The Six-and-a-half-week challenge...

The month of October has just zoomed by in a blur.... a very fuzzy, very crazy blur of birthdays, events, holidays, outings and more birthdays.

I began with a friends birthday, with celebratory outings and food - oh the food. There were sandwiches, chimichangas, churros, candy, cake and a lot of other things I "only had a few bites of". Yes, I was good, but not that good. I didn't overeat but I definitely indulged a little too much.

The whole month has been like that really. I was on a role in September: I had successfully lost about 5 more lbs and was on the verge of meeting my actual Drivers License weight. And then October happened. Food, fun and more food.

I'm not upset because I haven't really gained any weight back, I've just hit a wall. My workouts are helping me stay at this weight, but I dont want to stay at this weight. I want to keep going.

So here is my challenge: I HAVE 6.5 WEEKS UNTIL THE COMPANY CHRISTMAS PARTY.

I want to lose at least another 5 or 6 lbs in the next 6 weeks. Totally doable I think. Thats 1 lb a week if I am diligent and do not break. I can do this. I know I can.

I will be going 98% paleo (a girl needs her 70% cacao chocolate fix - HAHA)
I will be tracking my calories
I will be working out like a beast.

Ok, here I go.

Past and present....

When I started this fitness adventure, I started from square one. I remember the first run I ever went on. I remember my lungs burning after the first half mile, and I had only planned on running one - maybe two. I was encouraged to run with a group from work who ran on their lunch breaks. They were incredibly kind, and understanding that I wasn't a runner, and one of them chose to stay back (waaaaaaaay back) with me as I struggled not to start walking after this first half mile. I was embarrassed and every inch of my being wanted to turn around and hide back in my cubicle in shame, but this coworker insisted I keep going. He pushed me to run 2.75 miles. That was 2.75 miles of pure torture. My ankles were killing me, my calfs were burning and my lungs felt like they were going to explode. I couldn't believe I made it.... and if it wasn't for him I wouldn't have.

This was almost 3 years ago.

I ran for the remainder of that year, promising myself to work up to a 5K (3.1 miles) without stopping. I even signed up for a 5K race in the town I worked in. And I ended up running it, and only walking a little. Slowly but surely I became a better runner.

Now I am working towards my first 10K in November, the Mermaid Run in San Francisco. I'm excited. This will be the furthest I've ever run before -  and while I'm in the best shape of my life!

Last night I went out to this park that has a 1.4 mile loop running path around it. I ran it 3.5 times -  for a total of 5 miles. Thats just 1.2 miles away from where I need to be, and I could have easily done that.

Needless to say I have come a LONG way from that first run. Sometimes I just need to remember how far I've come. It's been a long road, but now I can run the whole thing! ;)

E

Progress and Results

I was looking back at some of my old posts when I first began writing about my fitness goals. Man was I ever negative! I am so sorry if any of you who still read this ever had to bear those awful self loathing posts. I was so lost back then, and as much as it hurts to read those posts, they're a solid reminder of where I came from - and how far I've come. I am so glad that I have those to remind me, and humble me, when I am feeling like I've fallen off the wagon or feeling set back. Everyone has setbacks, and I know I am going to continue to have setbacks. Life is never perfect and there will be stresses, it's how you handle them that show how much you've changed. I know I've changed a lot. I'm not perfect, and I'm only halfway to my goal, but instead of feeling down and sorry for myself because "I'm not there yet" I am rejoicing because guess what.... there was a time where I told myself (or maybe even wrote on this blog) that I would have killed to be 20 lbs lighter.... just 20 lbs" – and here I am, 0.5 lbs away from reaching that inner wish. I did it. And now I want more.... I won't stop here because it's easier that way. I will keep going because I know I can. I know I'm not done... There are some beautiful muscles hiding underneath that ever-shrinking layer of the old me that is still longing to come out!

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming....

Never forget to appreciate how far you've come.... there is so much more work to be done. glorious work. Its going to be awesome!

Update: Vacations, gym time and food

I just realized I have been MIA from this blog for a bit. So much has been going on I completely failed to post anything. So in a nutshell, this is what I've been up to...

I was hell-bent on getting ready for my Arizona trip with my man, so I practically lived in the gym. I even bought new cute clothes to keep my motivation going. In the process of gym-clothes shopping, I came to realize I am officially a size Medium in about 80% of my new clothes! --- Even in most sports bras!!!!! (I know most women won't understand my excitement for smaller boobs, but trust me when you have what feels like kettle bells in your bra all your life, going down a size feels AMAZING)

And then, out of nowhere, our AZ vacation was upon us, and it was glorious. We were good little paleo cavemen and did a major whole foods shop before the trip - to make sure we didnt cheat too much on our vacay... just take a look at our road trip snacks:

Amazing right? 

Breakfast of champions!! Paleo turkey chili with bell peppers and onions in an avocado.

And then came the poolside shenanigans.... we pretty much laid around all day.

and then I realized that our resort had one of the most amazing Fitness Centers I had ever seen. I was in heaven.... my poor boyfriend wasn't all too thrilled with the idea of working out, but he joined me out of support. sweet thing.

