For too many years, the words “I can’t” played a large role. Especially with regards to fitness.
Excuses for why I couldn’t run or play a certain sport or lose a few pounds were bountiful. And, honestly, most of them didn’t make any sense.
The first time I pushed my self-imposed limitations aside, was a few months before my wedding when I decided, if ever there was a time to aim for perfection in the area of health and wellness, this was the time. I had a realistic goal and, with the help of a running buddy or two and Weight Watchers online, I reached it in time for my dress fitting.
I have talked about goals here, but no timeline. It occurred to me yesterday that a lack of one might cause me to lose motivation. Not to give anything away about this week’s update, but it’s easy to see a few pounds lost and think “Yay! Good enough”. I don’t want to do that.
So, here it is: My goal is to be back at my pre-pregnancy weight by Wyatt’s first birthday in two months. That’s almost exactly 9 weeks from last week. My pre-pregnancy weight was about 155lbs and my last weigh-in was 169.5lbs.
Hold your horses! I’ll tell you this week’s weight in a minute.
Weight Watchers recommends an average of a 2 lb loss per week. Ok, so we have my goal of 15 lbs in 2 months!
I’m not going to bend over backwards. It’s just nice to have something to aim for.
I’d love to have pictures taken for Wyatt’s first birthday, and wouldn’t it be nice if I was able to wear one of my favorite pre-pregnancy outfits?! I bought a bunch of cute new Ann Taylor outfits when I went to BlogHer ’11 and was about 1.5 months pregnant.
Ok, enough of that. Let’s talk updated stats:
- Height: 5’9″ish
- Weight: 166 lbs!!! (-3.5 lbs from last week, -2 lbs since I started, and -10 lbs since my 6 week postpartum visit)
- Waist: 31.3″ (-1.2″ since last week)
- Bust: 36.8″ (-0.7″ since last week)
- Hips: 41″ (no change)
YAY! Yes, I’m celebrating! It was a good week. I would have been really defeated if I didn’t see a difference, to be completely transparent.
This week felt a little like a week on “The Biggest Loser”.
I did my best to stay on my feet 80% of the day and did something at least moderately active every day. I made it to the gym 3 times – twice for a Hatha Yoga class and once for Zumba (actually 4 trips to the gym and 2 Zumba classes if you count last Friday afternoon).
I completely restocked our refrigerator with things like hummus, roasted red peppers, spinach, carrots deli turkey meat, high fiber tortillas, lowfat cottage cheese, and fruit salad. I made sure we had plenty of bananas and apples and I hid all refined treats from plain view. And I tracked every.single.bite.
Know what else? I feel so good. I feel lighter and happier and more energetic. I’ve had an easier time staying on top of household chores and keeping up with the boys. I’ve had more patience with Dylan, though, that’s not to say I haven’t still yelled quite a few times.
PLUS Dylan’s eating better, which I mentioned a couple of days ago. He seems happier and easier to reason with, too.
I know part of that is me. I’m more playful and he gets more positive attention.
I do know not to expect such significant differences every week. I’m just happy to finally see some changes and, more importantly, feel them so strongly.
And also? Look at me getting this post up earlier! 
I still credit my quiet time for meditation and prayer, too. I know God’s helping me improve myself one day at a time.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ~ Matthew 7:7
I still wish, sometimes, that I could instantly shed the excess weight and fit into my clothes. Who doesn’t? But I’m working on enjoying the journey, celebrating the victories, and honoring where my body is right now.
How about you? Was this a good week or a rough one? I’d love to hear both the struggles and the victories. And don’t forget, you can link up your fitness related posts below! The link’s open through next Thursday, so feel free to add yours anytime!
You are doing amazing! I’m totally geared up to change up the grocery list a bit this weekend. And a timeline and schedule. I really need that. It wasn’t my best week, but doing this with you is helping me find where I need to adjust, and giving me the motivation to do something about the bad weeks. Rather than throw in the towel.
Big hugs!
Thanks Amber! I don’t know why it took me so long to convince myself that those kinds of changes were necessary. I guess it’s always hard to ditch all the bad habits.
I’m so glad my posts are helping more than just me. Reading yours, Shelli’s, and Hannah’s posts have helped me, too. Thank you again for doing this with me!!!
Big hugs back at ya!
oh, and the link-up’s up now, too. sorry about that!
Again, thanks so much for allowing us to do the linky thing.
You’re so inspiring. And a big YAY for your progress this week!
I feel like I had a good week. I lost 1 lb. since my last weigh in. I’m bad about not weighing on the same day every week, so I need to fix that.
I seriously need to go to the grocery store. I think I’m going to buy some tilapia and use some of the awesome spices I have in my cabinet. My husband, although he likes fried fish, said he would try baked or broiled for me. He’s SO supportive!
Aw, thanks Lauralynn. You’re comments always make me smile. I’m so happy to have met you! And so happy you’re joining in!
That’s great progress! Good job! 1 lb is is great! As for weighing on the same day, I weigh myself every Friday morning. I jump out of bed and run to the scale (sometimes literally) before I head downstairs and get distracted with anything else. Ok, maybe I use the bathroom first
Yum, tilapia! I love that, that’s a healthy dessert option. It’s always been one of my favorites anyway. LOL about your husband. Guys are stinkers in the weight loss department. They cut out one thing and suddenly their 10 lbs lighter!
You are doing great! I have also been thinking about working out and eating healthier food and am thinking of starting it in a few weeks. I also thinks goals and a date are the way to go. I have a girls weekend coming up in May and I intend on using the hot tub at the hotel, so I’m going to want to be in shape for my bathing suit. I really enjoy reading your Friday posts to see how you are doing and it is inspiring me to stop talking about losing weight and actually do it.
Also, i understand the point about being tall, and 100 lbs being so unreasonable. You are a little taller than me though, I”m 5′-7″. My goal weight is probably going to be 145.
Thanks Lori! Those sounds like an great goals! Of course, you did JUST have your baby, so don’t be too hard on yourself if it takes a little longer to get to your goal weight. It never hurts to get exercise and eat well, though, especially when you’re probably not getting a ton of sleep.
All I have to say is…. “wooooohhh sexy lady! Wooohh Wooow, wooooh wooooh” keep up the good work!!!! I know we could instantly shed the weight but one thing that definitely changes much quicker is our attitude! You sound and seem happier! And that’s huge!!!
I’m keeping my goal rate so far And lost 1 1/2 lbs last week, so I’m happy about that! As the weather gets warmer I hope to include more active days even if it’s just taking the boys to the park!
Let’s keep up the good works ladies!!!!
hehe. Thanks Jeanette! I’m blushing
I CAN’T WAIT for warmer weather. These 20* days are killing me! I so miss the park!
Go you! I am glad for your progress, congrats!
Thanks Michelle!
I hope you’re getting more rest. I saw your post on FB the other day about 4:30AM. Wyatt’s been getting up super early lately, too. Luckily, I’ve gotten him to go back down, but it’s so hard to get that early and then hard to fall back to sleep after :/
Good for you, Erika! I know the good choices that come with feeling good about yourself. I need to remember to take time to thank God for Him helping me on my journey, too. Thanks for the reminder.