Updates

I have really fallen behind in updating this but I have been sticking to the challenge. Below I have posted the full body shot I took last week as well as my weight and measurements (taken on Wed 3/23).

 (Sorry this is the best I can do since I had no one to take the pic for me)

Measurements:

waist:31in

hips: 39in

thighs: R24.5in  L24in

The past 1 1/2 weeks have been tough since I decided to give up all types of drinks other than water and green tea, sweets, candy, chocolate, baked goods, etc. Backed goods are definitely my biggest weakness, and of course when you give something up that is exactly when you are surrounded by it- almost everyday there have been delicious cookies, bownies, etc in school and I have 3 children's party to attend this month talk about testing my will power but I can proudly say I have been sticking to my word. Also I have been working out almost everyday anywhere between 30-60 minutes, today was my 10th work out day :)

This week's weigh-in (taken Friday 4/1)


Basically a 3lb loss :) I am really happy with the results... only 17 lbs to go. I just hope I can stick it out for the next 82 days

Goals

Goal: 20 lbs by June 21st


How will I get there: 
Creating structure in my life to make sure I eat 3 times a day and schedule time to exercise.
Planning and preparing meals and snacks ahead of time.
Incorporating fasting and detoxing into my life.
Exercising at least 30 min a day, 5x/week (Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred video is great!)
Consistently taking vitamins. 
Drinking at least 8 glasses of water/day.
Eliciting encouragement and support from people in my life- I need the motivation!


3 things that have been working:
1. Consistent exercise
2. Substituting water for soda, juice, etc. 
3. Replacing unhealthy snacks with fruits and veggies


3 things that haven't been working:
1. Making excuses for not exercising (i.e. not enough time in the day)
2. Calorie counting- I found it totally unhelpful since it made me obsess over food
3. Constantly weighing myself

Why am I participating?

Last May I embarked in a weight loss journey and since have embraced an overall healthier lifestyle. There were several things that prompted this decision, the most pressing one was how unhappy I felt with the way I looked. I have never been thin but I always loved my shape and curves, however, for the first time in my life I was truly unhappy with my physical appearance and felt totally unhealthy. In college I gained over 20 lbs and by the time 2010 came around I was at my heaviest and I needed to do something. I started exercising consistently for the first time in my life, eating healthier and being over all more aware of what I ingested. However, as the pressures of school piled up and responsibilities took over my schedule exercising took a back seat in my life. 

So one of the reasons I decided to join is I definitely need the motivation and accountability so I can reach my goal. But the real reason is this challenge gives me the opportunity to do something very meaningful to me, knowing each lb I lose will result in a $2 donation to the charity of my choice- The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is truly the motivation I need. In January 2009 my father was diagnosed with Leukemia, at that point my life and that of my family was turned upside down. After months of agonizing pain of watching my father wither away he was fortunate enough to be given a second chance and eventually recovered. With this challenge I will be able to give back and make even a small contribution towards Leukemia and Lymphoma research.

I have never blogged about anything before and have not found tracking weight loss very helpful but I really hope this works :)