Ain't Nobody Gonna Break My Stride...

I think one major barrier to my new lifestyle is finding time to fit it all in.  I'm busy just like everyone else, so this week I'm changing when I work out to see if that makes a difference.  Today, I'll go for the last class of the day instead of in the morning.  I feel like it's better for me to get all the excuses out of the way (e.g. I have an exam to study for or running errands)  at the end of the day I have nothing to get in the way. We will see how it goes...

Another barrier is that there are horrible food choices all around me.  However, I've found that it helps to make time to eat instead eating on the run or while I'm driving.  I have to make time for it now, so I sit at the table with nothing else in front of me.  Again, it is a general awareness that it is time to eat so I can make good choices.  I cook on Sunday nights now and make sure I have lunch ready with me when I have an early appointment or obligation.  I try to keep healthy snacks in my bag or in the car so I don't get caught being hungry and scarf down a medium order of french fries (oops I just drooled).  I've even taken to (I know it's sad) not carrying cash with me so I'm not tempted to buy naughty food.

The last barrier to this change is just my overall attitude about food.  It has been a source of celebration and togetherness for my family and it's a hard habit to break.  Strangely, I don't feel deprived of food on Weight Watchers; I can have anything I want as long as I workout and watch the portions.  It seems to keep me from feeling like I can't eat what I want.  

The scale didn't move this week, but that's cool.  I'm sticking to the torture and rewarding myself with Erica's very yummy suggestion Dulce de Leche Jello pudding and Cool Whip :) Thanks for the tip!

Until next time...

Week Four: Intensity Increases

Chin to pocket. Chin to pocket. Huff. Puff.

I'll remember the Parisi Speed School for ever.  It has revolutionized my running on the treadmill.   For the first time, I was able to sprint at a 9.5 mile an hour pace for 45 seconds!  I felt my body actually moving as it is intended.  I didn't feel exhausted after the sprint (or at least not the first one), but I really felt an appreciation for my body. 

I could feel how strong my legs were and the importance of my arms in increasing my speed.  It was a lot of fun.

My boyfriend has been incredibly supportive of me as I make these lifestyle changes.  He is always giving me encouragement and letting me know that I am perfect no matter what size.  It really helps me continue to be motivated as the tough days come around.  The good thing is I think the healthy eating habits are starting to rub off on him.  He's starting to play basketball two times a week instead of one.  I think this change in lifestyle will be good for both of us.

I have tapped into some of my eating triggers as a result of tracking my hunger.  When I'm bored I EAT.  When I'm sad or anxious I EAT.   I've had to be mindful of what feelings I'm having so that I can tell the difference between the feeling of hunger and the feelings I'm having.  In an effort to protect myself from myself, I check in with myself and ask, "Is there something else behind the desire for an order of french fries from McDonald's."  The answer is usually a resounding yes.

Just a weight check in 3 pounds down; seven to go!  Until next time....

Week Three: Bootcamp Begins

Okay so I almost died.

Maybe not died, but close.

I posted the link to the reel to give you an idea of what type of workout I'll be doin'. Today was arms and abs.  I may not be able to brush my hair tomorrow but at least I made it through. The instructor Matt is great. He is encouraging, but pushes you to do your best, which is exactly what I need.

This weekend was a challenge in terms of food. Yesterday, there were hot dogs and other goodies. And because I was a good solid eater during the week. I was able to enjoy myself (to a certain extent) during the Superbowl, which was awesome.

I'm not sure if I have an inspirational person in mind with the same goal. But I feel like the people in my class have inspired me to reach my goal. Each of them has picked a goal which is difficult for them to reach for different reasons. However, I feel like I have my own cheerleading section as I strive to improve my overall health.  Because of this support, I feel different.  In fact, I'm a more confident that I will reach my desired weight by March 16th.  Perhaps it's because of the support I'm getting from my classmates. At the end of 16 weeks, I want each of us to have a reason to celebrate our triumphs.

It makes me think of the importance of having supporters and role models for behavior. If the support from my classmates has somehow changed the way I view my own behavior change, then how does my support (or lack of support) change how someone else views their own behavior change?

This isn't to say that my support either makes or breaks someone's goal, but if someone can benefit from my support then it makes sense to be the best cheerleader I can be.

At any rate, tomorrow is butt and legs.  Squats and lunges.  And maybe a run to LaCienega and Sunset.  Ever onward (crawling on my hands and knees).

kac