Year in Review

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2011

It's been quite a year.

  

I've lost about 30 pounds!  

I have to say, I did that in the first 6 months.  I really let myself down the last half of the year.  I wasn't focused enough, ate things I shouldn't have, and didn't exercise enough.  Still, this year was a good one!  I'm down to a size 12 jeans and large shirts.  I wore a bikini in public for the first time in my life.  It was in a foreign country, but it's a big step for me to take.  


On non-weight related notes, Chris and I worked our butts off this year.  He paid off all of his debt, and I'm almost done with mine.  It's nice being able to keep the house at a comfortable temperature during these cold months instead of walking around bundled up.  We finally went on a honeymoon, and it was amazing!  Work is going very well for the both of us, things are going to be good!


So, this is the time of year many of us set goals.  I have 3.  1- lose another 30 pounds.  Ideally, I want to get down into the 140's, which is 50 lbs away.  I would LOVE to do that this year, but I'm taking the more realistic goal and can always do better.  2- fit into a size 8 by next year.  12 was my first "normal" size, but I want to get out of the double digits.  3- wear a bikini in public and not worry about how I look or if I'll run into someone I know.  No, I don't expect a 6-pack any time soon, but I do want to be able to tan my tummy at the beach, not just in my backyard.


The plan- track my food like CRAZY!  I fall off the wagon when I make a bad choice and don't write it down, so I'm not allowing myself to do that anymore.  The good, the bad, the ugly- they will all be written down.  I'm also getting back into my exercise routine.  I've been getting back into it this past month, and I actually enjoy it, so I'm looking forward to it again. I drink a lot of wasted calories, but I don't do well with cutting things out of my life completely, so if I want to drink, I'll have ONE drink, and that's it.  One glass of wine, one beer, whatever it may be.  I'm also letting myself have one meal a month where I don't track- like a party or another celebration.  If I give myself one a month, I can plan for it and know I'll have a meal that I don't have to measure and count everything.


I wish you and your families a very happy and healthy new year!  What goals are you setting for yourselves in 2012?

MIA

Sorry I've been MIA.  Since the end of the summer, my mind just wasn't in it.  I'd been dealing with a plateau since May, I just came back from vacation, and school was starting.  I didn't totally sabotage myself, but I neglected the gym and wasn't measuring anything or tracking anything.  Whenever I tried to get back on track, it felt like torture because I wasn't ready.  So, knowing that I was going to gain, I made the conscious decision to take a little break before going gung-ho again.  


Last Thursday was my day.  I went back to my Weight Watchers meeting, I was up to 196 again, but that was okay.  I was finally mentally ready to do it all again.  So, the measuring cups and scales came back out.  I made all of my meals for the week.  I had a plan.  I scheduled workouts at the gym so I didn't have any excuse not to go.  I've also decided to do more than my usual workout routine- I'm taking new classes multiple times a week to switch it up for my brain and my body.


After one week back on track, I dropped 3 pounds and I'm at 193 now.  I am very optimistic and excited, knowing that I can and WILL do this again.  I still aim to eventually reach the 140 area, but I'm giving myself more time to get there.  I originally wanted to hit it by next year, but I'm adding a year to it now.  Hell, I'll even say let's get to goal before I hit the big 3-0 (turned 27 this October).  


I lost track of my progress.  I was so focused on my plateau that I forgot how far I'd come.  I am down 60 lbs from my all-time high, and down 30 from last year.  That's AWESOME!!!  As I should remember from the play I did with my students last year "slow and steady wins the race."


I will be posting again, at least once a week to let you all know how I'm doing at my weigh-ins.  I will continue to post recipes and everything else as the inspiration hits me.  Thank you all for supporting me through this!!!


Before I go, check out the new jeans I bought about a month ago.  These are my first pair of "expensive" jeans ($70 on sale for $30, that's how I roll!).  I am in love with them!!!