#50in52 Week 25: What does it feel like to reach your weight loss goal?

For so long, I have dreamed about what it would feel like to weigh in at 169.0lbs.

 

And it happened on Saturday!

I wish I could say that the picture above was from Saturday, but it was from earlier in the week. I was too excited to remember to take a picture at the gym after my workout.

I feel like I have finally accomplished something in this weight loss journey. I am down 16lbs from my highest weight in April 2011. Yes, that is nearly 2 years of trial and errors, but I finally got to my first real goal of hitting 169lbs. When I saw that number on the scale, I almost lost my mind. I checked 4 times to make sure that it was real!

This week I kicked my own butt in every single workout. I worked out 5 times and met my increased polar goals for the first time! The only one I missed was the amount of time in zone 1 BUT I was at 92%, so I will be happy with that. If you follow me on instagram, you will probably see a photo of the trophy sometime this week.

Now,  I am on to the next goal. For some reason, it feels much more doable now. So... let's see how long it takes me to get to 159lbs. I may even be able to get to my total goal by the end of this #50in52 Challenge!

Oh, and sidebar: I didn't reward myself with food for the first time EVER. I don't want to ever see 17? on the scale again unless I am preggos. :)

Workout Motivation

All week I have had the same thought on my mind too, so I wanted to share it with you.

When I sit and think about the way I am right now versus where I would like to be, the only person I can blame is myself, I am angry because I am essentially not doing all the things I could do to feel better. And in my mind, that sounds ridiculous.

The past 2 weeks have been going really well for me. I think this is also because I let go of the scale too. I've been working out hard and eating (moderately) well. I went back home for a celebration last week and ate out for almost every meal....so....you know how that goes. But I am back on track. It's Saturday and I have started my food prep too. Starting on Friday, my husband and I are renovating our kitchen so we could potentially not have a kitchen for 2-3weeks.... I have no idea how that will go, but I will try my best!

 

How are you doing with your eating lately?

 

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Magazine Inspiration

Friday night after work, I decided that it was time to upgrade my iPad 1 to the mini, so I walked right into my nearest Apple store and picked one up. Did you know that they process EVERYTHING right from their iPhones? I barely walked into the store and my whole transaction, receipt included, was conducted at the nearest display table. On a phone. I know I am young, but technology really surprises me still. Anywho, as I was installing all of my apps, I started to configure my iPad magazine subscriptions. I am really feeling down these days since I am only subscribing to 3 instead of my usual 5-7.... But that's a whole other story.

The latest cover of Shape with Jennifer Love Hewitt had me floored. I've always been a Jennifer fan because of her body shape. She has an amazing hourglass shape that looks realistic! And she is proud of it even after that whole story of her "letting herself go" that was all over magazine stands and the Internet a few years ago. On the iPad edition, sometimes magazines include video snippets of the cover story interview and this issue had one with Jennifer! In her interview she talked about her perception on staying healthy.

 

I haven't watched her recent series, but from what the interview says, she is in lingerie a lot so fitness is a priority. After that terrible story about letting herself go, she says that she learned that she just needs to take care of herself more. NOT that she was embarrassed or ashamed of herself, but that she knew she could do better. So she eats healthy and exercises AND THREW AWAY THE SCALE. She says that she doesn't even know how much she weighs. And that she doesn't even care! It's all about how she feels, looks, and how her clothes fit.

Now I know you are probably reading this thinking "So what? That's not something that I have never heard before." But for some reason, I guess because Jennifer just seems like a REAL person to me, it hit home....and I put my scale in a place that will take too much effort for me to fish it out AND I recommitted myself to living a gluten and dairy free lifestyle for the time being (not because it will make me lose more weight but because the #NYNR challenge made me FEEL good).

I interpreted her throwing the scale away as being symbolic of her allowing herself to live a healthy lifestyle without the shackles on her ankles tying her to a number and/or specific diet plan. Eating healthy and exercising 5 days a week is her thing. I feel free already knowing that I don't have the scale on my mind. Although I said I would not be reporting my weight here anymore, I would still hop on the scale "just to see". My weight was actually going down too, but I have so much anxiety about that darn number. And I get anxiety about tracking calories too! But somehow when I am gluten and dairy free, I just ate better and didn't need too.

Finding a balance is what I am really striving for... This is honestly what being a #fitfluential ambassador is about in my mind.

What motivates you to find balance?

