Eight Days

...that is how long is took my to fall off my weight loss resolution bandwagon.

I had this deal with myself--- I wasn't allowed to eat out except on payday. Not because I couldn't afford to any other day, but because it was TWO set days a month that I could count on to look forward to and satisfy any junk food cravings I had. Also, it helped that I could save money from not eating out for more important things.... like new kicks!

These are my new shoes! I never thought I'd end up with Reebok Zigs, but they were one of very few pairs in solid black and they are SUPER comfy without too much padding. Before I went to Soul to Sole and had my feet and jogging patterns looked at-- I assumed that since I was mostly flat footed I needed lots of padding and major arch support. Turns out (and I mentioned this in a previous blog) that the excessive padding and arch support was causing my ankles to roll out. So, my first pricey running shoes was a pair of minimal Saucony running shoes in white and neon pink and yellow. I LOVE them--- but they don't match much!

Now, back to falling off the bandwagon. I REALLY failed-- I ate out two more meals in the next couple days and then one more yesterday. That's 5 times in a week!

However, today is a new day and I vow that one slip up will NOT dictate the rest of my day (or week for that matter). I can't--- if every time I eat something bad and I give up for the day because I think it's ruined--- then it is. But if I really need a sweet or junk food fix I'll have ONE thing and not a whole day of junk food.

I've also formulate a new workout plan--- I put it on paper so I can look at my week and know what I expect of myself. I've been touch and go with working out--- I need less cardio and more resistance training, so I am using a modified P90X plan. I'm using the Classic plan and using the P90X resistance training portions, but using HIIT and Zumba at the gym in exchange for the P90X cardio. I am also going to attempt yoga at the gym. There IS a P90X yoga, but it's 90 minutes long and I can't sit through it alone, so I am hoping that taking a yoga class at the gym will help. We'll see!

Until next time!

On the Weigh Down!

Typical New Years Resolutions

The First Day of the Rest of My Journey...

I need to be more accountable.

Today is the first day of the rest of my journey.

Today is the beginning of month 8 and I have "only" lost 24 pounds (gotten rid of? I lost them, I have no intention of finding them!) And I'm hoping some of that was a muscle gain trade off!

For 7 months I have struggled to stay on an exercise and work out kick, lifestyle? Off and on and off and on. Today, I sit here thinking how far I could have come if I had just stuck to it. But, that's easier said than done, right? Of course.

It's a process.

A life change.

Not a diet.

I've been working on food plans in hopes that I can start losing weight again even if I don't hit the gym everyday. You've got to begin somewhere and without a change in eating habits, exercise alone will never show the progress you want in the long run. I promise myself to: eat better, not let small setbacks dictate my entire plan and to stop working out when I'm done, not when I'm tired. If a have a cookie, so what? It's ONE cookie, not a reason to throw the whole day away and eat junk food.

At the present time (well, since January 1st!) I start off every morning with a shake. It's fast, filling and tasty! I use Visalus drink powder, but any protein powder would work. Here are two of my favorites. Both under 300 calories.

Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake

Ingredients:

• 2 Scoops Visalus Shake Mix
• 1/2 Banana
• 1C Almond Milk
• 1 tbs Peanut Butter
• Ice

Prep:

Blend all ingredients in a blender, drink. Simple as that!

Chocolate Strawberry Shake

Ingredients:
• 2 Scoops Visalus Shake Mix
• 1C Frozen Strawberries (About 5 depending on size)
• 1C Chocolate Silk
• 1/2C Almond Milk
• 1tbs Cocoa Powder (Unsweetened)
• Ice

Blend all ingredients in a blender, drink, enjoy. More Recipes to come!

Until Next time!

Here I go-- OnTheWeighDown!