I mentioned in a previous post that I got together with a good friend of mine a few weeks ago. If you're friends with me then it's not secret that I've struggled with my weight most of my life, especially after having babies! My friend, Melody inspired me when we got together (as she often does!) We talked a lot about health and lifestyle changes and I realized that I need to stop making excuses and do the things that are hard that will change what I don't like (physically) about myself. I also expect that in making these changes I'll probably also notice changes within myself.
So, I am trying to become more accountable, and in so doing I'm going to be a little more open about my private matters on my blog. This is something I haven't really done before and I've resisted. Mainly because I don't like putting myself out there. BUT, over the last several months in particular I have realized how much it helps me when I read my dearest friends' blogs as they put themselves "out there." Many times is has been through their experiences that they share that I have felt such a connection with them, felt so lucky to have them as friends and felt confirmation that the things that I FEEL and I want to change are good and right.
Last week I started my simplified version of making some healthy changes. I have tried and tried and tried again, but always have given up in the past. I don't want to be a quitter and I DO want to change. So, in order to be more successful I am putting on less pressure and making mini-goals on a daily basis that I am challenging myself to keep. For each of these mini-goals that I accomplish throughout the day I am rewarding myself with 25 cents. Silly? Maybe. But, at any rate I will be able to see how well I'm doing with a visual of coins in a jar on the counter. And, when I reach my goal I'll have saved up a bit of money to buy myself some much needed clothes.
My goals:
-Drink 12 cups of water a day (3 liters) (This is harder than you'd think!)
-Eat 5 small meals a day (This is suprisingly difficult as I often forget to eat throughout the day as I'm busy doing other things...then I eat too much at a given meal...)
-Eat WHOLE foods and pair carbohydrates (including fruit) with protein so my body can process it better. This has been going well. It forces me to think of healthy and whole food options. I am phasing out WHITE in our house, much to the chagrin of my other family members. I keep telling them that SOMEDAY they WILL thank me! Chris has been a good sport and has been trying VERY HARD to "like" what we are eating these days....this is going to take a LONG time for our family to adjust to!
-Go to bed by 10 p.m. (This has NOT been going well. I have always enjoyed my night time hours and often will stay up into the wee hours of the morning, which does not make me a good mommy the next day! I have a hard time MAKING myself go to bed everynight when I am getting SO MUCH done and having ME time! Any suggestions???
-Read my scriptures daily (this just needs to happen on a more regular basis. If I do not do this first thing in the morning it just doesn't happen...)
-Exercise (OK. Unlike a lot of people, I actually really like to exercise. What I don't like to do is interupt other things I'm doing to exercise. I used to get up at 4 every morning and go to spin class. I LOVED it once I was there. I HATE, HATE, HATE getting up early. It just isn't right! Especially when you're waking up several times a night with babies and small children! I have yet to get down a good routine for this since becoming pregnant for Zach. I REALLY need to get this one going...)
Aside from being unsuccessful in several of these areas I did lose 3.4 lbs. last week! I just measured myself in all {scary} areas on Sunday night and now I'll be tracking my measurements as well. I have visions of one day fiiting into a bathing suit and not scaring all of the small children! =)
But seriously, I mainly want to become fit and healthy. I came to terms a few years ago with the fact that I will never have beautiful long legs, or any long appendages for that matter! I am built the way that I am built, but I can look the best that my body can and feel good about that. I want to be an example of health and confidence for my children and I want to help instill in them positive eating and fitness habits!
Thanks for bearing with me, and stay tuned for updates on my journey to health!
{UPDATE!!!} Since I wrote this post I have lost another 4.8 lbs!!!!
Total weight lost: 9 lbs !!!
{UPDATE!!!} Since I wrote this post I have lost another 4.8 lbs!!!!
Total weight lost: 9 lbs !!!
