My journey

OK, I recently finished week 3.  I managed to keep on my diet and stay motivated at the gym.  I upped my weights in most exercises.  All in all a good thing.

I am the type of person who likes measurable results.  So, I weigh myself and take some measurements every week.  I noticed this week that I could see the results of my efforts as I have more muscle definition and my pants are somewhat looser.  But, if you look at my measurements and weight, not a huge change.  I had lost 2 pounds between Monday and Friday last week, but am back up those 2 pounds after the weekend.  Granted, I do follow a less restricted diet over the weekend, but I also am much more active since I have more time and 2 kids to chase around.  So, for a person who likes to have concrete evidence of my change, it is a little disheartening.

My husband says he notices way more changes than I do.  He suggested taking another picture now and comparing it to my start picture so that I can see what he sees.  I may do that tonight.  If so, I will finally post them here so I can further track my progress.  Although I have set a target weight for myself, I have to be honest that I could care less what the scale says as long as I feel as though I look toned and in shape.

In my younger days, I played 3 seasons of sports and never spent any time in the gym, but managed to weigh 110 at 5′7".  Now, at 36, I find myself appalled at where I have allowed myself to end up and decided to take action.

I have been unhappy with my appearance ever since the birth of my first child 7 years ago.  While I lost the actual baby weight, I slowly creeped up in weight over the next few years and never got back into shape.  Then came baby #2 3 years ago.  Again, I lost the baby weight, but never did anything about my poor stretched out abs.  My now ex-husband was unsupportive of any dietary changes I tried to make and did not help out with the kids so that I could find the time to exercise (one of the many reasons he is now my ex-husband).

What finally motivated me to take charge was the miscarriage of what should have been baby #3 the week before my wedding.  Once the wedding was past and I didn’t have that diversion anymore, I found myself unhappy with so many things.  In an effort to snap out of it, I started making a list of things I could change.  #1 was my appearance. 

 Almost 2 weeks ago I decided to enter the EAS Body for Life Challenge mainly to give myself a goal to work towards.  12 weeks seemed reasonable to actually transform my body back to the lean, athletic build I used to have.  So, I started hitting the gym 3 days per week for weight training.  I do cardio outside 3 other days and throw in Pilates or Yoga once per week.  I started taking Myoplex, Lipo 6, and CLA to help out.  I also cut way back on my food consumption.  I have gone from 2000 - 2200 calories per day to 1300 - 1500.

 I have to give my husband a lot of credit for supporting me.  As the chef of the family and chief grocery shopper, he makes sure that I have all the nutritious food I need during the day at work and cooks wonderful meals.  He also is extremely dedicated about going to the gym, which keeps me going.

I once heard it takes 21 times to make a habit.  I am at day 12.  9 more to go.