If...

If you what you always did, then you will get what you always got.

I have really been motivated by this wise sayng recently. I have not posted here in so long because I was just coasting for quite some time. Not really trying to lose the weight. I was hardly going to the gym and rarely journaling/counting my calories each day. I know all the reasons I SHOULD be motivated, but I just kept finding it more convenient to give up.

Well, with God's help, I've been able to do better the last couple weeks. I have definitely not been perfect, but I have been able to journal many days. I am taking a new approach to exercise, too. Now that the weather is warmer, I have been able to get outside with my boys and be active in that way. The last time I went to the gym, I just did not really enjoy it at all. I know often I have to do things that are not enjoyable, but I have decided to cancel my membership at the gym in favor of getting my activity and exercise when I'm outside with my children. I also have decided that I was not ready to do the 5k. I let so much time go by, that the last time I went to the gym, I realized I was not going to be ready for a 5k in early May at the rate I was going. I think if I really devoted myself I could possibly be ready. I just really was finding it hard to find the right time to go. The best times (other than Neal's days off) were at night after the kids were in bed, and by then I was usually pretty worn out and not feeling like driving out to the gym.

Anyways, that's where I'm at right now. I'm thankful God has helped me not to just give up completely. God is good.

Currently: 21.2 lbs. lost
To go to goal: 16.6 lbs.

February 26, 2010

I didn't check in here last week. I had a pretty bad week for eating that week, so I honestly just didn't feel like writing about it. I had a much better week, although my weight is close to where it was 2 weeks ago. I was able to journal most every day this week, and I KNOW that helps so much.

19.8 lbs. lost so far
18 lbs. to go

February 12, 2010

I couldn't really think of a catchy title for this week's post, so I just put today's date. It wasn't a great week for eating because I didn't journal most of the week. I ended up gaining 1 pound from last Friday's weigh in, but I'm okay with that because last week was such a big drop for one week.

I am currently working a program my aunt told me about called "couch to 5k." I have had the desire to run in a 5k (and be able to jog the entire thing) for some time now. My aunt and I are both trying to work through the couch to 5k program in hopes to run a 5k together in May (the Komen Atlanta Race for the Cure, fyi). Yesterday was my second day of the second week, and I can already tell a difference. I think the program is really helping to train me for running with more endurance! I will try to keep updating my progress on that training as well as my weight loss on this blog. With God's help, I do think I can make it to my goal!

Weight loss so far: 20.2 lbs.
Weight left to lose: 17.4 lbs.

A breakthrough!!

Since my last post, I was able to journal every day--which was my goal. I also was able to go to the gym twice this week so far. I think the exercise is really making a big difference.

Since Monday, I have lost about 3 pounds. Today was my lowest weigh in yet. I am hoping that my weight will stay this low and continue to drop.

Yeah! Thank You Lord! I really felt like I have been in a rut recently, and this week I was able to see a breakthrough. I am posting updated pictures as I have now hit the 20 lbs. lost mark. You can also see all my weight loss pictures together on facebook.

Weight lost so far: 21.4 lbs.

Weight left to lose: 16.4 lbs.

This was also a big milestone week for me. I was very encouraged because today's weigh it means I have lost all my Caleb pregnancy weight and am now at a health bmi. :o) Thank You God!

Hooray for exercise!!

Since my last post I joined a gym in town. I have been able to work out a couple times so far and to attend two classes there. My favorite class was the zumba class. It's a Latin dance class. I definitely had to laugh at myself a lot, but it was great exercise for my heart. I'm just glad it was all women in the class! I went yesterday afternoon for a quick jaunt on the treadmill. I wanted to see how far I could go my first time trying to jog since...well, I can't even remember the last time! I did a slow jog, but I was so excited that I was able to jog a mile!! I have wanted for a long time to run a 5k, so maybe this could be the start!

As far as my eating, I haven't been doing very well. I have been pretty much eating at maintenance level. I can't remember what I weighed the last time I posted, but I think I'm still around the same weight. I just honestly haven't been dedicated to journaling. I just haven't had the drive to journal. It's such a struggle for me sometimes. Tomorrow is the final day of my challenge from Neal; I'm no where near that goal.

Well, my goal this week is to journal every day. I hope to post here Friday with that news. I know that's the key component I'm missing out on. If you talk to me this week (via computer or whatever), please keep me accountable. I know I'm weak in this area!!

Weight to go: 19.8 lbs.

17 days to go!

I have 17 more days of my challenge issued by Neal. I am a bit doubtful I will be able to reach it, but I don't want to give up. I had a mediocre week. I didn't journal my calories every day, and I gained half a pound.

19.4 lbs. to final goal
6.4 lbs. to Feb. 1 goal

I was feeling a little down this week. Sometimes it's hard for me to know what causes that...is it a problem in my relationship with God? Is it a physical or emotional issue? I never can figure it out exactly, but I do know I was really wishing to get out and get some exercise yesterday. I had been toying with the idea in my mind recently about how it might be nice to re-join the gym I used to go to in town. This morning when I updated Neal on my progress to my goal, he suggested the same idea. I am so excited about it! I am hoping to go tonight and re-join the gym in town, Lord willing. I told Neal that I feel like I can get to my goal, eventually, but I think working out at the gym will definitely help speed up that process.

I'm looking forward to posting back here next week. I am hopeful that with God's help, I can do better this week with my journaling and new exercise plan.

24 days left in this challenge...

I wondered when Neal gave me my new challenge for February 1 if I could do it. There are still 24 days to go. I still have a long way to go, but I am seeing that it may be possible to reach it!

Thank You, Lord, for helping me this week with my goal. I was certainly not perfect with my eating, but I was able to have a good week overall. I lost 1.8 pounds this week! I finally got under the 20 pounds to go mark! Yeah!! That was a big mental boost, for sure. I am now half a pound away from losing the weight I gained with my Caleb pregnancy. I am hoping that next week I will be able to post that I've lost all my Caleb weight and that I will be able to post another set of updated pictures.

Weight left to lose by February 1: 6 lbs.
Weight left to lose overall: 19 lbs.
Weight lost so far: 18.8 lbs.

Happy New Year!

Today was a nice start to the New Year. Neal is home today, and it's been nice spending time with him and our boys. We are so very blessed by God.

I weighed in this morning, and I'm here to post my progress. :o) I have been trying to cut out all milk products this week in an effort to see if that helps Caleb with his eczema (we think he is allergic to milk and he is still nursing). No milk means no ice cream, cookies, chocolate, cake, butter, and cheese. Boy, is it tough! I haven't seen much change with his eczema yet, but it sure is helping me on my diet!

Pounds lost to date: 17
Pounds left to lose by February 1 (challenge from Neal): 7.8
Pounds left to lose overall: 20.8

I am hoping to put up some updated pictures when I hit the 20 pounds lost mark. Maybe next Friday? We shall see...