Take It Easy

Not only is this the title of one of my favorite songs I listened to growing up...but it's been my motto since my last post in April.

Yes, I said April...and it's August. A whopping 3.5 months since my last post.

On my last post, I had hit the 70 pound mark for my loss. I'm currently at 84.

Would I like to be further along? Sure. Could I be further along? Absolutely.

My daily caloric intake is 1200...sort of difficult to stay within, but doable. I'm just not doing it consistently. I've let me hair down and am not in hurry to reach my goal weight...if it's going to be a lifestyle change, what's the rush?

Granted, if I didn't cheat much on the weekends, I would be seeing more results...but can I be honest here? Is this a safe place?

I'm happy with how I look. For the first time in over a decade, I am proud of my appearance. I am tickled that I get called "skinny" when people see me, or when they do a double take because they don't recognize me. No longer do I cringe when I look in the mirror, or try on new clothes.

Do I want to achieve my goal weight? You betcha. Will I? That's a big fat yes. (no pun intended)
I don't have a deadline set though. As long as I'm moving in the right direction, I'm going to enjoy the ride.

6 months...

It's been 6 months since we started our journey to this new destination. I can't believe the changes that have taken place in both my mentality & my body. Never before have I felt more capable of achieving a goal. Are there days or weeks that are more challenging than others? Absolutely. Is it worth the effort and sacrifice. No doubt. I welcome it.

As of this past weekend, I have dropped 58 pounds. I'm only 9 pounds away from my halfway mark! Who knew 6 months ago, a handshake with my husband in the living room would lead to this? Speaking of which, he has reached the 65 pound mark! I cannot tell you how proud I am of him! He is very inspiring to me. 

My daily calorie intake currently is 1230. Most people's reactions to that are "OMG, aren't you starving?!" Nope. Food is no longer my focus. My focus is everything else going on in life. Do I still love going out to eat? lol If only you could see my grin when I sit down at a restaurant. But there's portion control & better choices involved. 

Along with that, activity!! It is a must if you want to see results. Daily movement. Walking, jogging, spinning, aerobics, dancing...anything to get your metabolism burning. We only take 1 day a week to rest. Other than that, I can't afford to make excuses. I want this too bad to give up or sacrifice the work I've done. 

Never think that you can't reach this goal. I don't care if your goal is 10 pounds or 150. Give it a shot. What's the worst that could happen...you just may surprise yourself. :)

50!

We've been on this journey for 5 months now, and I can now say I've lost 50 pounds! I cannot express how ecstatic I was this morning when I saw my new weight! My sweet husband was so excited for me too! About an hour afterwards, it hit me how far I've come. Being the girly-girl I am, I let the tears flow. All the focus, determination, and work has amounted to a huge accomplishment, and it didn't really take that long to do it either. I thought back to every treat I have turned down, every walk I've taken, and every smarter choice I have made. It has truly been worth it. There may be days where it's not as easy, but overall, I can honestly say it has become our new life.
Someone asked me the other day if I missed good food. It made me wonder, do people think that people who are losing weight eat only tofu & grass? My reply was that I don't miss good food...because I still eat it! Before we started this, I knew that it was a portion problem. My mantra is that you can eat what you want, but in moderation. I still enjoy pizza, wings, enchiladas, and even dessert! Instead of gorging myself, I pace myself and enjoy the flavors and make sure I don't over indulge. In the past, I could easily put down half of a pizza. Could I still do it if I wanted to? Absolutely. But my mental state wouldn't allow me to now. I've come too far. (and my stomach has shrunk!)
During the week, I try to not indulge too much. There are days where we'll go out to eat if we're too tired to cook dinner. We make smarter choices, and they have to be within our daily calorie goal. Even on the weekend, we try not to have cheat days. Instead, we have cheat meals. That way you don't undo all the effort you've made!
Happy February! What steps and goals are you making for yourself this month?

2012 has arrived

The first day of this year went quite well.

When I first woke up, I didn't necessarily feel like working out today. One excuse I had was how sore I was from the night of playing my friends Kinect and throwing the football with my hubby. After I got up and moved around a bit, I felt a bit better. What pushed me to go? The gorgeous day that was awaiting outside. It was a clear, cloudless day that begged to be enjoyed.

During the walk, we took some pictures of our beautiful scenery:

It's not always that pleasant, though. Over the past few months, my husband and I have diligently ventured out regardless of how we felt...after a 2 hour commute to an 8 hour work day. Through cold weather, rainy days, and even the onset of a headcold. 

The flip has switched in my head. 

Regardless of what it takes, I will make myself do it. I will not create barriers or obstacles. If I want to see results, I must put forth the effort. The only thing stopping me from reaching my goal is myself. And I'll be damned if I will let that happen.

Forgive me if I sound firm. I now realize what it takes to see results. It's not a cakewalk. It takes work. To expect change without effort is unrealistic.

I've lost 39 pounds so far. That brings me to the point of being 100 pounds away from my goal. I feel like a different person. Well, let me rephrase that. I feel like the person I was prior to letting myself go. I recognize the person in the mirror again. I'm more confident, and not as self conscious. 

Progress:

Cheers to a new year, one filled with the possibility of redesigning yourself, and changing your own mind. 

"Behold, I make all things new." - Revelation 21

Update

35 pounds down...

This week, my focus will be on cutting down on sweets & pastas. I never nix them completely, but can definitely stand to lower my consumption of them. Why do us women love carbs so much? :)
What is your goal for this week? Strive for progress...not perfection. xo

- Gina Ree