RESULTS: One-Year Anniversary of New Healthy Lifestyle!!

princesslmc2

At some point last spring, I had had enough of being unhealthy... Eating junk food to my heart's content. Not staying physically active. Being overweight. Not feeling comfortable in my clothes. It had to stop.

So on May 1, 2010... I pushed PLAY on my very first P90X workout. THAT was the best thing I could have ever done and what a journey this has been. I have quite a ways to yet travel, but am so proud of how far I have come. This journey has not been a crash diet, but rather a learning process to lead a healthy lifestyle in physical activity and wiser eating choices. Once I reach my ultimate goals, I don't want to go back to my "old" ways to only have to re-do this process in a couple of years again. I want to train myself to live right to keep healthy and STAY healthy.

How did I do it? Join me as I "relive" my experience...


Physical Activity

Like I said, I started the P90X program on May 1, 2010 (one year ago today). Granted, earlier that morning, I stepped on the scale for the first time in at least a year and I cried - nay, I bawled after seeing that number. I knew I had put on a few pounds, but this new number now meant that I had 82 pounds to lose in order to get comfortably at a healthy weight (according to the infamous BMI numbers).

Well, not only did I continue crying as I started my first P90X workout, but also I was only able to make it through 20 minutes of the 50-minute routine. My legs were so sore that I was walking stiffly like Frankenstein for four days after. But I wasn't discouraged. Tony Horton would always say "Do your best and forget the rest." I was determined to finish the 90-day program.... So each morning, I kept pushing play (with the exception of our Florida vacation in the middle that threw me off my new routine for four weeks)... And before I knew it, my 90 days were complete. I didn't have the "magical" results as shown on those silly infomercials, BUT... I did lose 12.4 pounds and 12.125 inches.

In September 2010, I started the ChaLEAN Extreme program that focuses more on building muscle - because MUSCLE BURNS FAT! Chalene Johnson's mantra was "go heavy or go home!" So I seriously pushed myself to lift HEAVY weights. Figured that I'd build more muscle to let them do all the hard calorie-burning work throughout the day for me. On that program alone, I lost an additional 17.2 pounds and 28.25 inches!!

January 2011, it was time to start the new year off with renewed vigor (and a new routine)... I managed two weeks of Hip Hop Abs before I got bored. Then I started TurboFire - which is AWESOME with its high energy, motivation, and upbeat music!! After a few weeks of that, I seriously missed the weight training so I switched to the TurboFire/ChaLEAN Extreme Hybrid program (I still have two months of that to complete).

In February 2011, I also started having fun with the additional workout "gadgets" including the Bodybugg (a device I wear on my arm to measure how many calories I burn throughout the entire day), weighted gloves to increase the calories burned during my cardio workouts... Not to mention picking up Zumba with the girls at work and a volleyball league with Ed. It was time to get SERIOUS!!


Changing My Eating Habits

Throughout this process, I learned how important eating habits are in the weight loss process. I eased into the whole "eating healthier" by making a better effort in eating more healthy, counting calories, and drinking more water.

My usual breakfasts consist of the Shakeology shakes, which are YUMMY!! They are full of protein, low on sugar and sodium, and have all sorts of other nutritional benefits to help me fill in the gaps of what I might be missing in my diet. Plus it has enzymes to help my digestive system, antioxidants to keep me healthy from illness, and all sorts of other ingredients to help me with my cholesterol levels and the such.

A friend of mine challenged me to start drinking 120 ounces of water/day. It took me a while, but I finally built up to that and often drink upwards of 150-180 ounces of water/day. It truly helps me flush out the water weight and sodium retention. I have noticed a huge difference in my progress - and I highly recommend and challenge others to do the same!

Then for lunches, dinners, and snacks... I haven't entirely given up my favorite foods like pizza and lasagna, but I do eat them less often... And when I do eat them, I eat much smaller portions. Aside from that, I eat more salads, started substituting ingredients in my recipes with healthier options (i.e., Greek yogurt vs. regular yogurt). I learned to reach for an apple or pudding cup (60 calories, fat free, sugar free) instead of a bag of chips or a package of Oreos. Sure, the grocery bill is a little higher, but it's worth it to keep healthier snack options in the house.


Results (May 1, 2010 - May 1, 2011)

So here we are, May 1, 2011... my ONE-YEAR anniversary of this new lifestyle. I can't believe I've made it this far!! I usually poo out after two or three months and give up. But thanks to all of the support and encouragement around me, I refused to give up. I feel a million times healthier and way more confident. I have a ton more energy too!

I know you're probably dying to hear what the final results are... You've stuck with me this far, so I won't make ou wait any longer!

Total pounds lost = 40.0

Total body fat lost = 12.6%

Total inches lost = 40.325

* Neck = -.875"
* Chest = -6.425"
* Bust = -6.125"
* Waist = -7.125"
* Hips = -6.125"
* Right Mid-Thigh = -3.825"
* Left Mid-Thigh = -5.00"
* Right Shin = -.75"
* Left Shin = -.625"


In Conclusion

While I may only be about halfway to my goal, I've made great strides this year. I'd much prefer to lose the weight at a slow pace so that my skin has time to readjust to the smaller me vs. having sagging skin that hasn't had time to conform. I'd much prefer to learn to control my portions and make healthier choices vs. crash dieting. I'd much prefer to learn to enjoy working out and staying active vs. viewing it as a chore. I've developed a new LIFESTYLE, not just a fad... and I feel so much better for it.

Though I am extremely proud of my hard work and subsequent successes, I hope that this will encourage you to start or continue YOUR healthy lifestyle. There is no denying that it is HARD WORK and there will be days when you just don't feel like doing it... But keep pressing on - one day at a time - and soon you'll be looking back at YOUR one-year anniversary, amazed at what you've accomplished!

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Picture Comparison (first and last).indd by lindac_rii, on Flickr



Interested in learning more about the specific workout programs I've been doing or about the Shakeology? Check it all out here: http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/princesslmc2

Jamie2007

You look amazing! Keep up the good work. You should be so proud of yourself and your goals! Stick with it. I can't wait to read more about your progress updates. You are truly inspiring to many!

wanitalilly

First off, you look beautiful!! This post brought me to tears! You have a strength and a confidence that comes through your writting as inspiring! Congrats!

Sugar_Apple

Good job....you look amazing....Keep it up :flowerforyou: