One Day At a Time

Alright party people, I've said and done this a dozen times before-- I'm gonna lose the weight and I am gonna blog about it.

(((Insert hysterical laughter here)))

Are we done?

Good.

In all seriousness, I HAVE said this a dozen times and I have began a blog about it just as many. Why is this different? Because this time I am not starting on day 1. Nope, I am starting 3 weeks in. 19 days, actually.

So, here's the low down. I found a friend who has a gym membership at the same gym I do (which, prior to July 2nd, I hadn't used much), and we decided that we both need to get in shape and we might as well USE the memberships. You know, pay money each month for a service... rather than donating to the gym each month.

My journey officially began on July 2, 2012 and while the first week was a bit rocky (because I went to a wedding down south over the weekend and ate lots of junk as I had NO willpower at the time), the rest was better. I won't say it was smooth sailing, but each day gets easier and easier.

First off, I began by deciding to use the gym.

Second, I got an iPad (not to lose weight, and the iPad is slightly irrelevant since I don't need it for my 2nd point) ANYHOW, I downloaded an app called "My Fitness Pal". This app is available on iPhone, iPad, Droid and you can use a regular 'ole computer at My Fitness Tracker

That app has been keeping me on track. At first, it was a pain, but it's actually a really user friendly app. There is a neat feature that allows you to scan the UPC on food items and 98% of what I've scanned comes up. AWESOME, yes? YES. I originally wanted to use Weight Watchers, but since I have my gym buddy and my mom (who is also working to lose weight) to keep me on track, I decided to use the fitness tracker. This way, I don't have to count points-- I just enter my food and the trackers keeps a tally for me. Easy peasy!

As far as weigh ins--- I weigh in, by myself, friday mornings. And between Jul 2nd and July 20th I have lost 13.2 pounds. Mostly water weight I am sure, but hey, I'll take it!

I hope to "weigh in" here at least once a week... more if I am feeling hungry.

I have to admit though... the more I eat better, the less I want junk. In fact, I had Taco Bell last night... it didn't make me sick... but after eating I wished I had eaten something less fatty. Blah!

Also, I must admit that my initial weight loss wasn't JUST eating better. I've been going to the gym... and I have something to confess...

I am addicted to zumba.

Let me say this again...

I. AM. ADDICTED. TO. ZUMBA.

I've gone 4 times in 5 days this week. Even twice in one day. And I would go every day if I could.

I know... too much cardio, but at least I am moving. I will change it up later. Here what this week's workouts looked like:

Monday: PM Zumba

Tuesday: AM & PM Zumba

Wednesday: P90X, ab ripper and back and shoulders

Thursday: Biking

Friday: Zumba

And to make it worse? I've decided that hitting my ultimate weight loss goal has morphed into "I want to get certified to teach zumba". I don't care if I ever use it, I just want to be certified, (though, the cheer coach in me would LOVE to be a zumba instructor. Did I mention I coached cheerleading? I did. Last year. And ALL year, I SO badly wished I was cheering and not coaching. Performing is WAY more fun. Zumba fills the dance void I've been longing to fill.) However, I do recognize that while I can memorize dances to teach them, I need to get through an entire workout without modifying moves and/or huffing and puffing in order to be an instructor. I did mention this was my end goal, right?

Ok... I think that's it for now.

I hope you join me on my journey (70+ ISH pounds to go)... On the Weigh Down!

--Ashley