Am I Here!
Well, yes I am! And by here, I mean in a good place with myself and this wonderful community at EP. This time next month, I will be weighing in at my endrocrinlogist's office and hoping that there isn't something dramatically wrong with my scale at home. I honestly can't wait and a part of me wishes it was tomorrow, just in case this has all been some alternative world.
Eating less has become so much easier and this is not just the phen talking, which by the way has been "god-sent" but as I have been weening myself off and only taking it about every other day, I can really tell the difference in my eating habits. Now on my last post I spoke of being happy with where I was and that I would be ok if I never lost another pound. Well, that was part fear talking that I had hit a plateau and while I am beyond thrilled with my loss. I am ready and willing to lose more.
My exercise habits have been the same, except my belly dance teacher has been in Europe (lucky girl) for the past three weeks so I haven't been dancing but this Sunday we are back and in a new studio which I can't wait for. My sister and I are still running three days a week on C25k. We have been on the week 3 level now for well about 3 weeks and are looking to bump up soon. Although I cheated and read about week 4 and let me just say I am so intimidated. For a while I was noticing some pains in my legs and hips that I think was associated with the running but that has gone away now. I am using Nike Shocks which seem to really help moving this extra weight and taking the pressure off my ankles. Also, I still have pilates Saturday morning and then kickboxing Thursday evening. Plus on those oh-so-fun nights that I stay over in Gainesville, I go to UF's abs and kickboxing class.
I know that seems like a lot but I never tire of it and in fact am getting to the point where this is what I look forward to. I love having that running time with my sister because we get to talk and catch up. My classes are fun because I have made friends with the other girls and my teachers, so it has become more of a social event rather than exercise. If you are having difficulties sticking to a work-out plan, consider the following: where are you going, who are you going with, what do you like and dislike about it, and lastly why are you going. I have found that big name gyms do not work for me because they are nameless and impersonal. Try to find a place to work out or take classes that actually monitors what you do. I go to a community college for classes, I sign up, audit them so there is no credit, and have formed a personal relationship with the teacher because I have had her now every semester for the last 3 years. If you are a gym, try to find a way to afford a personal trainer, even if you only meet with them once a week. If you are lacking the willpower, having a buddy go with you can be a huge benefit because between the two of you there should be enough willpower to make it especially after the first couple of weeks.
When determining what you like and dislike about exercise, think about the actually activities you do. If you hate the cardio in kickboxing but love stretching and holding, take pilates. If you want a more care-free, fast-paced cardio workout try belly dancing. If you like to walk fast, try it in different locations. Be experimental, my favorite classes have been the ones I either weren't familar with or didn't think I would enjoy. After you have found what you love, stick with it and own it. Buy your own kickboxing gloves or exercise clothes, making those purchases will motivate you even more.
Finally, and I know this has been long-winded, figure out why you are going and set realistic goals. If you want to lose 100 pounds in 6 months, you are going to have to practically kill yourself working out and that is not healthy for your mental or physical being. You want to set goals that are attainable and in the short-term especially when starting out. Like I wanted to lose 6-12 pounds in 3 months, when you reach that goal and you will, then do it again in similar increments. You will be amazed when you do ahead of the time slot you thought you would and it will motivate you even more to hit the gym or the pavement or the dance floor.
Now, I am not saying all this because I am a health guru or exercise queen or even one of the amazing cover stories on this website. I am saying this because it has worked for me and after losing this weight and being heavy for so long, I want to share this with everyone else who would like to lose some as well. Even if you use only one piece of advice and it adds up to a pound lost, that is still better than before.
Once last quick point, don't live by the scale! Live by how you feel and how your clothes work. I weigh myself maybe once or twice a week because things happen in your life which will affect your weight. Eat that brownie if you want but remember it when you work out and work harder. Remember food is energy and as delicious as it is, when we overindulge the food starts to define us.
Take care and have fun!
:)