Weight Loss Success

I know this isn't about decorating or pies but I had to share this little joy with you all.  I have lost 20 lbs!!!!  I am over joyed.  I have a little more to go to reach my goal but I feel wonderful!  I thought I would share what I've been doing instead of blogging.  So here's how I lost it.

Before

After

1.  First I started just scheduling the exercise in like an appointment.  If something comes up like a cancellation I reschedule...for the same day.  Remember, it doesn't have to be a marathon.  Something is better than nothing. Six days a week. No excuses. 

2.  Eating a clean diet.  No more I can have a handful of candy or half a bag while I'm on the computer.  I know very bad :(  I eat protein, veggies and fruit.  I eat mostly good carbs, filling whole grain in the mornings.  I have cut my nightly popcorn snacking.  I started slowly and now I have the lighter popcorn once a week.  I find that if I keep myself full on the good stuff I don't overdo it.  I absolutely don't let myself get hungry.

3. Here's something you don't here from most diets...I stopped thinking about what I couldn't have.  If I want a few squares of chocolate. I have them.  If I want to eat pizza with my family I do, just fewer pieces.  It has worked to just change my mindset a little bit.  I have at least one cheat meal a week.  I also might have a cheat dessert.  :)

I have been working on this since January so it has taken some time.  I didn't see results right away.  That was discouraging.  I started really eating clean and that made a huge difference in my results.  I started doing higher intensity again.  I know since I have worked out for quite a bit of my life I need to work harder to burn that fat!  I started doing strength diligently in February/March and I think that has made a huge difference too.  Don't focus on only cardio.  I love taking Kettle bell, I take it once or twice a week after I teach my class.  It's only a half hour class.  It doesn't take much ladies to shape those muscles.  More muscles mean you're going to burn that fat!  I also do Bodypump. It's a Les Mills class, great for building lean muscles.  I still take my Zumba and I take Turbo Kick on Saturday.  When I'm not at the gym I work out at home by walking the dog and doing Pilates. 


My motivation is simple.  I will be forty this year.  I started feeling very bad, much older than I am with little energy. I moved from North Dakota to IL in 2007 and I was in the best shape of my life.  I remembered that feeling. My circumstances changed but I was able to keep working out and teaching classes till 2009. My knee began to hurt so I didn't do as much Turbo.  We moved home to IN and I gave up teaching Fitness classes.  Although I was taking classes I let my eating really slip.  I fell into some old habits and thought I could each eat what I wanted if I did some exercise.  Big mistake!  In reality 80% is what you eat and the other 20% is exercise.  I want to live a long, quality life.  I don't want to be on medications, have disease, high blood pressure etc. I have been to the doctor for my knee.  I am currently taking physical therapy to help with my pain.  I can still exercise.  I just have to modify some things.  I want to be a good role model for my kids so they will be healthy adults.  I am hoping to inspire my husband to join me too. :)  Come on 40, bring it on!!!

I'd love to hear your stories about your diet, and fitness, struggles or successes. 

Blessings,
Carey