It has been six months of watching my health improve, gaining strength and increasing self-esteem.  Many lessons have been learned.  Weighing myself more than twice a week is not advised. Splurging on vacation is OK.  Green Tea ice cream is a treat. All protein shakes are not created equal. Water tastes good. 

My endurance level has most definitely improved.  I sleep much better at night. I can actually see my bones. 

This contest has saved me from myself.

I am taking a break today from working out as life gets in the way and I just need to take care of business.  Well, H&M opened in the mall!

It have been six months of watching my health improve, gaining strength and increasing self-esteem.  Many lessons have been learned.  Weighing myself more than twice a week is not advised. Splurging on vacation is OK.  Green Tea ice cream is a treat. All protein shakes are not created equal. Water tastes good. 

My endurance level has most definitely improved.  I sleep much better at night. I can actually see my bones. 

This contest has saved me from myself.

I was slumbering in dreamland and of course Cosmo heard another one of his buddies howling at the up and coming sunshine...so that event ended my attempt to sleep late this morning. Sunday, my only day of the week to sleep late..well trying to attempt this stunt!

The last week..it is finally here. The little voice in my head it telling me to get myself into Snap gym..now..but the body isn't moving too quickly.  It will be higher in temperature and humidity today but I can always count on a nice air conditioned gym!  I will have a solid work out schedule this week. I work full time downtown and after dinner I'll be at Snap under the direction of Drake. Working out not only relieves my stress from the day but it makes me a stronger person. I spent time with my parents yesterday and my mom could not believe how thin I have become. My dad was totally amazed as well. As my dad went off to have lunch with his Lodge buddies I went with my mom to complete some errands and stopped by Panera to have lunch. I had a turkey sandwich with tomatoes and extra pickle and ice tea while my mom had a Caesar salad. I really wanted a fruit smoothie but not at 400 calories. We went to the mall as my mom was looking for shoes.  I tried on a few leather jackets to see what size I could wear. I did fall in love with a beautiful jacket, a perfect fit but... on sale it was $300!  Champagne dreams on a Wal-Mart budget!

I am just finishing up breakfast and still need to take Cosmo out for his second walk of the day. Later I promised my daughter who is performing at the Painesville Party on the Park with her SCA group reenacting the 14th century. There will be jousting!

I can't believe the contest is over in eight more days. I started on this journey six months ago...has it been that long? Counting calories, weighing food portions,  working out,  being trained by Drake at Snap, swimming at the YMCA, boot camp at Slim-n-Fit, meeting new people...answering questions about what I am doing and why....

All in all, I have become a better cook and consumer. I read every label and it's totally amazing what companies do to process food. I haven't lost my cravings...lol!  I season most of my food; especially cocktail sauce with horseradish.  Actually I make my own cocktail sauce from scratch without sugar. Kale is not a four letter word.

Hopefully when I step on the scale on the 28th of July I will have reached my goal of a fifty pound weight loss...I am hoping. I make no promises as the scale isn't moving.  But I am not to worry as I am toning up and building muscle. Co-workers who haven't seen me in a month can't believe the transformation.  My parents are beaming with joy and my BF is thrilled. I am smaller than at age eighteen. Type Two diabetes and high blood pressure are gone which was my main goal. My knee no longer aches.

I really need new clothes.  I'd be a great contestant on "What Not To Wear"!  My wardrobe consists of baggy t-shirts and capris. I have nothing for the Fall or Winter except shoes and boots; which have become "roomy".  I think I maybe down to a size eight now in pants as my tens are pretty baggy.  My tummy is finally becoming flat; although not a six-pack...wishful thinking.

 

it's getting really hard now. The scale isn't moving too fast because I really am at the point where I should weigh. Soon it will be time to start my maintenance program. But II will wait until after the last weigh-in; in two weeks.

Did I mention I really miss the rain. It is so very humid outside this morning when I took my Jack Russell out; Cosmo.

Have a great week!

It hasn't been easy.   I will have to keep this up for the rest of my life so the diabetes does not return.  I really think my endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic will be in total shock when she sees me this September.  I know my trainer; Drake at Snap is proud of me. I am in better shape now that I was when I was eighteen; and smaller! 

I thank you Kate for your kind words. We all know this has not been easy. It not only takes sacrifice but determination.  One has to want to change. One has to make choices. One has to jump over obstacles.

I have issues with food as most every overweight human on this earth.  I will need to work on my issues the rest of my life.

Yes, Virginia...I love nuts. Dry roasted almonds. Lightly sea-salted cashews. In moderation, of course.

I had a great couple of days. Working out last night with Drake at Snap renewed my spirit.  Tonight I did HIIT. High intensity interval training...all by myself. I took elements from what I have done in the past and what II have seen on those extreme weight-loss shows. I sweated bricks!

I came home and worked on installing new software provided by Case for my graduate school starting next month.  I haven't used the new versions of Office 2010 so I have to get my rear in gear and learn!

In eight semesters I'll have my Masters degree and maybe on my way to earning my PhD; something I have dreamed for a very long time. I've always wanted to be called a "Doctor"!

Thanks again Michael for posting the chart and the pep talk. Yes, there are times when I just want to go to Giant Eagle and inhale ice cream. Especially when I found out about Red Velvet cake ice cream by Blue Bunny!

Right now I'll settle for a handful of dry roasted almonds.

I am taking today off from working out.   I have been at the gym everyday since I returned from vacation. I will be training this week with Drake. I'm going to push myself very hard and will be at the gym everyday except for Friday due to my BF coming into town.  I'll be in the gym early Saturday and Sunday morning as well.  I'm happy BF understands.  I am only a few more pounds away from my goal and I will work hard to achieve my dreams.

Have a great week everyone!

Grilled chicken and veggies plus a salad and I'm a happy camper.

Back to the gym tomorrow afternoon and to trainer Drake.  I miss the gym terribly.  I miss everyone at Snap.

Stay safe and classy!

Hydration.  It's the word.  Hot hot hot!!!

I weighed in a day early due to my vacation plans so I don't get to see anyone.  I congratulate Michael for a huge loss! Way to go!

I'm watching what I eat, but I'm on my vacay...so I will take some liberties with food...but walking a lot so hopefully I'll be fine.

Glad I can have the best sushi in the world!