All my life, I've been chubby. My weight has been up and down over the years. A few years ago, I was going to the gym on a daily basis, and my weight was the lowest it'd ever been. Then college started, and a new medication, and my weight flew up again, and I've decided it really sucks and that I don't want to be overweight anymore. I hated being overweight, but I was smart and funny, so I had other things going for me and I just kind of let it go. I've always been the funny friend, and I've relished that role, but why not be something more? I just cannot accept an unhealthy lifestyle for myself anymore. I want to be healthy and live longer (so that I have time to read all of my books, of course!), and I'm doing something about it.
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| Here I am today. Note the round cheeks. They GOTS to go. |
The Gold's Gym game sets up a two week program for you, so I'm just finishing that up before I start the others. The work-outs are kind of short so far (they are up to about 20 minutes), so I'm still trying to build up to longer workouts. I've also gotten some work-out DVDs like the "Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred." Again, just waiting to finish up the program I'm currently doing before I start those. And let me tell you, my arms and legs are screaming in pain! Even though it hurts, it's a good hurt! I know it's helping me, and that soon, it won't hurt at all. I can't wait until I can follow the exercises without my arms flailing around haphazardly halfway through the program. Ha!
I initially was going to just focus on exercise then slowly work a healthier diet into it, but my pal, Adam, from Roof Beam Reader, has changed my mind. We've been talking about fitness on Facebook and he has been really helpful and encouraging. He's helped me understand that my diet is just as important as exercising, and recommended I download My Fitness Pal onto my phone, which I have. Now, I'm tracking calories as well. Thanks for the inspiration, Adam!
I've also gotten a lot of weight loss memoirs from the library to read. I'm hoping to find inspiration in them and that reading other people's success stories will push me to keep going. So, if you see an increase in reviews of those kinds of books, then that's why, but I'll try not to overdo it. I have a ton of other books to read as well, so worry not!
This is going to be a really long and hard journey. Already, I find myself lacking motivation some days, but I'm determined to not give up this time around.
I hope you don't mind the personal post. I try to work them into my blog once in awhile. If you have any tricks, tips, etc. please let me know.
"...this is going to be a really long and hard journey." <--That's the most important part of this entire post. It is a journey - journeys are long and scary. They're fun and confusing. They're maddening and thrilling. Take it all in - you're going to learn SO much about yourself and, as with any journey, the in-progress experience is just as important as the end result.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great so far - keep it up. I know you'll get there!
Thanks for everything, Adam, and your encouraging words!
DeleteGood for you! I have been working out consistently this year too and like you said it's hard but so worth it! I really admire your courage in posting about your plans - not sure I would be able to do that but I am sure it keeps you very accountable.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to the updates and checking our your WL book reviews!
Thank you and good luck to you!
DeleteSorry I brought in a cupcake! If it makes you feel better, I am trying to be healthier, too, and will give you encouragement as well. Now we can be healthy living, reading, work, and school buddies! :)
ReplyDeleteDon't apologize! I still eat treats, just have to count them in my calories for the day!
DeleteI admire your attitude. I bet you'll be successful; you go girl.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement!
DeleteGood luck!!!!! Seriously, get a work out buddy! It's so much easier to stay motivated and not let yourself skip days if you have someone who you are working out with or who you know will ask you if you worked out!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for you and really impressed that you would share your journey publicly. :)
Thank you! I would love to have a workout buddy, but for now, I'm happy have support from online friends. :)
DeleteGood luck! =] You can do it!! Set little goals each week. Don't think "Oh I want to lose 10-30 pounds." Think, by the end of this week, I want to lose 2 lbs. It's so much better thinking about this since the goal is perfectly doable!! Next thing you know you'll be where you want to be at.
ReplyDeleteAlso, don't weigh too much. It might be hard to keep away from the scale (believe me I know!) but try to set a once a week weigh in. You will only be discouraged if the next day you don't see any pounds lost. But usually by the end of a week, you'll see the difference.
Also! MEASURE INCHES. So important :) You will lose them first before actual pounds.
Push yourself everyday, but don't overdo it. You'll get what you want!!
Thanks! I have a long term goal, but I am trying to focus in my short term weekly goals.
DeleteI don't have a scale yet but when I get one, I will try not to weigh in too often!
Good luck sweetie!! I am rooting for you :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support!
DeleteGoooo Steph!! I'm cheering for you :-) And just reading your post makes ME feel more motivated to get my butt up and start working out more. I think I'll take another try at my Zumba game for the Wii today...
ReplyDeleteAlso, don't feel bad about posting personal stuff here! You should do a post about your weight-loss journey like every two or three weeks - it'll help you stay motivated b/c you'll have to report good results, plus you get all this great encouragement from your blogging buddies!
You can do it!
Thank you, Sarah! I think I will do updates every month or so!
DeleteYou have a huge fan in Kentucky rooting you on, and that fan is ME! Brava to you, darling.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Beth! It means the world to me to have you rooting for me!
