My Fitness Plan and Weight Loss Challenge

I know, just what you wanted to see this morning—a life-size photo of my mug. *snickers* I more or less took last week off of social media (except for IG Stories) so that I could have a full week on our new school/baseball season schedule, and start this new lifestyle challenge for myself. I now have an entire week under my belt and thought I’d tell you all about it. There is power in accountability, so here is my fitness plan and weight loss challenge.

Ya’ll. I have done this before. I’ve lost over 50 lbs. (and gained it back) twice now, in my adult life. I’ve been my fittest ever, and my fattest ever, just since I’ve been a mom. I’ve learned to truly love myself in both places. It’s something I literally work on EVERY single day. Ask anyone who has lost a significant amount of weight, and they’ll probably tell you what a mind eff it is. We receive messages about our bodies everywhere we look. Most of all, in the mirror.

I think there is a really fine line between loving yourself no matter what, and being complacent because you plan to love yourself no matter what. Does that make sense? When I stepped on the scale last Monday to start this challenge, it read “226.6 lbs.”—the heaviest weight I’ve ever been. The difference now from other times I’ve set out to lose weight in the past, is that I’m not offended by that number. I’m not even a little bit embarrassed to share it with you. It’s just a number; a starting point for me. I know that I got to this place because of so many factors. Hormones, medication, depression, laziness, and lack of will. If I don’t feel motivation from within, it’s not happening. And that pretty much goes for everything in my life.

My motivation right now, comes from a strong desire not to have to purchase anymore clothes. I have a closet full of clothes that don’t fit! It comes from wanting to practice baseball with my son, without feeling winded. It comes from wanting to get my hormones on track, and my periods regular again. It comes from not wanting my lower back and hips to hurt so much. From wanting to feel good and look great.. for ME.

I’m just going to tell you straight off the bat, if you’re looking for some elaborate plan on how I plan to execute my goals, you won’t find that here. I know from experience that it comes with consistently eating well and frequently exercising. I’ve had success in the past with Jazzercise (so fun!), walking and hiking, using the gym, and working out at home. I think it’s a matter of finding what’s fun for you, and making sure you’re working out your entire body over the course of a week. I’ve done WW, several rounds of Whole 30, and Keto. I’m not doing any of that right now.

My current plan is simple:

• Workout 30 min. a day x 5 days a week.
• No soda or alcohol for 30 days (to start).
• No eating after 7 p.m.
• Track everything.

I use the MyFitnessPal app to track what I’m eating and what I’m doing for exercise everyday. I’ve been using this app for 8 years. It’s so easy to use! I recently connected my Walkmeter app, so that it automatically uploads my outdoor walks, which is super helpful. In my fitness journal, I keep a basic diary of the day. I don’t write in it everyday, and there is nothing elaborate about it. It just has the date, and whatever I want to say about my sleep, eating, workouts, mood, etc.

My goal is to lose 70 pounds, and keep it off by my best friend’s wedding next fall. I know I can do it! I am really excited about everything we have going on in 2020, and the idea of working on myself over the next year—physically, mentally, and emotionally— is very exciting!

In addition to a monthly tracker and [somewhat] daily diary, I am keeping this weight loss tracker as well. Ya’ll know how I love my planners/trackers! Having this “game board” visual will be really inspiring and motivating for me. I am really looking forward to being able to fit in my wedding band again!!

This first week I lost 9.6 lbs. just from getting out and working my body every day, tracking everything, and not eating after 7 p.m. I know cutting alcohol and soda straight off the bat, has really contributed to this as well. Also, I’ve always been a night owl, and have been known to eat entire meals and sweets at 11 p.m. This new schedule of early to rise and early to bed, is helping me a ton! I’ve got to say, I might be a convert! 😉 I’ll keep ya’ll posted on my journey! Would love for you to join me if the time is right for you.