Embracing My Health

This month has sped by.   We’ve had snow, ice, and sunshine.  It’s been a lovely Christmas season – and sharing it with my 4 year old daughter, has been such a gift.

I haven’t been rigid with my eating and my progress, while good, isn’t as far along as it could be.  I had goaled to be at 230.  That was a good goal, provided I had created an effective structure for achieving it.  I didn’t though – and without that, I continued progressing but not as quickly.  That said, I found these two pictures that really help me see how far I have come.

The more I think about it, the more I’m certain that having a structure will bring me the biggest results.  That will be my focus in the coming year… automating everything so that it becomes like breathing to the food that I want to, exercising, and living a fully embraced life. 

So, click more to see the numbers…

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This past week was a good one.  I’m feeling more and more of a divide from my prior eating habits and my new ones.  I haven’t completely settled into a new routine, so the time to stick to my healthy changes is every day.  I created pages that I posted in my pantry letting me know how many days to my next goal.  It’s been great having that visual reminder.

So, to the numbers…

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Weight: 246
Height: 5′8″
BMI: 37.4

Measurements

Neck: 14.25
Bicep: 14.5  (-.5″)
Forearm: 11 (-.5″)
Chest: 46 (-1″)
Waist: 44
Hips: 48
Thigh: 26
Calf: 18

No weight loss this week, but I’m not surprised.  I am happy to see some body “restructuring” though — with some inches lost around my upper body.  It’s interesting that my size has shrunk in regions.  My waist and hips have lost weight first, and now my upper body is seeing some results.  My neck and limbs have seen the least reduction… I’m guessing that will start to appear as I continue on.  Any loss is exciting though.

Oh, and I have to tell you.  I reconnected with a friend yesterday who I haven’t talked with for 4-5 years.  I found her blog and was so inspired by her.  She has a son, who is only a couple of weeks younger than Amira, who inspired her to transform her life to be the healthiest she can be.  Last I saw her, she was beautiful but carrying some extra pounds.  The new pictures I saw of her – she’s fit, trim and.. a TRIATHELE!  And not just a triathlete – one who wins first prize in her category!  Absolutely inspiring!  She’s definitely inspired me to get my fitness routine into gear!  More on that to come!

My question for you: What motivates and inspires you to be your healthiest?

Embrace Love, Embrace Life, Embrace Your Health!

Weight: 246
Height: 5′8″
BMI: 37.4

Measurements

Neck: 14.25
Bicep: 15 (-.25″)
Forearm: 11.5
Chest: 47
Waist: 44 (-1″)
Hips: 48
Thigh: 26
Calf: 18

The progress was slower this week.  I found encouragement though in looking back at some old numbers.  For example, since my highest point after Amira’s birth…

• I’ve lost 39 lbs.
• I’ve lost nearly 10 inches around my waist
• I’ve lost 6 inches around my hips and chest
• My BMI has dropped from 43.3 to 37.4

I need to get some new photos up of my progress.  I’ll try to do that today.

I’m finding that adding green juices and smoothies and eating more raw meals is making this journey to optimal health much easier.  It isn’t as difficult, physically or psychologically.  That alone is making me a fan of raw eating.

My two week challenge with Paul went really well and helped me push through 5 lbs of loss.  I’m strategizing another challenge for myself.  I’m going to do a short challenge followed by a longer one.  My first will be between now and Thanksgiving.  9 days including today.  My goal: lose 3 lbs.  My second will be from November 29th until Christmas, nearly 30 days.  Goal: lose 12 lbs.  Accomplishing both of these goals would have me at 231 lbs on Christmas morning.  That would be a Merry Christmas to me, indeed! 

Breakfast this morning was juice:

• 1/2 head romaine lettuce
• 1 large leaf of purple kale
• 1/2 a cucumber
• 1 pear
• 1 apple
• 1/2 lemon

As always, I do love my green juices.  Well, in the case of today, purple juice. 

Embrace Love, Embrace Life, Embrace Your Health!

Weight: 247
Height: 5′8″
BMI: 37.6

Measurements

Neck: 14..25 (-.25″)
Bicep: 15.25 (-.25″)
Forearm: 11.5
Chest: 47 (-1″)
Waist: 45 (-1.5″)
Hips: 48 (-1″)
Thigh: 26 (-2″)
Calf: 18 (-.5″)

I am making progress – the most I’ve made in over 4 years.  I’m excited — and yet still sober because of the 100 lb journey I still have ahead of me.  But for today, I’m celebrating!

I have to thank Paul (so THANKS PAUL! ♥)  for helping me with this latest round of weight loss and movement towards optimal health.  He took on a 2 week challenge with me.  Having him on the challenge with me was such a great support.  It is truly easier to take on difficult things in partnership with others.

Weight: 248
Height: 5′8″
BMI: 39

Measurements

Neck: 14.5
Bicep: 15.5
Forearm: 11.5
Chest: 48
Waist: 46.5 (-1/2″)
Hips: 49 (-1″)
Thigh: 28
Calf: 18.5

My camera battery is dead because a particular 3 year old played with my camera yesterday and left it on all night.    I’ll get a new photo up with the next check in.

I haven’t lost any additional weight yet – but there was some more inches lost around my midsection.

A little fun happening:  Dancing with Amira this morning, my pants shimmied their way down and literally off my hips.   Whee!

Goal for next check in – to have lost some weight in addition to inches!