January 2, 2013 rolled around and it was like a switch flipped in me. Much like the switch that flipped almost 3 years ago that pushed me to lose 80 lbs. Something about the new year, fresh start really made me wake up and realize that I have to stop going back and forth with my health. I really had to commit to this and make it a big life change.
You see, I'm one of those people who would look like Heidi Klum if it wasn't for the weekends. During the week, I am so diligent and determined when it comes to my diet and working out, but Friday rolls around and I want to throw my hands up in the air and celebrate. And celebrate for me means lots of wine, dinners out with friends, etc. It all adds up and totally negates the hard work I put in during the week.
I like to blame it on "the holidays" or all of the wedding showers, engagement parties, and weddings I've had lately, but come on, Rachel. That's life. It's always going to be that way and I desperately needed to get back down to the nitty gritty and be that hard core girl that I was when I first started this journey. Now don't get me wrong--I'm a HUGE believer in moderation. I'm not going to deprive myself of wine or a meal that I want with my friends on the weekend...I just have to cut back on the huge plate of Mexican that I'd want.
This time around has been different. I see myself differently. I know how strong I am and how far I have come--and yet, how far I still have to go. It's almost as if I'm competing against myself...to see how hard I can push myself and to see what my body is really capable of achieving. I can't even begin to imagine what my body would look like or how my confidence would be if I could get down to 150 lbs. But I'm going to get there. One pound at a time.
I get really bored with workouts--I think I have workout ADD. I'm trying to keep myself inspired and motivated by switching it up daily and trying things I've been too chicken to try in the past. Along with cardio on the elliptical or running on the treadmill (with resistance training) and the 30 Day Shred DVD, I've started adding in yoga and Zumba.
I'm a yoga amateur but I really loved it. It challenged me and the next day, I was sore in muscles that I haven't worked in a while.
Now Zumba has totally rocked my world. I got the DVD system with some Christmas money, and although I feel kinda like a beached whale with no rhythm, I can tell I'm going to be completely obsessed with it. I did the 40 minute DVD yesterday and burned 550 calories! Yes, please!
I really like adding in Pinterest workouts, too, when I'm short on time. They're quick and effective and really challenge me. I can tell a big difference in my muscle tone already.
The food part isn't the hard part for me. Sure, I want to eat 4 cupcakes and 8 tacos at any given moment, but I love finding new recipes to try that are delicious AND healthy. I think of it as a challenge :)
I made this chicken the other night (pic from Pinterest) and it was really yummy! I used BIG chicken breasts and learned that next time I'll use chicken tenderloins. You just do 8 oz of Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and some spices and herbs! I added in a little ranch seasoning, some basil, and some garlic seasoning. YUM!
I made this chicken the other night (pic from Pinterest) and it was really yummy! I used BIG chicken breasts and learned that next time I'll use chicken tenderloins. You just do 8 oz of Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and some spices and herbs! I added in a little ranch seasoning, some basil, and some garlic seasoning. YUM!
Another one of my favorite go-to recipes is a post-workout fruit smoothie. 1 cup of frozen strawberries, 1 cup of Trop50 orange juice, 1/2 banana, and a HUGE handful of spinach. Some days I add in a scoop of protein powder, dependent on what else I've eaten that day.
Post elliptical cardio session yesterday--had a smoothie and it hit the spot!
SO let's just be real and honest here. I weighed two days after Christmas (stupid, I know...) and saw a big number on the scale. A number I don't want to see anymore. But since that day, I've lost 11.8 lbs. And I know a lot of that was water weight and holiday bloat, but I'm proud of myself. I still have a ways to go before my goal weight, but I'm going to get there. 20.2 lbs, to be exact. Think I can accomplish it? Stick around and let's see!
I'm by no means an expert when it comes to this, I'm just a girl trying to get healthy.
Happy Wednesday, girls! What have you done today to better yourself? Make today count!
Post elliptical cardio session yesterday--had a smoothie and it hit the spot!
I made spaghetti squash spaghetti last night for Andrew, Faye, and Katie (the girls had never had it before) and everyone cleared their plates! I'd say it was a successful, easy, yummy low carb dinner for 4.
SO let's just be real and honest here. I weighed two days after Christmas (stupid, I know...) and saw a big number on the scale. A number I don't want to see anymore. But since that day, I've lost 11.8 lbs. And I know a lot of that was water weight and holiday bloat, but I'm proud of myself. I still have a ways to go before my goal weight, but I'm going to get there. 20.2 lbs, to be exact. Think I can accomplish it? Stick around and let's see!
