Weight Loss Update

With the season finale of the Biggest Loser tomorrow,  I thought that I'd give an update of where I was and where I am at now.

It's been seven months since I've started this adventure.    My kids ask me why I still run, since I look "normal" now.  I tell them that I run to feel good, to help me become a better runner, and to help me become a better mom.  Also, I don't want to go back.  I like the energy that I now have and how my clothes feel.

Yes, I'm a numbers nerd (the engineer in me)

Stats:

             11/07/2009     5/24/2010

             -----------      -----------

weight    195 lbs            156 lbs

chest       43.5 in              37 in

waist      40.75 in            33.5 in

hips         46.5 in             39.5 in

pant size     18                8 or 10

Wow, I'm sure glad that I did keep track.  One of the hardest challenges for myself now is to get my mindset out of my "old size".  When I arrived to pick up my packet for my first race, I looked at the t-shirt that I ordered => XL.  Fortunately, I was able to exchange it for a medium.  A medium!!!!!

What's next?  Well, I would say that I am in maintenance mode and fine tuning.  I need to do more core workouts to keep my back healthy and to help improve my running.  I have been trying to incorporate P90X into my routine.

My Weight Loss Journey

Eleven weeks ago, I started on a weight loss / get healthy journey.  I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.  I had little control over some areas of my life which continually made me unhappy.  I was depressed.  I needed to do something for me.  Food had become a comfort for me these last four years.  It has been a roller-coaster of a ride.

November 7, 2009, I started my journey at a 195 pounds and 38.8% body fat.  I joined Jillian Michael's online program.  Everyday, I was given a workout routine and meal plan.  I didn't follow the meal plan precisely, especially cooking for a family of seven.  I did count my calories.  I counted my carbs, protein, and fat.  Having the right balance of those helped me feel full for four hours at a time.  And yes, I did have some chocolate at times; worked into my calorie allowance.  Counting calories has been an educational experience.  I weighed all my food.  It's amazing what is considered a portion size.

 After four weeks of consistent exercise, I purchased a heart rate monitor.  (rewarding myself with something other than food)  I am a numbers person.  I like to see exactly how many calories I eat and how many calories I burn.  Simple math:  create a calorie deficit leads to losing weight.  It hasn't been easy, but it has been worth it.

As of today, I have lost 25 pounds!  My % body fat is at 32.0% down 6.8%.  I have lost over 5 inches in my waist and 4 inches in my hips.  I am down two sizes in my jeans.  I can see my ribs.  I exercise everyday except for the Lord's Day. 

I pray that I continue on this new lifestyle and never return to my previous lifestyle.  Yes, lifestyle.  I'm not on a diet.  I have a new lifestyle.

Follow my progress with the little tickers at the bottom of the blog.  I am getting close to my first weight loss goal; a realistic goal.  After I reach it, I will re-evaluate and make a new goal of more weight loss or changing my body composition (% body fat).