 

 

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10 Minute Resolutions Inspired by @LucyDanziger

                                                     Source: carrotsncake.com via KandidlyKim @ Work It Out, Gurl on Pinterest

One of my New Year's promises is to start documenting when I have really good blog post ideas and/or inspirations;  I am always reading articles or hearing about great things, but I never write them down... so I forget. Well, as the first of one of my "magazine inspirations", I read the editor's letter in my latest issue of Self Magazine and Lucy Danziger talked about making a 10 minute resolution.

What are 10 minute resolutions?

Instead of going crazy creating this ginormous resolution that is supposed to carry you through the entire year (oh, and keep you motivated too!), she suggested that we make resolutions in the next 10 minutes of the day. For example: 

Create a stellar blog post. 

Workout to your fullest potential for the last 10 minutes of your circuit at the gym. 

Plan your meals for the entire week and create a grocery list.  

Make a to-do list at work for the day.

Drink 8oz of water before breakfast.

Get up on time for the gym.

Call your best friend who you haven't talked to in weeks. 

Finish the last page in your graduate paper that is due tomorrow.

Make a list of 5 things you are grateful for before you go to sleep. 

Once you complete the mini-resolution you create another one, and keep repeating these mini-resolutions until you reach your ultimate resolution/goal. Every minute that you spend working towards your ultimate resolution counts and since you are making mini-resolutions, it is much easier to stay motivated. 

When I read this editor's letter, I looked at the 10 minute resolutions as creating the steps to success. Sometimes we know where we want to end up, but we have no idea how to get there. Creating these mini-resolutions (sometimes without even creating the larger resolution) will help you get to where you want to be. Naturally, the resolutions will be positive and help you improve your life in little ways; and every little way added up can turn into the BIG way that you are looking to improve your life.

What would be your 10 minute resolution right now?

Workout Motivation and guest post over @tinareale

Today I am guest posting over at Tina's blog today! Head on over to check it out.

                                                   Source: Uploaded by user via KandidlyKim @ Work It Out, Gurl on Pinterest

And a little workout motivation for you today. Think about it. 

Workout Motivation

                                           Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via KandidlyKim @ Work It Out, Gurl on Pinterest

Some days when we are not seeing progress, we are staggering through our workouts, and we want to eat everything that is fried.... It is more than hard to stay on the fit path; it feels damn near impossible. Remember that it is just one day, sometimes, it is even just one moment in a day. You have to use your mental fortitude to keep on pressing towards your goals. Do whatever you need to do to get yourself focused!

My least favorite exercise is planks on the vibrating plate at the gym. My trainer has me do a 30 second, 45 second, and then finish with 2 one minute planks as part of some of my circuits. The only way that I get through them is to sing to myself (note: it generally takes the first verse and a chorus of a song to get through a 60 second plank) OR I give myself a pep talk that basically is about how this is such a minuscule part of my day. Literally seconds... so I can finish the exercise.

When things get tough... remember, the feeling is not permanent; things will get better and....

                                                          Source: pfitblog.com via KandidlyKim @ Work It Out, Gurl on Pinterest

Workout Motivation: Giving 100%

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I don't want to be the first to break it to you, but I wouldn't be a great blogger friend if I didn't. 

Most of the time when you claim you are giving 100%, you probably are not. Myself included! Think about it. If you are working towards a goal, and are not seeing the results that you would like, ask  yourself, "Am I giving all that I can possibly give to make my goal happen?" Let's look at this in terms of getting fit and/or losing weight.

Do you have a set nutrition plan?

Do you prep your food so you don't "fall" into situations that leave you scrambling?

Did you cave into that cake at the office party that really wasn't that great, BUT you ate it anyways?

Did you make a gym schedule?

Do you stick to your gym schedule?

Did you push yourself for that extra 10/15 minutes on the elliptical machine?

Do you continuously up the number of reps you do or the weights when it gets too easy?

Do you mix up your workouts so your body doesn't get bored?

Do you track your weight and measurements so you can track all progress?

Do you give your body ample time to rest after intense workouts?

and the questions could go on and on.....

It is hard to give 100% all of the time, so don't be overly hard on yourself. But those times when you say you are giving 100%... really make sure you are and amp it up another 10% just to make sure. 

Workout Motivation

                                                                            Source: tumblr.com via KandidlyKim on Pinterest

That is how I feel about weight loss. I am so sick and tired of being on a weight loss journey. I want to complete the weight loss journey and be maintaining my weight loss. I'm on my way, slowly but surely.

What is something you have always wanted to do, but haven't yet?