I just loved it there... even though it was a sweltering 100+ degrees... 

it was a lovely vacation free of guilt, thanks to good planning and staying on track with my goals - all while enjoying myself in some relaxation and sunshine. I think I may have even lost a little weight while I was there. I am so proud of myself for what I accomplished on this trip. It reminds me of a long ago post about how I wished I could have that kind of motivation... and now I do. It's a beautiful thing when you reach a goal you've been trying for. But this was only one of many.... on to the next accomplishment... and the next.... and the next.  :)

Pumpkin Red Curry - PALEO Recipe #1

Sooooo I should start off by saying that I am embarking on a new little adventure: PALEO. I've been eating clean for some time now, and unfortunately I've reached that dreaded plateau. I know there is plenty more weight to lost, and I am cutting calories like a mad woman (but staying healthy), so why aren't the pounds falling off? My only logical answer: Carbs.

So, here I go, jumping on the Paleo bandwagon. Last night marked the first attempt at a PALEO recipe I found in a book - but I made my own special tweaks, and it was absolutely amazing!!!! It was probably the best "healthy" meal I've made since I started this lifestyle change.

So, because it was THAT good, I thought I'd share.

PUMPKIN RED CURRY – Paleo style

Ingredients:

1  14 oz can of Organic coconut milk (Thai Kitchen was the brand I used. Get the full fat one…. Don't bother with the light. Remember, fat is good for you)

2 tbsp Red Curry Paste (Thai Kitchen Brand)

2 large chicken breasts, cut into small cubes or strips

1/2 Red and 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced length ways

1 white onion – chopped

1 kabocha squash (optional) peeled, seeded and cut into 1 inch cubes.

2 tsp coriander

2 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp garlic powder (or you can use fresh garlic)

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (or powder)

In a large wok or saucepan, sauté the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and chicken and stir until all outer edges are white/cooked. Add the coconut milk and red curry paste and stir together. Add the spices, squash and bell pepper and bring to a boil over medium heat. Then let simmer for about 20 – 30 minutes – or until chicken's internal temperature reaches 160˚. Serve over over Cauliflower rice if staying full "Paleo" or even have it by itself like a soup (which is what I did), otherwise you can try it over brown rice. 

A Letter to my future fit self.

Dear Fit and Healthy me,

Your body will never be perfect, and will never "look like" someone else's. Know this. LOVE your body for what it is: YOURS. You were blessed with a perfectly functioning body with two arms and two legs and the ability to use all of them to their fullest potential. Use your body. Keep it moving for as long as possible.

Please don't compare yourself to other fit people. I know it's hard with Pinterest and Facebook and Instagram bombarding you with photos daily, but the only comparison you should make is with the old you, the person who wrote this letter - seeking the confidence you should now have, and another 20 pounds gone. Be proud of what you've accomplished, and try to maintain this accomplishment before setting new goals.

Muscles are sexy. Being skin-and-bones is NOT sexy. Being healthy will always be sexy. Remember, skinny girls look good in clothes, fit girls look good naked. ;)

Don't sweat the small stuff. If you have a bad day, or eat horribly, or skip a workout, don't give up. Keep moving forward and be better tomorrow. Giving up never gets you anywhere except back to square one.

The only bad workout is the one that didn't happen.

Sleep more, party less. You're getting to that age where partying is a thing of the past and taking care of yourself is a vital part of your future. Say no more often.

Fun doesn't need to be defined by food. Just because you can't have that cheeseburger or that plate of nachos doesn't mean you can't hang out with your friends. The food isn't why you go to events, it may have been the reason in the past, but from now on you go for social reasons. You can take care of the food portion of it elsewhere. Fun is defined by who you're with and what you're doing – not what you're eating.

Listen to your body. There are a lot of fads out there, false information and people saying things without any evidence. Do this.... eat that..... Listen to your body and know what it needs and doesn't need - regardless of what anyone else says. They don't have your body - you do.

Always remember where you came from. It's damn near impossible to see yourself as perfect, and I know you probably never will. But please, if anything, pay attention to your progress and know how far you've come. Even as I write this now I am proud of losing those first 15 pounds... even though I have another 20 to go. I am happier now than I was 15 pounds ago... always remember that.

Sincerely,

Me (20 or so pounds ago)

:)

One pound down and losing steam....

Good news first - things are working. 

I've lost 1.4 pounds in a week.... which is exactly on target with my little calorie tracker app. 

{though it kinda sucks I found out it was a solid 300 calories off the first week. It said I could eat 1500 calories a day to lose 1 lb a week... when in fact the real calorie intake is about 1200.

BUT I made the switch to 1200 calories {I eat 1500 and make sure to work out and burn at least 300 a day}, and weighed in today {I couldn't wait until wednesday} and it's working. I'm losing... and it's showing. My clothes are getting bigger, I'm actually feeling thinner. 

But....

This is pretty much how I feel about it.

It's really hard to keep meals under 400 calories. And snacking is pretty much out of the picture unless it's just veggies. No dips or almond butter..... just veggies. BLEH.

It gets so boring. 

Today all I want is a delicious breakfast wrap. I know I deserve it. It is healthy, but the calorie guilt will throw me over the edge. I don't like being this person. Counting calories, watching other people eat what I want. 

I need to find some new recipes that are low calorie and CLEAN.

I know this will be worth it. I know I will get used to this lifestyle. I haven't lost this much weight since 2002. That was11 years ago. Sheesh. I've finally figured out what works, I just need to stick to it... and yeah it sucks right now, but I know I'll look back on this and think: It is so easy now.... why was I such a whiner?  haha