Surprise! Encouragement...Get It Any Way You Can!

The last week was remarkable.  Not only did I stay with the Zumba classes I started, but I looked forward to them!  My coach was away, on a very fun and much deserved vacation, so I was left to my own devices.  By week's end, my passion for this new way of living began to ebb.  You see, my weight has been stuck!  When I looked back at my habits, I found that while my exercise routine has been consistent, my nutritional habits slacked.  I haven't gained, but I sure didn't lose anything.  So this weekend, I didn't weigh for a day and I didn't write down my meals.  My hope was that I could be re-energized and start anew.

How did that work for me, you say?  See what YOU think:

1.  I found that I miss my self accountability.  Can you believe that?!  I missed being accountable.  Now that's a change I never thought would happen! 
2.  Sunday morning (yesterday) I walked for 56 minutes and 12 seconds without pause (well once for a drink of water)!  Oh, the last .2 miles nearly ate my lunch, so to speak, but I met my goal.  I even walked 2 more miles in the evening!
3,  My early morning walk showed me God's beauty in so many ways; the sounds of birds and morning hellos, the smells of flowers and neighborhood air, the green of the trees!  When I got home, I told my brother about my walk.  He was so great!  He praised my efforts and gave me a few pointers about staying consistent.  Sweet motivation.
4.  My dear friend Faith, also my birthday buddy, sent the nicest post!  Her encouragement was priceless!  She is training to run a marathon...now how motivating is that?!
5.  I have a new friend...SWEAT!

So, I may not have lost any weight, but I gained the motivation I need to continue my journey.  The crash wasn't serious; it was a bump.  This week will be as remarkable, but in a different way.  By the way, don't forget the power of hope.  It is priceless!

...and away we go!

Let's Review...

Hello boys and girls and welcome to Nettie's world.  This week I received some pictures from my coach; take a look:

May18, 2010                       May 21, 2010


August 12, 2009                    April 28, 2010

        

I'm beginning to see the transition.  I think I look thinner in April than I did in May.  It's probably the hair.  A 5 pound weight loss is not as noticeable as 14 pounds.  In August, 2009 I don't know what I weighed, but I am sure it was in the 220 pound range.  Today I weighed in at 206.  I am 14 pound lighter and 6.6 inches smaller than when I started. I like that.

...and away we go!

She Drank the Kool-Aide

Today was the first day of strength training.  The Martin Weiss Recreational Center is not a fancy gym with state of the art equipment.  It is a city sponsored facility with good equipment and friendly people running it.  My adventure there tonight was filled with exploration, exhilaration and pain.  Well, the pain wasn't immediate, but I'm sure tomorrow will tell a different tale.  


I walked very fast on the treadmill, experimented with the life cycle and lifted weight.  I know the results will not be immediate, but I can already feel tightening in the abdomen area and waist.  Of course, the key to strength training is not the amount lifted in the beginning, but the continuation of the routine.  I started out walking at 3.0 miles per hour and steadily increased until I was trotting at 4.0 mph the last 30 seconds of the routine.  


So far the week has been  challenging.  The weight has teetered and tottered between 206 and 206.5.  I am determined that the strength training will shock my body into moving to a lower number.  The hope of that movement motivates me.


...and away we go!

Facts and Then Some!

What an excellent week!  I met challenges in new and exciting ways.  From refusing a dish with too much sodium to planning for a special meal, I see mind-set changes taking affect.  The curve of my waist motivates me to continue.  The try-on session last weekend could not have motivated me more!  Trying on previous sizes which turned out too big rocked.  While I have not tracked sizes in quite a while, I established a base line for the future.  I liked the way some outfits looked on my newly emerging body.


I notice that my body craves movement.  My minimum 30 minute sessions at a rate of about 3.5 miles per hour have increased my lung capacity and strength.  I am moving the target to 45 minute sessions over the next week.  I also notice that I am taking longer jogging moments.  The rate is still slower than I would like, but that will increase as I become used to the faster pace.  


