all of the fun here!)

-My bra size is smaller (don't tell my hubby)
-I need a belt for almost every pair of pants I wear
-A couple pairs of my pants literally fall off as I walk or climb the stairs. I've put those to rest, hoping to never go back to them.
-I'm fitting into clothes that I couldn't even wear pre-baby...some of which are now almost too big!

With this month's weight loss, I've reached my 20lbs goal...and this means I get to splurge on a goody! When I began this journey, I created a Weight Loss Goals board on Pinterest to keep me encouraged. I'm so excited about purchasing this water bottle. I would not typically spend this type of money on a water bottle, but that's what makes it special right? I really want to dive into a dozen donut holes, but a water bottle will be much more beneficial. Here is the water bottle I'll be enjoying in the very near future!

Tervis Whimsical Owl Water Bottle

If you struggle with your weight, you are not alone. I had to change a lot of my weight loss perceptions and set realistic goals. I've had to rely on my own inner strength, the encouragement of others and the power of my God to push through. I am almost to my 30lb weight loss goal. It can be done. I've had to look at it this way...I'm losing weight to get healthy, not skinny. As I become healthier I add quality to my life and that is more important than the size of pants I wear. Every pound counts. Every exercise minute matters. I am worth it!

 

::via::

 

Monthly Weight Loss with Pictures

A month filled with multiple birthdays and Easter celebrations has the potential to do a number on one's weight-loss. While I know I should have been more cautious and said "no" more often than not, the damage has been done. Praise God for a new day...a new month.

::via::

As you'll soon see, I don't have much in the way of weight-loss to celebrate this month, so instead, I'm focusing on the non-scale victories.

::via::

Here are some of my non-scale victories thus far:

-pants are looser

-I can wear clothing that I wasn't even able to wear pre-pregnancy

-my rings are looser

-2 inches total off of my waist

::via::



The month of May is already filling up. The end of the school year is drawing near and with that comes assessments, multiple check lists, and farewells. I was out on maternity leave this time last year...lucky me. It's funny how quickly I've forgotten all that comes with this time of year. However, as I prepare to send my precious first graders onto second grade, I also look forward to what the summer will hold.

We have multiple home-based projects and hopefully a mini-vacation or two. I'm also looking for ways to keep motivated as the hot weather settles in over the next couple of months. My hubby and I are planning to go visit my mom and sister in Georgia in June. We've found a couple of 5ks that we are interested in. We may just add one of those to our to-do list while we're down there. If this does not fall into place, I'll begin looking for a couple for this fall.

I'm also continuing to focus on losing inches. This month was not what I had hoped for in the way of weight-loss, which I take complete responsibility for. However, I did lose a little and I also lost .5 more inches in my waist. That totals 2 inches!

My biggest victory this month however is this...I really struggle with self-confidence (no, this is not my victory ha ha...I thought I'd give a bit of a backstory). I have a huge list of insecurities that influence a lot of areas in my life. I gained a little bit of myself back this week (okay...here it comes!) I bought a little black dress about 3 years ago. I wore it once for my birthday that year. I was working hard at losing weight and I was determined to wear that dress. I did. I have not worn it since. It has been hanging silently in the back of my closet just aching to be worn. I was cleaning out my closet this weekend and pulled it out. I looked at it longingly, wishing so badly to be able to wear something that I could feel good in. I decided to try it on to see just how far I had to go...and to my surprise...it fit!!! It fit better than I remember it fitting 3 years ago! I didn't want to take it off! I am currently working on a special date night that will allow me to doll myself up, put on some heels and wear this dress. I apologize for sounding so superficial, but this was a huge deal for me! While I'm still a ways off from wanting to splurge on a new wardrobe, I do have a non-scale victory that has given me some much needed motivation.

My "little black dress"

With all of this in mind, I am still working towards the weight-loss goals I've set for myself. I'm also eagerly trying to cross off more of the items on my 30 before 30 list. One of those items is to lose 30lbs and I'm getting there...Here are the numbers for April...

You can check out the rest of my weight loss journey here.

Monthly Weight Loss with Pictures

It's time for an update, so in lieu of my typical Five on Friday, I'll be sharing my current weight loss progress.

My weight loss journey continues...and with each day, I face new challenges. There are days I fight the exercise. There are days I just want to make excuses. And yet everyday, whether I want to acknowledge it or not, is an opportunity for me to better myself and the lives of others. I can't just sit back and expect change to happen...

 

 

Over the past month I've had several "ah ha" moments, which to many of you may seem more like "duh" moments, but nonetheless, I've laid claim to some new understandings.

 

 

Food is Fuel...It's Meant to Make Me Function, Not Fat. While most of you are nodding your head and thinking, how could she not know this, let me clarify. It is not a matter of not knowing, it is a matter of knowing, accepting, and applying. I've done the WW program in the past, and while I love the idea and for many it works, it never worked for me because I didn't have a firm grasp on "better eating." I accepted my point allowance and my splurge day. I counted my points, tracked my exercise minutes and thought that was enough. They were my points. I could eat what I wanted. That was the beauty of the program right? Wrong. Eating foods high in fat, calories and/or sugar just pack on the pounds. It doesn't matter that I had 20 points and ate a dozen doughnuts as long as I was in my point range...silly me. I now have a different food mantra. Food is Fuel. I enjoy the occasional donut or cupcake, but these are not my go to foods. While I enjoy a snack or two, I make better choices. I've figured out more ways to make food work for me, not against me. Need an idea on how to get started? Take a look at Foods that Turn to Fat to get some perspective. I'm not doing a "diet plan" this go-around. Instead I'm making lifestyle changes in the way I eat, cook and exercise.

 

 

Movement is a Must. I am becoming more accepting of exercise as a pro instead of a con. There are days when work has just exhausted me and by the time I make dinner, bathe the baby and get her to bed, fold some laundry and get things ready for the next day, I really struggle to muster up the will to exercise. The treadmill seems to mock me. My workout DVDs don't mind if they collect dust on the shelf...and yet just like anything else, if change is going to occur, movement must be made. An advancement, a forward motion, progression...whatever your terminology, a physical and mental shift must happen. I ran across this simple Activity Pyramid. It's a great example of how to incorporate activity and how often.

 



  

Okay, now that I've bored inspired shared with you my revelations, it's time to reveal this month's numbers and picture...I always get a bit nervous putting this out there but the amount of support, encouragement, and accountability are well worth it.

 

From December 29, 2013 to March 28, 2014 I am down another .5 inches in my waist and I have lost...

 

 

 
 
 
 

March 2014

As April unfolds, there are many exciting things ahead. This month we'll celebrate my last birthday in my twenties (eek!), my daughter's first birthday, her first Easter, the death and Resurrection of my Savior, my first 5k in almost 3 years, and several other itty bitty birthdays. It will be a full month of wonderful celebrations. As I look forward to these things, I'm also reminded that all of these festivities generally incorporate excellent food and sedentary activities. I have already begun mentally preparing myself for these occasions and I'm working on ways to find a balance that won't undo all that I've done and won't impede my progress.

 

Thanks for all of the encouragement. I hope to make more progress as the months pass on.