Here We Go!

  First time in the blogging world....so here goes nothing.  Welcome to my journey of a healthier lifestyle.  I made a commitment to myself at the beginning to of 2013 to make changes in my life, so that I was happier and healthier. I "thought" I had been making small changes in the proceeding months, but 12/31/12 was a wake up call.  Went to the doctor for a check up, only to find out that I was 183lbs (so thought I was less than that) and that my blood pressure was high.  That was it...that did it.  I didn't want these things to turn into chronic health problems...I didn't want to miss out on things with my children, or be setting bad examples for them.  I decided that my New Year's Resolution was to change my lifestyle.  Now let's be serious, how many of us have pledged as our New Year's Resolution to work out, or eat better, or lose weight???  I know I sure have...countless times, and each time resulted in temporary results, and then MAJOR setbacks. Not only would I gain back what I had lost but I would add a little more to that number.  This time had to be different.  Everything I used to try was off the table...so to the drawing board I went.  The first issue I had to address was my horrible eating habits....decided at this point, it was time for some drastic changes.  Gave up coffee, soda, candy, fast food...you name it, GONE!!!  Now, I'd like to say that was easy, but my God was that a tough one, coffee especially.  I knew in my heart that I coffee would make its way back around, but in the beginning I took everything off the table...because it wasn't the coffee necessarily that was the issue it was all that cream and sugar, you know all that stuff that makes it taste so good that is the problem.  Those first couple weeks were a killer...needless to say, I probably should've issued a disclaimer to everyone when I started this to just steer clear of me for a couple weeks :-)
   Next choice, which kind of exercise/workout should I use??? A friend of mine had a lot of success with the  insanity program, so I thought hey that sounds great.  My kind friend let me borrow her dvds and everything...I'm thinking this is great, at least I'm not spending an arm and leg.  For anyone who has done this program, you know Day 1 starts with a fit test, well that dvd was not in the set for some reason, so she advised me to just start it following the schedule.  Day 1...pushed play....5 minutes in (still in the warm), I'm dripping sweat, trying to catch my breath, and thinking "Holy crap, what did I get myself into."  Now of course, I told everyone and their mother who would listen to me that I was doing insanity...I did this for two reasons, one, because I was really excited to try something new, and two, I knew it would make me be accountable.  Accountability, a VERY crucial step in this process.  So....giving up just wasn't an option.  It was time to truly "dig deep" and push myself to limits I never have before. I have to say at this point, I was frustrated and disappointed in myself...I was so mad at myself for letting things get as out of control as they had.  I was frustrated that this person who use to be an athlete, could barely make it through 5 minutes of a workout.  I wasn't going to give up, I was going to find that girl who used to train so hard, who wouldn't give up, who always fought back when challenges presented themselves...I knew she was still in there somewhere...it was just a matter of finding her.
 I can say with a smile on my face, I did make it through it...with LOTS of modifications and probably a few more "rests" in between than what the program called for.  But to me, the important thing was, I didn't give up.  I saw it through to the end, and I accomplished something.  By the time I finished, I had lost 19lbs and gone from in between a size 12-14, to a size 10.  I told myself, I really CAN do this...not only had I lost weight, but I felt better.  My energy level was up, my stress level was down (or maybe I was just coping with the stress better because I found a new, better way to deal with it rather than turning to food) and I was truly feeling better about myself.  I decided it was time to set new goals....that the thing about changing your lifestyle, you are ALWAYS setting new goals.  This isn't a diet...there's no expiration date or time limit...its all a work in progress.
  So speaking of progress....I made the commitment in January to change my lifestyle.  It is now June.  I have lost a total of 44lbs, gone from a in between a size 12-14 pants to a size 6 (but I'll be honest, some of those more fitted jeans I could still use an 8 in, afterall, just because you can get them buttoned doesn't necessarily means they fit.)  I have joined a Facebook challenge group that my sister-in-law, well not yet, but she might as well be :), started and it has been amazing.  She was actually the one who encouraged me to start this blog.  So to Kristen, I owe you much more than a thank you.  You are an amazing coach and an amazing friend.  Motivating me and so many others to continue to make positive changes in our lives.  You make this journey with all of us, find ways to push us, and are beyond supportive.  This challenge group is the first time in a LONG time, I have found a group of women who are truly positive and inspirational.  This group keeps me going. For this month's challenge, I am currently back on the insanity program....just completed week 1, and its so different this time!  No modifications, no extra rests, and I find myself wanting and craving more when I'm done.  Don't get me wrong, its not easy an easy work and by no means have I mastered it, but I just love the sense of accomplishment when I finishing one of the workouts.
  As I said before this is a change for a lifetime....and I'm still a work in progress...until the next time!