Besides weight loss, I have always wanted to sing at an open mic night in NYC. I told one of my co workers who also sings, and he got SO excited that he actually started looking for places. I am thinking that I might try to perform after graduating with my masters in May with him....maybe. :)

Workout Motivation

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Anyone who has experienced what it is like to work to lose weight will understand this statement. Weight loss is not easy. Your body is a machine with a special code that only you can discover through trial and error. You must be strong enough physically and mentally in order to get to the point where you crack the master code. And yes, I said master code, because along the way there are clues and codes that get you inside the machine for a minute or two, but then they lock you back out again.

Be strong and get to know the machine that is your body. 

Workout Motivation

                                                                     Source: Uploaded by user via KandidlyKim on Pinterest

I don't think too much more needs to be said when you read this. So just read it again, out loud, and let it sink in.

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE YOURSELF!

Workout Motivation

                                                              Source: westofprep.blogspot.com via KandidlyKim on Pinterest

Once you are able to accept that a healthier you is worth working hard for, that will be all of the motivation that you need. AND more importantly, you won't be as easily swayed by friends, family, co-workers or anyone else who is not 100% in support of your new journey.

Workout Motivation

                                                                      Source: beachbody.com via KandidlyKim on Pinterest

One thing that Amber and I pride ourselves on is our eating. 99% of the time we are eating wholesome, healthy foods. We get so upset when we read the latest and greatest nutrition article in magazines that says eliminate soda, refined sugars, and white carbs because those are second nature to us now.

If you haven't started taking a hard look at your eating habits as a reason to why you haven't reached your goals, you need to. Eating right is over 70% of the battle because it is not possible to exercise away all of the bad things that you eat.

Healthy foods are not just food for your body, but they fuel your body and help it to run more efficiently. 

Workout Motivation

                                                                Source: lifeplusfitness.blogspot.com via KandidlyKim on Pinterest

I can completely relate to this feeling. When I skip my workouts, I feel terrible. Especially if I had the time, and I chose not to get off my bum and do them. Conversely, when I wake up in the morning after a tough training session and my body is sore; I smile. Yes, it hurts like you-know-what BUT it means I put some work in and my body is changing.

There's no point in regretting something that you have control over. Just do it, like Nike.

Workout Motivation

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If you have been on the journey to get fit for awhile, you know what is necessary. If you are new to the journey, with access to the world wide web, you have access to the necessary information that you need. Only you can make yourself into who you want to be.

Take charge. 

NOW.

How did you do it? with Danielle

We are always asking the question of anyone who has had success in weight loss, "How did you do it?" So let's meet Danielle, and find out how she did it. 

Name: Danielle

Blog/Website: n/a (Leave comments, I will be reading them!)

Approximate Body Stats: 5'1, starting weight was 296.8, current weight is 140

1. What is your current state in your personal weight loss journey? 
My personal weight loss journey is and has been successful. It is a struggle if you've heard of that infamous cliche, "your eyes are bigger than your stomach" is proven true. However, I am maintaining and stabilized at my current weight. Am I happy now? YES more than ever, but I'm never satisfied, and feel there is room for improvement! With drastic weight loss comes drastic changes physically, mentally, and spiritually.

2. When did you start your weight loss journey? 

Well honestly, my weight loss journey began in my teens. Body image has been around forever especially as a teenager in the 90's when you're looking at idols and models for positive motivation and inspiration. I remember telling myself I want to look like her {referring to Janet Jackson} lol! In high school I was on Weight Watchers and lost a good portion of weight for my prom, and then I went to college... and forget it. Although the cafeteria food was not the greatest; I found ways to eat unhealthy; and there was a complete lack of sleep and exercise. I was a mess and gained massive amounts of weight. I continued to struggle with body image, my confidence had plunged, my faith was decreasing and food was my friend. I battled this for awhile. Secretly, I knew I was a plus woman, who was already diagnosed with high blood pressure and at risk for diabetes, however, I still smiled  but inwardly I was hurting, and in pain.

I decided on May 31, 2008 that I would have gastric bypass surgery which is known as "weight loss" surgery. During that time there weren't too many options of surgeries available, it was either the gastric bypass surgery or the lap band. I made the ultimate decision of choosing life or death... did I really want to continue down this path? I know I have Purpose. And Purpose is what I chose!

3. What got you motivated to start losing weight? 

My family has been my greatest supporter. They would hint OFTEN that I needed to lose weight, but what truly motivated me was when the number on the scale continued to increase, and good quality clothes were becoming expensive. Being the shoe lover that I am, it was becoming uncomfortable that my 4 inch heels that were of good quality would no longer support me... I'm keeping it REAL!! No matter what anyone said it had to be IN ME, to want to lose weight!