DeleteI know the feeling. *high five* Hang tough! You sound like you are on the right track. *hug*
ReplyDeleteThank you!! :) You are so sweet.
Delete"Set little goals each week. Don't think "Oh I want to lose 10-30 pounds." Think, by the end of this week, I want to lose 2 lbs." <---GREAT advice.
ReplyDelete"Also, don't weigh too much. It might be hard to keep away from the scale (believe me I know!) but try to set a once a week weigh in." <--YES! And make sure you weigh yourself at the same time eah week (Saturday mornings, 10am, for example).
I am getting great advice from everyone. It is so encouraging! I'm getting a scale this week and I will weigh at the same time each week. Thank you!
DeleteYou're doing great!
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is get social and emotional support that works for you over the long haul.
I'm getting a kick out of the ways my book blog is supporting my healthy lifestyle:
1. Participating in Weekend Cooking at Beth Fish Reads is awesome for great ideas each week: http://www.bethfishreads.com/
2. Following Sheila's (of BookJourney) new blog, Team Kickin' It: http://teamkickinit.wordpress.com/
3. Doing the Tuesday Checkpoint at Bookworm with a View, where we discuss our exercise goals and how they are going: http://www.bookwormwithaview.com/
Wow, thanks for these links! I'm off to check them out. :)
DeleteGood luck Steph! It'll take a lot of work but I think once you get past the first few weeks you'll really start feeling better and you won't miss any of those "goodies" as much. Kind of speaking from experience since I've had to cut out fatty foods due to my stupid gall bladder, and now lack of one. I hated not being able to eat the goodies that were everywhere (especially at Christmas) like the donuts in the office or chips at the boyfriend's house. But, now I barely notice. We're all here for support! I hope some of those memoirs help :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it can be tough! Thanks for your words!
DeleteWorking out and wanting to be fit is a great goal, Steph. I personally hate exercising but it's not as bad when you're having fun with it through Wii or have friends to motivate you. I hope you keep updating us with your progress and will be wishing you lots of luck.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I will update.
DeleteGood luck! I've lost weight twice in my life. It was hard, but well worth it. I definitely need to get back on the weight loss track. I've been eating better, but adding some exercise would be good. I happy that you are making a positive change in your life! You go girl!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you and good luck!
DeleteWeight loss is really hard. The only program that ever worked for me was doing Weight Watchers Online. The key is to track what you eat and and eat in moderation. By doing Weight Watchers, you get to eat regular food but have to watch portions and amounts. It works so I'd definitely recommend it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I was thinking of joining, but have been tracking food via My Fitness Pal. I will keep it in mind though if this doesn't work!
DeleteI just want to wish you the best of luck on this journey! It is really hard and it will probably always be a lifelong journey, at least it has been for me. But whatever you put your mind to, I am sure you can do!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is a lifelong journey for sure.
DeleteGood luck Steph! I need to get back into a regular exercise program, but still haven't gotten around to it. I'll be cheering you on! :)
ReplyDeleteI've noticed a lot of book bloggers posting about weight loss lately. Probably because our favorite activity involves sitting on our butts so they have a tendency to start to expand! :) Maybe we should start bribing ourselves with books if we hit our goals! Something I've been trying to do in addition to a set exercise time is just getting up and walking around more. I sit at a desk all day and then come home and sit and read, so I've started trying to get up even when I don't need to and walk around and stretch a little. I might go walk up and down the stairs a few times or do a few situps if I'm at home. It's helping, but I really need to reign in my eating. Counting calories definitly helps!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a good idea! Keep it up! :D
DeleteHi Steph!
ReplyDeleteI stumbled onto your blog from Oliva Reader and am now a new follower. I can completely and utterly relate to your personal post (thank you for being brave enough to share something so personal)> I have been fluctuating in the weight department ever since I was 9 years old (and I am now 26!) For years my weight has inhibited me and held me back. Never being quite the right weight to feel good. You can always be thinner etc.
I am working through my body issues and have been doing a 30-Day diet/ workout plan by Tracy Anderson and have been sharing the details on my blog, if you would like to check it out.
I am a reader and writer foremost, but by documenting my journey on my blog, I have really come to be accountable to my followers and readers. It helps a lot.
Good luck on your journey!:)
http://unpublishedworksofme.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much for your kindness and good luck to you too!
DeleteWow, Steph...I am proud of what you are doing! I so need to do the exercise thing...and now am more motivated because of your post! I have actually changed my diet radically (gluten free vegetarian believe it or not!), in hopes of losing weight, but the exercise will be key! I might start talking about it as well, in hopes of getting those pounds to budge OFF! Thank you for the inspiration! Now...where did I put that 30 day shred dvd?!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I love your blog and would love to get to 'know' you better...so, Hope you don't mind... but Tag! You're It! Please stop back at my site for fun questions to answer and pass new ones along!
I'm glad to have motivated you! Thanks for your kind words!
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