I'm by no means an expert when it comes to this, I'm just a girl trying to get healthy.
Happy Wednesday, girls! What have you done today to better yourself? Make today count!
24 comments:
happy wednesday! that chicken looks delicious - I am going to have to try that out. you've got this!
I've been waiting for a post from The Trim Doen Diaries! I love that you acknowledge the fact that you've come a long way (80lbs is no small feat) but you still way more! Congratulations on your 11lb lost since Christmas! You are looking good girl!
Loved reading today's entry, cute title " the trim down diaries " I love it!
Rachel, I just love these blog posts! I'm totally with you. I just ate out 4 of the last 5 days due to birthday celebrations, double dates, dinner with friends, etc. and I feel horrible. I'm the same as you--really good during the week, but bad on the weekends. I know that if I stick with it I can lose the 20 lbs I want to and have a body that I know I can have. Girl you can do it!!! I really need to get myself that Polar watch---everyone seems to have one and it looks like the calories burned is pretty accurate. Have a great day girl! :)
great, inspiring post! i have been a little afraid of stepping on the scale since christmas. but I finally did it the other day. it wasn't pretty and I've got to get back on track!!
You can absolutely do this! You've got such a good mindset going about everything! Go get em girl!
I love love love the posts and your honesty. After seeing this watch, I ordered one for myself!
Hellooooo, beautiful! I always want to try those Pinterest workouts, they seem easy enough, no? If only I had half the motivation that you do!
I like the pinterest workouts as a standby. But really, whether I feel like it or not, I force myself to go to a class at the gym. I need someone telling me what to do!
Congrats on your progress, Rachel!
(A) I weighed myself after Christmas too and it was way too high but I do think that it was a good thing because day after Christmas weight is a little higher than normal, partly due to holiday bloat, etc...which meant that just a few weeks later, I could already see progress.. Seeing progress quickly encourages you to stick to it!
(B) Whats your diet plan? You talk about eating less? But is it a low carb diet? Calorie counting? Etc? I would love to know more!
Proud of you!!! I am doing decent in the eating department and losing, but working out? Yea. No thanks. It's bad.
It sounds like you have the perfect mindset to get anywhere you want to go! You can totally do this!
Calorie whole that is wild weekend fun. Gah gets me too! That chicken looks a-maz-ing I"ll have to try it soon! Keep it up girly, you can do it!
You look TINY!!! Go girl go!
I am in crunch mode here. I am totally you, without the weekends I'd totally be a VS Secret model. They completely undo me and I HAVE to get back on trck. I don't want to feel like I do right now on my wedding day.
Can we make a little bestie pact or something? Everytime we go workout we text each other?! I desperately need accountability.
You're so wonderful and inspirational! Thank you!
You are SO inspiring! I really, really need to kick my butt into gear and get the weight off I've gained since getting married! Wish we lived closer so we could be workout buddies! Cheering for you all the way from NYC :)
Great job on kicking the holiday weight!!
I'm also a newish-yoga enthusiast. I'm soo inflexible and uncoordinated, but I love it. It keeps my mind engaged the entire time because I have to work so hard not to fall over! :-P
I feel like my mind is on the same wave length as yours right now. I myself also went through a pretty decent weight loss phase, and then just kind of lost motivation. This year though, I'm back on track and have lost 12 pounds in the last 16 days! This story is inspiring, motivating, and helpful! Thanks for sharing. Push through girl, I know we can do this!!
Great Work Rachel!! I love reading your Trim Down Diaries posts...as I have mentioned before, I am right there with you, doing the same thing - 6kg down and 32kg to go here..let's do this!!!
I have already added that chicken recipe to next week's meal plan.
Looking forward to the next installment of the Trim Down Diaries xx
Seriously wish I was as motivated as you are! I just have to make myself go walk for 30 minutes between student teaching and work. Definitely going to actually use some of the tips you put out and find my pins on pinterest about quick workouts. Keep up the good work!! You're an inspiration to me! :)
I have no doubt that you will have that other 20 lbs off in no time. You have already proven you can do it. I'm pulling for you!
I love these posts from you. You such a source of inspiration! I wish I had your determination and motivation though. I always get SO excited to start healthier, and then get sidetracked. uggghhh. Bottle up your motivation and send it to me, okay?
YOU are such an inspiration!
What kind of protein powder do you use in your smoothies? Type, flavor, etc?
The weekends are brutal. I am the same way (diet like a champ all week and suck on the weekends), but I've decided that we all deserve that if we need it. If you want to trim up, then go for it. If you like where you are, have some fun once or twice a week. There is no use burning yourself out.
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