Let your clothes be your guide...

Initially when I started losing weight (this time), I thought 145 was the magic number. That was the ultimate weight goal in my future....5'5" and 145. Now, I'm reevaluating and I've decided that I don't care what the number says. I just want to fit in a size 6ish. Even when I started high school I was a size 9. I don't even know what it's like to wear a size 6. But, I bought 2 pairs of pants in size 6 today. Knock me over with a feather! I can get them on and buttoned, but they are Tight. They are perfect though as motivational pieces.
I decided it was time for the concrete end goal. So that's it. Size 6. I'm not really worried about the number on the scale, it just drives me crazy anyway. As long as I can fit my tush into my goal size, that's good enough for me.
I've still got some work ahead of me. I've probably got to lose another 10-15 lbs to really be comfortable in a size 6. That's okay though, I have my final goal. (Seriously, a size 6???a year ago I would have told you that you were crazy!) So, keep moving forward!

Well, that kinda backfired....

So I mentioned that I was going on a hunt to find a motivational outfit. I figured a pair of size 8 pants was just the thing. So, I bought a pair of Dockers at the thrift store. I got home and pulled them on to see how tight they were....and they fit perfectly! WHAT!?! Are you kidding me??? I haven't been able to wear a size 8 in about 12 years. This is crazy! I also bought 2 pairs of pants in size 10 and they fit comfortably, not too loose (yet). I'm in shock though. It's an awesome feeling, but now I have to find something else. Do I dare buy something in a size 6? I don't know, that just seems crazy.
One other thing...I bought a top in a size medium (which is a HUGE deal for me). It's really hitting me how much my body is changing. Yay! I got sidetracked this week from time to time but this morning I am feeling strong and pulling myself back together. I can do this! I am doing this! You can too!

Workout Update

The "insanity" workouts are going great. I'm feeling stronger and I hurt when I'm doing them and I'm dripping sweat usually by the time I finish the warm ups. But there's a part of me that feels like I'm not doing enough. So, I've decided that I need to start walking again. My walking time was also my thinking time and my time to get out in the fresh air...without the kids. I'm missing that alone time. I think that's been part of my discontent the last few days. Part of what flipped the switch to uncaring about what I'm eating.
I'm really trying today. I didn't get my motivational outfit yesterday so it's on the agenda today...along with plenty of other things. Guess I better get off the computer and get to it.

Unmotivated

It's like a switch flipped the last few days. I just stopped caring about what I'm eating. It's horrible! I don't know what happened, but I feel like I've lost my drive. I'm not quite sure how to click it back into place either. I need something to push me. Something concrete. In the past few months it's been getting into a pair of pants or hitting a number on the scale that motivated me. But right now, the number on the scale isn't doing it for me. In fact, it seems to be having the opposite effect. And now all my clothes fit so it's kinda like "What's the point in losing more?".
I haven't figured out the solution, but I have an idea. Today, I'm going on a mission. I'm going to go on a search for a motivational outfit. Something in a size 8. That's a good goal, don't you think? Thrift stores here I come....

This is gonna suck!

So, I did my first workout today on the new program. It was just a "fit test" to give you a starting point to compare to after each month. I think I did pretty well compared to the starting numbers of the people on the video . Obviously, there's room for improvement- but that's the point right?
Anyway, after sampling what the actual workouts are going to be like, one thought popped into my head. This is gonna suck...but in a GOOD way! (Does that make sense?) It's gonna be tough and I'm gonna hurt. Yay :) I think there's something wrong with me....

Tried & True #7

Help your body work for you by eating foods that will boost your metabolism and your fat burning abilities. I found an article here that gives a wonderful overview to eating fat burning & thermogenic foods. One thing that wasn't on the list that I use all the time is cinnamon. Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar and has thermogenic properties as well. Lately I've taken to drinking a cup of apple cinnamon tea right before bed. It can't hurt to give the body a boost right?
So, check out the article, tell me what you think....

It's Still Jiggly...

I'm almost at my goal, I think. I'm at the lowest weight (by 2 lbs) that I can remember in my adult life. The problem...I've had two kids and gained WAY too much both times. The result....I have some major problem areas. It's frustrating that after losing 78 lbs I can't look in the mirror and see the svelte body I think should be there. I know, I know, your body isn't the same after two kids. I just wish that I wasn't jiggling in some of the places I am.
So I decided to kick it up a notch with my workouts. I ordered "INSANITY" (click on the link if you want to check it out). Supposedly this is an ass-kickin'-whip-you-into-the-best-shape-of-your-life type workout. I hope so. I'll let you know. I'm super excited to get started. And when I get done working out 6 days a week for 60 days I hope there is less that jiggles...

Just leave it alone

I have a weakness certain foods. Sweets are a big deal for me but I've been good about not overindulging...for the most part. We all have our slip ups from time to time. But anyway, I have a few foods that are "staples" that I struggle to eat in moderation. Butter, mayo, peanut butter and cream cheese are my downfalls lately. When I started losing weight I cut out mayo (I do have some light stuff, but I'd rather go without since it doesn't taste like mayo to me). I think I'm going to have to leave the peanut butter alone too now since I can't seem to control myself. A small amount seems to explode into a peanut butter eating frenzy. I did find that if I stuck it on the top shelf out of sight, instead of at eye level every time I opened the cupboard, I did better. I think it's a matter of figuring out triggers and removing temptations. Next on the agenda, figuring out a place for the butter....
Do you have a solution you've used to keep yourself from overeating? Besides willpower :)

Tried & True #6

Consider a juice fast. If it's not your thing, fine. I have gotten a few questions about what I do during a JF so I thought I'd turn it into a Tried & True post for the week.
First things first, prepare yourself. Mentally- Have a idea how many days you want to go...1,3,& 7 are fairly common. If you're a first-timer, plan for 1 day and see how you feel. You can extend it easily enough. Also be okay with being hungry and tired. The hunger passes but you will most likely feel cranky, tired and sometimes cold. Physically- A day or two before starting you should eat mostly fresh fruits and veggies. Don't gorge on unhealthy stuff. Also, when coming off the fast, don't gorge yourself. Ease your way back in.
Top Tips~
Drink fresh juice, not store bought. Use fruits and veggies you love. Don't over do it with juice...3-6 servings a day (8-12 oz). Drink tea and water also...lots of it. If you just want to chew something...chew gum. Don't overdo it...if you feel tired, REST!
Hope that answers the questions some of you had. If you have any more that I didn't cover, just ask. Have a great weekend!

The Closet Raid...

So, like most women, I have clothes in a few different sizes. From my skinniest to my biggest. Well, since the weather is starting to change I thought I should go through the closet and see what fits. The good news is that I can wear absolutely everything in my closet....even my size 8 leather pants and a hot little dress I never thought I'd wear again. The bad news, I have a very small selection of clothes in all these sizes.
Now at least, the prospect of going shopping isn't such a drag. It's something to get excited about. I plan on waiting till I hit goal though, something to motivate me to the end. 10 more lbs, 10 more lbs, 10 more lbs!