Hi Ladies -
How is everyone doing this evening? Have you had a happy and healthy day? It was a good day here. I sort of blew off work to finish up shopping and gift wrapping for the family that I had to mail gift to. I managed to get them shipped out late this afternoon. I accidently put a bag of gifts for my teammates at work in my brother's box. Opps. Then I hit the gym for cardio and had a nice evening playing with the boys.
Thank you for the compliments on my pictures. And thanks to Terri for encouraging me to post them. I am really proud of what I've accomplished in the last almost 5 months. I still have a long way to go, but I will absolutely achieve my goals!!! Right now I have my eyes set on losing 100 pounds, then the next goal is 199 (when I will also get my first tattoo) then my ultimate goal that my trainer and I have agreed on is 168. That will put me at ~20% body fat. I haven't weighed that since around my sophmore year of HS. I absolutely love the changes I've made in my life. I feel better than I have felt in 15 years. I have so much energy, I sleep better, my moods are better (usually - I am an emotional person).... I could go on and on. If you are struggling getting on track please don't wait any longer. I put this off for far too long. I enjoy eating healthy, I love going to the gym. My life has changed so much for the better.
I'm not doing anything drastic or crazy. I log all my food using Fitday. I eat 1600-1800 calories a day of lean meats, fresh fruits/veggies, proteins, whole grains, etc. I avoid processed food as much as possible and I drink almost no caffeine. I drink green tea, crystal light and lots of water. Occasionally and iced tea. Sure, it was a change in the beginning from all the junk I was eating, but now it's just a part of my life. Once and a while I'll crave something and have a bite or two, but I don't go overboard. I don't feel deprived. I enjoy finding good foods to eat. I still eat out with the family, I've just learned to make wise choices.
I did hire a personal trainer, which has been wonderful. I work out with my trainer 3x a week and that consists of 45 min of strength training followed by 30 min of cardio. The other days I do 45 of cardio (elliptical) & some abs. I always stretch afterwards. I know hiring a trainer is not for everyone, but if you can do it and have the desire please go for it!!! There are many training styles out there you just have to find someone that you feel comfortable working with. If you don't want to hire a trainer there is plenty you can do. The internet is full of resources. I do believe in including strength training as a part of your weight loss plan.
I could go on and on, but I won't. However, if you have any questions, want to talk, need some encouragement, etc. Feel free to pm me or post here.
I'll be honest, I haven't been posting as much on this thread lately because it got really slow and quiet. I hope that everyone will be more active and continue to encourage and support each other on this journey to health that we all desire.
C'mon ladies...who's in it with me??? We can do this!!!