Pondering

I'm opening myself up for criticism in this post. I have been pondering a new strategy. My life style change has been slow and somewhat painful. My emotions are fried. I have lost five pounds and definitely one inch in my hips.

However, it's been months. I see slow progress, but I'm losing motivation. Eating right and exercising has gotten me only a little further than where I started from.

I am thinking I need to jump start my body. Atkins...there I said it. I'm considering trying Atkins. It seems to go against my lifestyle change, but it shows great results. I read up on the diet and it sounds ok. Breakfast will be hard. Giving up beer for an occasionally glass of wine could be difficult. It would be worth it for better results.

Looking into the pros and cons for Atkins. I want to know it's going to work and be maintained (which seems like the bigger challenge).

Just thoughts, no action...yet.

One step at a time...

Losing weight isn't easy. You need people supporting you, a nice gym, and motivation/determination. I have a great support system.

I weighed in on Monday. Definitely one pound done. I also got measured. I lost one inch on my hips. It was awesome. It's a good step in the right direction!

I really appreciate having a great support team. Without them I would have given up. Thanks!!!

Picture update

Picture Progress! First picture is from the end of January. Second is from late February. Last picture is from beginning of April!

Scale War

After three weeks of not weighing myself, I got back on the scale.  It wasn't the most pleasant experience.  I lost one pound...in three weeks.  

I'm very disappointed.  I have 22 weeks before I have to start dress fittings for the wedding.  I want to lose 30 lbs.  I am very frustrated.  But instead of crying, I went to the gym to get my body fat test taken.  Well, it went up!!! Seriously, I think I'm meant to be overweight.  

Fat and happy!  That's what one of my friends says.  So this weekend I ate and drank what I wanted to, because it doesn't seem to matter.  My person at the gym says I cheated and got on the scale too early.  But I was losing motivation for working out at 6am and then again in the afternoon.  I think he was just mad his plan didn't work.  (Unfortunately, so am I) 

Now that I had my weekend off, it is back to the grind.  Trainer # 11 knows I'm pissed about my progress, so hopefully she can help!  If she can't help, then I don't know what to do... 

Wednesday 4/3

Today was amazing!!! I took a much needed mental health day.  It was beautiful out, but windy.  I had to run several errands and then I had my first official training appointment with Trainer # 11.  

My To Do List:
- Tidy house
- Go to Christmas Tree shop
- Go to Costco
- Go to Target
- Go to Old Navy
- Trainer appointment
- Fun Run with a friend
- Go to dance class 

It all began with cleaning up the house.  I started there before heading out on my errands.  I was able to accomplish all my errands in 2 hours because the traffic was a breeze.  (It is so much easier to get around town when people are working...and you are not:) 

I was super excited to see what this new trainer was going to show me today.  She led me to believe that her training would be different than what I was used to.  But I wanted to see it for my own eyes.  Well ... she was right.  It was so different.  We barely went on any of the machines or lifted free weights.  Her workout consisted of core, legs, and arms.  It was a full body workout.  Impressive!

About 30 minutes later, I met my friend for our first fun run of the season.  Running seems to be a new trend in my life.  Once again, this friend wasn't worried about me needing to do interval running/walking/jogging.  I knew a great route for us to take and she was willing to slow down for me.  However, after having done multiple lunges and squats the run was a challenge.  Next time I will not go running after my training work out.  But I enjoyed the company and the conversation!!! 

Finally, we went to dance class!  Ray and I are taking dance lessons for our wedding.  It was so much fun and a great way to end the day! 

Monday 4/1

It is painful to get up before sunrise.  I wanted to snuggle in my bed, but I had an appointment with my new trainer.  The thoughts running around in my head ... "I will only have to get up this once, most likely she won't make it more that a few weeks."  It seems to be a trend in the training profession.  However, I got up and drove to the gym.  I will admit I was twenty minutes late...so the sun was up :) But I got a small workout in before I had to sit down and chat with Trainer # 11

Trainer # 11 was friendly and pleasant to talk to at 7am.  (However, I don't know if I would say the same about myself. I had no coffee before being asked to discuss my diet and exercise.)  She went through my food plan and thought I was doing well.  She admitted to me that she felt my weight loss issues were due to poor training workouts, which both upset me and made me relieved at the same time.  I have paid good money for crap training.  I really hope that she will work out, cause I'm running out of options and time.  

Easter Fun Run

For the first time in my life, I went running with a friend.  I have never felt I could keep up with someone.  I thought I might slow them down.  However, one of my friends was very eager to help me achieve my goals.  I really wanted to see if I could run outside.  In addition, I want to build up to running 30 minutes straight.  

Sunday was the day! My friend and I went to Eliot Bridge and ran around the Anderson Bridge and back.  I wasn't able to run the entire time.  Instead I ran intervals.  I ran 3 minutes 30 seconds then walked twice, then I ran 3 minutes 40 seconds twice with walking in between!  I ran a total of 15 minutes.  It felt great.  I realized I like running outside better than on a treadmill.  Also, I think having company cheering me on really helped!! 

I was super excited to go out running for the first time this season.  I'm looking forward to more running opportunities!