Last Week

Since updating my other blog I've noticed that I've felt a greater sense of responsibility towards losing weight. It's Monday so I figure I need to set some goals for this week.

1. Stay away from sweets and sugar! I would love to totally eliminate white sugar from my diet. It really is so bad for you, but it is everywhere and in everything. I tried a new recipe using succanat and the cookies turned out really good. I've also been using honey in place of the white stuff when I cook. The hardest part is the drinks. I love sweet tea, and drink on Sonic's menu and coke. Since I'm allergic to artificial sweetners this means I have to find my own alternatives at home or do without.

2. Work out 5 times this week. I've been consistent with 4 workouts so now it's time to step up my game a bit. I worked out this morning with my friend Melanie. That was a good accountability b/c I did not want to get out of bed. Tomorrow I'm planning a longer run to keep preparing for the peachtree.

3. Stop eating by 8PM. I've heard that this one practice alone will help with weightloss so I'm working hard at keeping that one again this week.

4. Water, water and more water.

Two-A-Days: Week 1 Progress

Well I completed my first week of two-a-days and I must say it wasn't easy, but overall I feel good about challenging myself.

So the report, I worked out a total of 8 of 12 possible workouts and I actually gained .5 pounds. Not the results I was hoping for, but I am not going to give up. This is a new week so there are new challenges to accomplish. In addition to the workouts I am going to increase my water intake. I am drinking about 64 ounces a day but want to up that to 80 ounces. I am also going to take my measurements, muscles weighs more than fat, right?

Joy

Wheat

So I added a new element of health to our family. I have started to buy wheat and then grind it at home to make bread. I started making bread back near Christmas but was recently informed about the HUGE benefits of making bread for our family. The long term goal is to eliminate white flour which will mean lots of home cooking....phew. For now, I have not bought any store bought sandwich bread and I've kept up with that (2 weeks). I'm off to make some more bread now....

Two-A-Days

My dear friend Zoe is getting married in 11 weeks. I know that it is 11 weeks because I am in the wedding and I have a bridesmaid's dress to fit into.

So, in the spirit of not wanting to be completely embarrassed as I walk down the aisle I have up'd my game to two-a-days. The morning workouts have been easy, the evening not so much. I am doing the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred as the evening workout. It is 20 minutes of circuit training, but it is a serious workout for me. I am feeling good. I will have to update this more often just for a little more accountability.

So far, so good. (It has only been two days.)

Joy

So where have I been...

I gotta admit the past 2 weeks have been a total bust for me for diet and weight loss. Between my daughter not sleeping for over a week now and a conference at work with triple the number of hours it's been bad! Honestly, I've had moments of wondering if I really want to do this. So for starters I will try to focus on the positives instead of beating myself up again over my setbacks...

Over these weeks I've done some research. It's been mainly about lifestyle changes instead of dieting. I'm destined to fail with a diet because at some point a diet has to end. So....here are my goals for improved eating this week.

1. Stop eating by 8PM.
2. Drink at least 50oz. of water each day.
3. Eat natural snacks instead of processed foods.

Now for working out. This week will be tough because of sleep deprivation and my husband's work schedule. Here is a plan. I'm hoping to be able to stick to it.....
M- AM Running/Weights workout.
T- AM Workout video at home.
W- AM Running/Weights workout.
T- Workout at home.
F- Rest/Zumba
S- YMCA Zumba!!

That's all for this week. I will be posting as each day progresses to celebrate the victories.

Praying for you Joy! Thanks for pushing me forward.

B

Confession is Good for the Soul

So, this week started strong, but finished so badly. Trust me it was not good. I could go into the details, but as "they" say don't focus on the bad decisions, forgive yourself and move on.

In that spirit we approach a new week. This week I am going to work my run plan, track my food, and drink 64 ounces of water everyday. I will let you know how things go next week.

Joy

One Down, Two to Go

I ran today, for the first time in months, seriously months and it was HARD. Marcel and I met at the gym. It is always encouraging to go with someone, especially him. I am following John Bingham's run plan. He has great books about running. One of my favorite quotes from his book is, "the miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." Let's face it, it does take courage to get on the treadmill at the gym, where you feel like you are on display to everyone.

Today I ran 3 minutes, walked 2 minutes for 40 minutes. It wasn't easy, but I made it. I have to get in at least 2 more runs this week.

The Peachtree is in 8 weeks. There is no time like the present.

Joy