4. What combination of food and exercise worked best for you? 
I eat a lot of protein, mainly chicken, fish, and turkey. I've cut pork and beef out of my diet for digestive purposes. I workout at least three to four times a week. High-intensity cardio, preferably the elliptical and cardio classes if available.

5. Share with us your favorite healthy meal or snack. 
I make my own Homemade Chili, but can cook everything..lol My favorite snacks are Special K Sour Cream and Onion crackers, flavored rice cakes {sour cream and onion, ranch, and barbecue}, lightly salted rice cakes with a hint of peanut butter spread, laughing cow cheese spread with a few crackers, and homemade fruit parfaits.

6. Any helpful tips, tricks, or encouragement you’d like to share. 
Ladies, stay encouraged, there's someone going through the same trials that you are, and please know you're not alone in your feelings and emotions. Workout as often as you can and if you can't make it to the gym, walk! Walking is a great form of cardio. I love shopping and in being positive if you walk the entire mall, you've done a workout. 

Smile and know that God loves you and So do I ....Smooches

Workout Motivation

                                                             Source: arthlete.tumblr.com via KandidlyKim on Pinterest

I stumbled across these on Pinterest and had to share them with all of you. They are all from Arthlete via tumblr. I was in the office solo yesterday just pondering why I have not been able to be as successful as I would like on my weight loss journey and it had me down. When I Google new plans or exercises they are all things I know. Yea... so why don't I do them? I am not exactly sure. Self sabotage. Emotional eating. Cravings. No motivation. All things I experience on a weekly basis. I have the tools to do better. I just need to start. NOW

Like Oprah says, when you know better, you do better.

And I have known better for some time now. Change starts today. 

Workout Motivation

                                                                                  Source: google.ca via KandidlyKim on Pinterest

Best. Nike. Ad. Ever.

I am a woman with curves.

I will always have an hour-glass figure.

AND I know that I will never fit into size 2 jeans unless I stop eating and I have my hips shaved down. 

With weight loss, we are always looking to change things about our physical appearance. BUT there are some things about our bodies that will never change completely. For me, that is my hips and thighs. I will always have them. While, I hope that they get smaller, I know they will always be on the curvy/thick/larger/athletic (or whatever adjective you would like to use). So I need to accept them. 

What body part do you need to accept on your body?

Workout Motivation

                                                                 Source: fithiphealthy.com via KandidlyKim on Pinterest

Yesterday on Oprah Radio I heard one of her guests say that failure is all about your perspective. In some events, it is almost good to fail because it helps you to remember the experience. When we succeed, it is hard to remember the details of the experience that got you to succeed but when you FAIL. You KNOW, that you remember every waking detail of how you messed up. So what we need to do is use that to propel us forward to succeed after we pick ourselves back up off the floor.

Amber and I are not perfect and we make mistakes too. Many that we are too embarrassed to share with ya'll. BUT, we are in this journey right with you. There have been days when we have thrown  tantrums in the gym and couldn't get ourselves to do another rep of an exercise or another (insert 4 letter word) 5 minutes of cardio. There have been days when we weighed in and gained weight and cried. But we are learning. Our failures will ultimately make us stronger. And the same goes for you as well.

Let's make June a month of change and positiveness.

Workout Motivation

So I was googling as I normally do, and I came across this picture. I hope it motivates you guys as much as it has already motivated me. Before doing this Independence Day Challenge I have struggled with starting over. I constantly found myself overindulging on sweets and then on Monday I would say to myself today is the day that I will start fresh. This weight loss journey has become full of start and stops but it must come to an end! It makes so much sense if you just keep working hard you won't have to start over and deal with the guilt and disappointment of failing. I don't know about you, but I needed this push to get me through the rest of the week. 

Have a great day everyone!

Mid-Week Motivation

So I needed some motivation to get me through this week, so I decided to take a trip down memory lane. Sometimes I forget how far I have actually come this past year, it wasn't until I looked at some of my old pictures that I realized that I have changed so much within the past year. I must be honest at first I did not want to share my "fat" pictures of myself, but I am proud of where I am and most importantly where I am going.

So here are a few of my Before and After pictures that I put together, I will also be doing a "How Did You Do It" post soon, so be on the lookout for that.  I hope that these pictures can be an inspiration to keep working at weight loss, I know that I still am!

I think that it is a great idea to think about what you want to look like after weight-loss, but every now and again you should look back and see how far you have come. Although I am not where I want to be in my weight-loss journey I am definitely not where I used to be. 

Thanks for reading and stay Fab <3