Fitness 2013 – The Plateau or the Cliff

I am not as obsessive with my scale nowadays. I get on it one every other day and not everyday :-).Seriously folks. For a few weeks, I had been gaining and losing the same 3 lbs. It was starting to get on my freaking nerves.I felt myself getting close the that cliff. That edge that tempts you to chalk it up to genes and eat the darn Doritos. We have all been there, right? Right? Ok, maybe just me.

Then I remembered my post – It's All Mathematics.

That extra slice of cheese, that helping of ice cream was all adding up. . .on my thighs. Back to the drawing board. I reviewed my diet and designed a workable plan. Back to my oatmeal in the morning. Plain yogurt and fruit for snack. Reasonable lunch 800 calories or less and a sensible dinner.

NO.MORE.DORITOS! lol

I reviewed my workouts via my phone app and I had slacked to about 3 times per week. My goal is to be at 5 times per week. Seriously, I have been working out extra hard with a trainer. Why put myself through that torture – and believe me it is torture – to undo it with mindless snacking, being lazy or eating out? 

In the words of Sweet Brown, 'Ain't nobody got time for that!'

I get on the scale today. For the last few days, those 3 lbs have stayed gone.

Shoot, I'm tryna be fine by my birthday.

#countdown

I’m Melting, Melting! Oh What A World!

It is day 18 0f my 30 in 30 days of no eating out. Man am I feeling. . .SUPER. Someone told me today that I am MELTING! I put on a pair of pants that would not come past my thighs a few weeks earlier. Yes, people, I am melting.

As the old me – the tired, overweight, unsatisfied me- melts away, a newer, bolder me emerges. God is amazing in how he orchestrates things. This entire journey started with The Daniel Fast. The results were so stark – I lost weight, looked better, could sleep without burning acid reflux. Others around me were beginning healthy journeys, as well, providing support and accountability.

 

Weightloss

 

It all felt great and then a compliment, visible results. What can be more motivational?

I have added jogging to my workout routine which now consists of Danceaton classes 2-3 times per week. Felt so great today, I did both.

Will you join me? How can we keep each other inspired and motivated? I am eager to hear your thoughts.

30 in 30 – No Eating Out

I have been inspired by my girl T.B. She did a 30 in 30 that included working out 1 hr per day for 30 days. I know that is not gonna happen for me with my current schedule; however, I came up with a variation of the challenge – no eating out at fast food, restaurants, takeouts for 30 days. This means going to the grocery store, cooking my own meals, and bringing my lunch to work every single day for 30 days.

So, what is the point?

The point is to take small steps toward my long term goals of physical and financial health. What does 30 in 30 have to do with finances? Here is the best part. All of the money that you would have spent on lunches and lattes, you get to place in  a jar. Then you decide at day 31 what you would like to do with it. It is all yours now that you have rescued it from Chic Fil A and McDonalds.

Today I had a soy crumbles taco on flat bread with an avocado for lunch. Not sure of the calorie count but I am certain it is much better than the 915 Calorie burrito bowl I had the other day from Chipotle. That's 8.64 in my jar!

Commitments are always better when there are others invested in the goal as well. Nothing like support and accountability to help propel you forward.

So, who is with me?

The Daniel Fast Detoxes More Than Just Your Body

I and a co-worker started the Daniel Fast- (again)<–Click Here- on Tuesday of this week. For those of you unfamiliar with the fast, it is an eating plan that is primarily vegan plus no sweeteners or leavened bread. Its origins are in the book of Daniel (Daniel 1:8-14).<–Read more here. I started this fast for a combination of reasons – spiritual, weight loss, detox, etc. Plus I need more discipline in my life. Today is day 5 and eating vegan is becoming routine.

Since starting this fast, I sleep better. Acid reflux was ruining my quality of life by affecting my sleeping pattern and mood. Acid reflux was also causing upper respiratory issues. After just 5 days, I totally feel a difference. There is nothing like a good night's sleep.

Plus I am cooking! I made vegan collard greens and they were good. I made my own salad dressing today after being inspired by a friend who made salad dressing for me. She wanted to encourage me on this fast. (Wasn't that the sweetest thing?) I look forward to coming up with new creations. 

I am down like 7 lbs. I feel less bloated. My clothes are fitting beautifully.

Now, I am not going to lie. The first day was a breeze but day 3 was HARD!!!! That is why it helps to have someone else do it with you. Me and my coworker keep each other motivated and lifted up. It can get expensive eating fresh fruits and veggies. Planning ahead is key. I started going to fruit and vegetable markets and stocking up on brown rice, beans, onions and garlic. Having a slowcooker and rice cooker helps.

Prayer is the another component of this fast. I have been praying with more clarity. I have a few big decisions to make in my life and need God's guidance. I want to stay in His will. Prayer and fasting is the best way I know to get closer to God and to hear His voice clearly. 

I plan on transitioning to a clean way of eating. That just means eating as close to nature as possible, cooking my own meals, and resisting the urge to snack. Pray for me 🙂

Sixteen more days to go.