I have decided to start training for my first 5K!!! I haven't ran in years but I am determined to start back. I found out my church is hosting a 5K in July for their youth group mission trip to Nicaragua. I thought it would be interesting to see how this goes since I've never participated in a 5K before. I'm not in it to place or anything... I just want to accomplish something great that I've never tried before. I just bought new running shoes since my old Under Armor ones are killing me and downloaded the Nike+ & C25K apps for my iPhone. I think it will be interesting to see how this goes. My first run will be this evening... 30 minutes! I'm nervous!
On to a different subject... I've held steady at 225 for almost 2 weeks now. :/ I'm not too happy but at least I'm not gaining it all back. I'm back on my eating schedule and working out again. I've got my Iodine lined out too. I need to find different ways to boost my weight loss so I can keep losing. I think training for the 5K will help boost it again. My biggest fear about this is hurting myself. I have a healed knee injury from high school that always seems to flair up at the most inopportune time.
Anyways... I just wanted to share my little bit of excitement. Happy Monday to all!
A bit of motivation:
Just to let you all know... these are super embarrassing for me to post. I am SO excited that I can see a little change in my body from looking at these pics. But, nevertheless, still embarrassing. I'm a very modest person and do not have a lot of self-confidence so this takes a lot of courage for me to post these. These pics were at various stages of my weight-loss journey. The first pic was taken around January 1st 2013 and at the beginning of the 30-day detox. The last pic was from February 23rd 2013. I listed the weight in each photo. I know the difference isn't very noticeable but it's a difference that I've worked hard for. So, below are the pics:
A friend of mine wrote me a post on Facebook today. She wrote:
"So I've been keeping up with your fitness blog, congrats on the weightloss!! I just wanted to tell you that for the past month, minus 2 or 3 cheat days, I have completely given up bread. Here is a great article about why you should. I thought you might find it very interesting. Keep up the great work girl!!"
Naturally, this made my day!!! I've cut out all bread products for the past month. And, as previously mentioned in an earlier post, I ate a Subway sandwich once after about 3 weeks of no bread... And I felt like CRAP. I totally believe every word of it. I do believe you need grains in your diet in order to fully metabolize and rid toxins from your body. But there are many other grains to get fiber from. You can get fiber from veggies and fruit too! Yes, I will miss eating a turkey sandwich on wheat but I'd rather miss out on a sandwich than miss out on a healthy body.
A few things Dr. Mark Hyman mentioned that caught my attention are three important ways wheat can cause problems (Read article for more details):
- It contains a Super Starch -- amylopectin A that is super fattening.
- It contains a form of Super Gluten that is super-inflammatory.
- It contains forms of a Super Drug that is super-addictive and makes you crave and eat more.
I'm not so sure about gluten-free lifestyles yet. I still have more to learn from them. Until then, I will continue on my no bread, no processed food, no sugary drinks lifestyle.
The key to making a new lifestyle work is to view it in a positive manner. Don't think of the things you can't have. Think of what you can have and soon your body will be craving the good foods instead of the bad. I don't want doughnuts or fried chicken. I want yummy grilled chicken and dried cranberries and dark chocolate or carob covered almonds. I want natural and whole foods. I don't miss Sonic Route 44 Vanilla Diet Dr. Pepper or Coke Zero. I crave water and green tea. It's astonishing. This has been the easiest transition I've ever had. With a detox too! I honestly feel better than I have in years. I still have fatigue and all that but I can walk up 4 flights of stairs and not feel like passing out. It takes me seconds to regain my breath instead of minutes. It gave me a little boost of energy instead of making me feel like I needed a nap.
The best part about this lifestyle is my husband participating. He started the detox and lifestyle with me to make it easier on me. He had no intention of sticking with it after the detox is over. He actually likes the food and helps me cook. Once the detox is over, he will cheat a bit I'm sure... mainly with sweet tea. Sweet tea is the least of my worries. Actually, we cheated last night and got a sweet tea from Raising Cane's. OHMYWORD... I hated it. I drank it and it tasted like straight syrup! And the tea left an after taste that was bitter, unlike the green tea which doesn't leave an aftertaste.
Anyways... my motivation for the day: "The only thing between you and your goal is you." Food is no longer a problem. I've found a way to eat that allows me to lose weight without working out. Can you imagine the weight loss possibilities once I start back working out? That's just another step closer to my goal. Now, I just have to figure out the timing and fatigue issue. And that's all me. No excuses. :)
Guess what!?!?! I just found out that in 5 months, I will be going to the beach!!! My husband decided that the beach would be a great trip for our 2 year anniversary! I am so excited (and scared). I haven't worn a swimsuit since my honeymoon and that was in a private pool area! The last time I wore a swim suit was about 3-4 years ago when I was a camp counselor and I wore a t-shirt over my suit! OHMY!!! I know I won't be beach ready by then but I hope to have a little more tone and shape so I won't look like a beached whale. Talking about stress! So, with 163 days until my feet touch sand, I will be working out and adjusting my lifestyle a bit more than I expected. I want to look great for the beach. I want to feel confident enough to lay out on the sand and soak up some sun without feeling the need to cover up. I may not be a thin skinny girl but I will be a fit and strong girl.
Hello,
This is my very first post on my new blog, MaddyGraceGetsFit! I'm so excited to start this journey. I've joined many fitness websites but I haven't been able to stick with any of them. I've decided to try blogging about my journey. Try writing about the struggles (instead of eating them!) and tip/recipes I've stumbled upon. Maybe some of them will prove helpful to anyone who reads this! I will include topics that are special to me, whether it be personal, health, or WEIGHT (yes, it's a category on it's on!). I am open to strategies, inspiration, tips, recipes, etc. I just ask for positive feedback. Every week I will weigh in with weight, inches, and size. I will post a picture soon with starting stats. Just wanted to put up a post!
Thanks,
MaddyGrace
