This wasn’t a proud week for me. Sometimes, the hardest part of this challenge is knowing I have to write my post each Monday and be honest about how I did. Because sometimes? Sometimes, I can handle how tough this challenge is and sometimes I can’t.
This week had its ups and downs. I managed to steer clear of most temptations but a combination of not exercising enough (only twice before I weighed in), indulging in Chick-Fil-A twice, and having a “cheat night” after a really rough day at work (a four-hour headache will do that to you) meant stepping on the scale was scary for me this week.
I’m trying to be very careful about letting my weight declare how I performed during the week. Yes, I slipped up but I also got right back on the horse after doing so. Usually, I let myself go until a new week begins. It’s a big step in a new direction.
I think what’s mainly keeping me in a good mood, even if my results weren’t anything to shout about, was the fact that I went bathing suit shopping on Friday night and didn’t hate the way my body looked while trying them on. (And came out with a killer bathing suit that I can’t wait to wear on the cruise!) I can feel and see the difference when I look in the mirror. My clothes are fitting better and my body is looking leaner.
No, I still have a long way to go before I can even think about trying on those “when I was skinny” clothes, but I’m getting there. Slowly by surely. Pound by pound. Week by week. It’s coming off and I want it to stay off. I want to form a new lifestyle through the process and this is the first time in my entire losing weight journey that I’ve found something that seems to be working.
It also helps that my body doesn’t take kindly to junk food anymore. While I relax my restrictions on the weekend, my stomach lets me know it doesn’t appreciate all the sugar and soda. And to think five weeks ago, my body was rebelling because it didn’t think it had enough! It’s amazing what our bodies are capable of.
Results? It’s not what I was hoping for, but it’s still a small step in the right direction.
Starting Weight/Inches (taken on 3/18/12) | Current Weight/Inches (taken on 4/21/12) | Total Loss | |
Weight: | 154.4 lbs | 148.2 lbs | 6.2 lbs |
Left Arm: | 13 in | 12.5 in | .5 in |
Right Arm: | 12 in | 11.5 in | .5 in |
Chest: | 37 in | 36.5 in | .5 in |
Waist: | 39 in | 37.5 in | 1.5 in |
Hips: | 36 in | 35 in | 1 in |
Left Thigh: | 22.5 in | 22 in | .5 in |
Right Thigh: | 23 in | 22 in | 1 in |
So, no inches lost this week and only a .4-pound drop on the scale. But a loss is a loss and with the week I had, I’ll gladly take it. I have a few more weeks left of the challenge and I really want to, well, challenge myself to take this more seriously and focus myself. I know I can manage to lose 2 pounds a week if I really try.
I have learned so much during this journey and a part of me can’t believe I haven’t given up yet. I usually do and I think these weekly updates help. Yes, they may cause me to stress during the week that I’m not going to have a great weight loss number to show you guys but they also keep me focused on my goal.
AshleyD
So proud of you! I know this is a huge challenge for you, but I love reading your updates and seeing your progress. You’re such an inspiration!
Melissa
Woo hoo, you’re more than halfway there! Hopefully these last few weeks will be good for you and you’ll be able to rise up to the challenge, just in time for your cruise! 🙂 I know you’ve got it in you to really kick the sugar and lose those 2 pounds a week. Just remind yourself of WHY you’re doing it every time temptation kicks in. Find a comfort food that isn’t going to make you feel guilty!
I need to get back to eating healthier too. I’ve really let it go during finals, but I was seriously debating taking up this challenge when the new month rolls around. It’s doing wonders for you! 🙂
Natasha
Stephany, you’re doing so good and it definitely helps that your body may not be able to tolerate as much sugar as before. You’re almost there, so definitely keep going and know that you have so many people proud of you.
Lisa of Lisa's Yarns
I am glad you are seeing results! Like you said, a loss is a loss. I like that you also are taking your measurements because the scale does not tell the full story! And it’s great that your body is starting to reject things that are not good for it! I am sure you’ll learn a lot through this process!
Cait
I think it’s so great that you’re sticking with it even when you slip up. That’s really one of the hardest parts of cultivating a healthier lifestyle.
steph anne
I love your positive attitude towards this challenge. You’re awesome! I have no doubt you’ll succeed because you won’t give up.
Nora
Note to self: reading this while eating a mini kit-kat. Not the best idea.
You are doing really well with this! The fact that you haven’t given up yet is huge. I don’t know if I could do as well as you, at all. Keep up the good work! Pulling for you 🙂