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Okay, it's been six weeks since I left bootcamp, where I was able to get
off to a good start and lost about 25 pounds. My plan has been to put
the journey into blocks that last for six weeks and today is the last
day of the first of many six week blocks, which also required a weigh
in. I've decided to only weigh in, every six weeks.
Although the last six weeks have been challenging, I managed to keep my
caloric intake at my goal level. I did partake in a few yummy snacks
that didn't affect my daily calories and provided me with a little
in-between reward. I worked out 5 to 6 days a week, running, high
intensity interval training and weights. I was feeling super sore on
week 3 so I took a rest from working out until I felt better, that
lasted 4 whole days and then I was back on track again with my workouts.
I was slightly concerned that I wouldn't be able to work out again or
that I would give up but I remember saying to myself that I was
listening to my body and it needed a short break. As it turns out the
break did wonders for my body and relieved me of being sore all the
time.
I planned every meal and always researched beforehand the foods
available at restaurants when I went out. I do believe that planning my
meals and cooking most of them, helped in keeping me within my caloric
goals and was ultimately useful in losing the weight. This past week,
I've significantly reduced the amount of meat I eat and I do feel
lighter, better and I don't have any bloating which seemed to plague me
daily. I was a vegetarian many many years ago and it looks like I might
be returning to that lifestyle again but for now, I like my Trader Joe's
uncured turkey bacon too much too give it up.
Finally, I rewarded myself with a brand new laptop (Apple MacBook Pro),
it wasn't what I had planned to reward myself with but it was the thing
I'd been meaning to buy myself for a while now and I just felt like it
was time and I totally deserved to reward myself with something really
nice for losing nearly 50 pounds in five months (not bad if I don't say
so myself). But my ultimate reward which was really out of necessity,
is the purchase of new gym shoes, I've worn the life out of my Asics
running shoes, poor soles are smoother than a baby's behind and the mesh
is more like mush material from rainy days and plenty of funky foot
sweat.
Although I'm proud of this accomplishment, I do know that the journey
has only just begun and the colder weather will present unforeseen
challenges but I'm ready. I'm just amazed at how a little hard work can
go a long way. I've learned that I can accomplish wellness and fitness,
something I thought I'd never get to. It's interesting to look back and
realize six months ago I was knee deep in eating thousands of calories
per day and the only exercise I engaged in was from the front door to
the car. I'm super proud of myself, as the tears flow down my face, I
feel a sense of wonder and I feel blessed. I will carry this feeling
with me for the next six week block which ends after Thanksgiving. I
know I will be alright, I know that I will have plenty of temptations
and opportunities to backslide but I will also have these last four
months and the recent memory of knowing how to make the right choices
for me, choices that help me to create my new healthy lifestyle.