The most exciting tidbit is that the photo shoot is Tuesday!  The new pictures will be very interesting to compare with my initial weight loss picture and those from months ago.  I see my inner beauty peeking out again.  Weight loss can equal confidence gain...sweet!




Let's see the results from 5/9/2010-5/16/2010:
              Then          Now
Weight:  208.0         206.0
A 2 pound loss!  A total weight loss of 14 pounds from the start!
                               Then        Now
Bust                        46.5          46.0
Waist                      45.0          43.0
Hips                        47.0          47.0
Abdomen                 48.0          49.0
Rt. Thigh                 24.0           24.5
Lf. Thigh                  24.0          24.0
Neck                       15.0          14.5
Rt. Arm                   15.0          14.5
Lf. Arm                    15.0          14.5
Bra Size                   44DD       44DD
Weekly Loss:  2.5"     Total Monthly Loss:  3.0"
Total Inch Loss:  16.5"

Body Mass Index:  34.6            34.3:  
From Severely Overweight to Moderately Overweight


...and away we go!!

My Shadow Has Waistline

We're practically one month into our new regime.  Yes, my eating habits have changed.  I actually drink water, rather than using it only to bathe in.  I watch the number of calories I eat and track the amount of sodium in foods.  I've seen my triple chin shrink to a double chin.  My bra size shrank by 3 cup sizes!  Even, my shadow is changing; it has a waistline!  The thought of new bras and new panties is exciting.  I don't want to shop, but it may be more pleasant, now.  TMI; I know, but examining all changes is helpful to my success.

This week was filled with challenges.  My first accountability session wasn't great, but it taught me the importance of making better food choices.  I've realized the weight loss is important, but the nutritional analysis of food is instrumental in living a healthier lifestyle.  The next trip to Accountability City will be less frightening and more successful.  I look forward to that trip.

Let's see the results from 5/1/2010-5/8/2010:
              Then          Now
Weight:  211.0         208.0
A 3 pound loss!  A total weight loss of 12 pounds from the start!
                               Then           Now
Bust                        46.5           46.5
Waist                      44.5           45.0
Hips                        47.5           47.0
Abdomen                n/a             48.0
Rt. Thigh                 24.0           24.0
Lf. Thigh                 23.5           24.0
Neck                      n/a              15.0
Rt. Arm                  15.5           15.0
Lf. Arm                  15.5           15.0
Bra Size                 n/a              40C
Weekly Loss:  1.5"     Total Loss:  13.5"


Body Mass Index:  35.1            34.6:  
From Severely Overweight to Moderately Overweight


Yeah, this feels good.  I'm on my own for lunch next week.  I plan to make good choices and not slack up!  The coach is out of town all week.  He'll like the results when he returns.

...and away we go!!

Just the Facts, Lady. Just the Facts. II

Well, here we are beginning a new month; a new lifestyle.  We reluctantly began this journey on April 10, 2010 at 220 pounds.  First measurements were done on 4/21/2010.  Here's what we've accomplished to date:


Weight Changes:
Weight:     220 lbs.       211 lbs.
Total Pounds Lost = 9 lbs.
Bust:          48"             46.5"       -1.5"
Waist:        46"             44.5"       -1.5"
Hips:          48"             47.5"       -0.5"
Right Thi:   26"             24.0"       -2.0"
Left Thi:     25"             23.5"       -1.5
Right Arm: 18"             15.5"        -2.5"
Left Arm:   18"             15.5"        -2.5"
Total Inches Lost = 12"

Body Mass Index:  4/21/2010 = 35.3  (Starting BMI = 36.6)
                              5/1/2010 = 35.1


Mind Changes:

• The journey is no longer reluctant!  I'm in it to win it...good health, that is.
• My average weight loss is .45 pounds per day or 3.2 pounds per week.
• Being in control of my BCP (Body Change Process) empowers me to accomplish more.
• My taste buds are alive again and new flavors are enjoyable.
• My lung capacity has increased and I can walk 2 miles without stopping!
• I celebrate the small changes I see; a thinner face, the feel of my hips as they sway.
• I look forward to continuing the journey!
• Let's set a goal of losing a total of 20 pounds by June's end.

...and away we go!!