What I've learned from the past 4 months

I'm down 18lbs since the end of may, and along the way I've stumbled, cried, sweated and wanted to give up. I've read up on everything possible, and tried to soak it all up. Macros are confusing, low carb this, no don't you dare do low carb. Lift heavy, do cardio. Do this, don't do this. It can all be pretty confusing. This is what I've learned throughout this journey. I still have a ways to go, albeit not too much more.

1.NEVER give up.
You have no idea how many times (especially early on like the first two months.) I wanted to quit. I didn't see the results, they weren't coming fast enough. The effort i was putting in wasn't worth the measly 2lbs coming off the scale. BUT I didn't give in. I kept pushing through. Started to take progress pictures and that's when I saw results. I still sometimes don't see the difference in the mirror. It depends on the day. Now boom! 4 months have passed and I'm down 18lbs. My 5K time is down 9 minutes and I am starting to enjoy running.

2. Rest days are okay. You are not an olympic athlete (yet.)
I started by going to the gym. Doing 10 minutes on the treadmilll then milling around using the machines. I was working out 6-7 days a week because I wanted results and I wanted them straight away. Little did I know my body needs rest in order to give me the results I want. I started JM's 30DS. I made sure to take a rest day every 5 days, and now I work out 5 days a week. I take two rest days. the other day's I do a DVD and run anywhere from 15-20 minutes after. If I don't do a DVD I make sure to stay on the treadmill/run outside for 20 minutes at least.

3. Don't be AFRAID to ask for help.
If you go to a gym, don't be afraid to ask. I remember trying to use the bicep curl machine and not being able to figure it out. (i can be an idiot. lol) and would just walk away, embarassed. One day a big guy that obviously has spent many hours at the gym came over and helped me and said "if you see me around and need help. Just ask. I'll be happy to help." and he became my go to guy with the machines. Proper form helped me excel.

4. Switch it up. Diet-wise, work-out wise. Keep your body guessing.
I started cutting down my portions and working out. Mostly strength but a bit of cardio (just to say I did it). After a while my weightloss stalled and I got disheartened. Read up on all diets out there. Paleo was the big thing, but doesn't fit my lifestyle so I opted for low card, and starting JM 30DS after reading all the reviews and seeing everyone's fab results. BAM, 10lbs came off like nobody's business. Then again the weightloss stalled, and I have started carb cycling as well as doing more cardio along with my DVDs. My body is not used to running, and adding a 1.5-3mile run 2-3 times a week has really helped kick start my weightloss. I only have 4 lbs left so it's coming off slower, but I am averaging about .5lb-1lb a week.

These are my results so far. I'm 5'4 and my current measurements are 38, 27.5, 38. I wear a size 4/6 bottom, size 6 dress and M shirt.

From 150lbs may 25th (highest was 155lbs. NO PICS! lol) to about 145 mid july



to mid august (about 140)





to yesterday (135)