Re-Motivating Myself! 5'5" and 26lbs gone :)

Hi, yall!

I was one of those people who swore I'd wait to post until I hit my ultimate goal, if at all. However, I've been struggling the past few weeks with a very busy (and very fun) summer schedule full of parties and vacations, and "feeling fat" (as I've been often saying to my boyfriend these days, much to his dismay). I had to go to the doctor this Monday and dreaded getting on the scale, but there it was - I had lost another 5 pounds, even through this month and a half of less than perfect effort. I had surpassed my half way mark by 3 pounds (losing 26 pounds), and only have 20 more to go until I'm at my ultimate goal! I knew this was something I had to celebrate (yay!) and hold myself accountable for, and what better way to do it than to go straight to all of you who keep me going - my wonderful MFP family!

Now, what all of you want - a little bit on how I've done it so far, and then PICTURES!

MFP has me set at 1200 cals/day, and I try to eat around that each day. I base my goals weekly, though, because I know I have some days I'll eat a little more and not be able to exercise as much as others. If I happen to go over by 500cals on Date Night, I'm sure to make up for those cals other days that week. I eat basically whatever I want, but keep it in my calorie goal. That being said, I've always been a pretty healthy eater, so I eat LOTS of vegetables and fruit, almost all lean meat, and almost all whole grains. But if I want ice cream, I have ice cream, and I don't have to feel badly about it! I also drink a ton of water! Rarely under 14 cups a day, and very little soda (always diet if I do) or other things.

Exercise wise - I LOVE being active! I walk about 1.3miles total to/from work every weekday. I do 45-70 mins of cardio AT LEAST 4 days a week, but usually 5 or 6. (I run - thanks to c25k! - and use the elliptical to "cool down" sometimes - even though I put just as much intensity into that.) I also weight train, mostly my arms because they need the most work, at least three times a week. My "rest days" usually consist of a less difficult run with my boyfriend, a long walk, or some kind of sports activity like kickball, football, swimming, or day drinking

I wouldn't say I have it all figured out yet, and I'm FAR from perfect, but I think I'm doing pretty well so far! Starting weight was between 186-190 (never got on a scale or really took pictures, as you can see). Current weight is 160. My goal is 140.

THANK YOU ALL for your continued support, and GOOD LUCK to those of you beginning this journey!!!