On New Year’s I announced that I was making weight loss a priority for myself this year, and I’ve been meaning to follow up with a “how it’s going” post. But I’ve been reluctant to do so. I had hoped to lose weight a little more quickly and continuously, and have a spectacular success story to share by this point! But like most things in life, my weight loss journey has had its ups and downs. I’ve had days and weeks where I felt extremely motivated, and then times where I didn’t seem to care at all.
So, in nearly three months of the new year, I’ve lost about 10 pounds. It’s a decent amount, but if I had been more focused on weight loss I’m sure I could have lost 15 or more by now. Oh well…I’ve heard that the more slowly you lose weight, the more likely you are to keep it off. Hopefully that’s true!
To be quite honest, I had lost 10 pounds by the end of February, but I’ve been in kind of an “I don’t care” phase all month, so I’ve been treading water ever since. The good news is that even when I’m not actively trying to lose weight, I tend to hold fairly steady and not gain. But I’m feeling like the time has come for me to get back to work on the weight loss, so tomorrow I’m planning to get back to online food tracking. Although I find it to be cumbersome, it is the most reliable way for me to make progress toward my goal. Awhile back I reviewed some food tracking websites, and one of my highest reviews went to MyFitnessPal.com (which is 100% FREE!). Even though I feel grumpy about it, I’m going to keep track of my food on MyFitnessPal for a few weeks, and start plowing through my next 10 pounds.
And what about exercise?
About a year ago I heard about a new kind of fitness and decided to give it a try: pole dancing. I know what you might be thinking: pole dancing? Isn’t that just for naked ladies in strip clubs? Not anymore! Pole dancing is actually an incredible workout and is quickly becoming a sport and art form in its own right. I found the most amazing studio that combines the fitness aspect of pole dancing with a beautiful style of dance, and I fell in love. For the first time in my life, I looked forward to going to an exercise class every single time, and I’ve never had any inclination to skip out! A year later, not only am I still going strong, but I’m becoming an instructor! What could be healthier than having exercise built into your job? I’m so thrilled about this unexpected opportunity, I’m giddy!
Since most of our classes are not cardio-based, I want to add some kind of aerobic exercise into my routine. I’ve gone to the occasional group exercise class at the gym, and I’ve gone for a couple of runs, but I haven’t made it a routine yet. Timing seems to be the challenge here. With a toddler at home during the day and dance classes late into the evenings, I’m left with the crack of dawn to work in my cardio! I tried it for a week, taking a 5:30 am aerobics class 4 times, and by the end I was so sleep-deprived that I couldn’t shake the headaches. If you have any ideas for me, I would love to hear them!
So there you have it. Ten pounds in three months is a very modest weight loss success, but if I continue at this rate, I’ll reach my 30-pound weight loss goal by October, well before the end of the year. So I’ll continue to keep my eye on the long-term prize and keep on chugging away!
p.s. From now on I’ll try not to bury my head in the sand, and update more frequently. Even if my results are not fast or exciting!
p.p.s. I apologize for the lack of photos…my camera has not been charging properly lately and whenever I go to use it, it seems to be dead. I have some food photos on my phone but the quality is nowhere near as good! I’ll try to work that all out soon.
You go, girl! Ten pounds in 3 mos is definitely nothing to sneeze at. Keep on keeping on. I’m envious!
Thank you! When I look at the big picture I’m not so discouraged. But Adam decided to track his food starting only a few weeks ago and he’s already lost 15 pounds. Why is it so much easier for men?!
congratulations! I think that’s awesome, and very inspiring 🙂
thank you!
Is biking an option for you? There are lots of options to take your kids with you too. Biking has made the difference for me and my friend!
I’m definitely interested in biking now that the weather is getting nicer! I am the only member of my family who doesn’t own a bike. Perhaps I should remedy that soon! Thanks for the idea.
And I use your energy ball recipe for my long bike ride snacks! As a matter of fact I use several recipes you’ve shared on a regular basis. (Bean Mash almost weekly!) Happy biking c:
Keep up the good work! I know for a fact myself, that ten pounds is not an easy feat!! I love that you tried pole dancing!!
Thanks! Pole dancing is an awesome workout!
Congratulations! Last year, I found out through a blood test that I am allergic to wheat, possibly have Celiac disease. No wonder I’ve always been so puffy! Anyway, because of the allergy, eating wheat was causing my digestive system to work improperly and didn’t allow my body to absorb all the good vitamins and minerals it should have. You’re not puffy, and as a vegan I’m sure you eat plenty of fiber…and it sounds like you’re definitely not sedentary…and you’re probably not allergic to wheat, however, I thought I’d share that once I went gluten-free I lost 35 pounds. I don’t eat _anything_ with wheat. I still eat baked goodies now and then, but with gluten-free flours. For example, we have this amazing little restaurant in town that makes a delicious gluten-free pizza with pulled chicken, fennel, pesto, and goat cheese–so delicious–and the dough is mostly from almond flour and a mix of some other things. Anyway, I didn’t change anything else except avoiding wheat products and there went 35 pounds! Good luck and have fun!
Wow, that is amazing how much it affected your body and weight! Good for you. I’ve experimented a little bit with gluten-free cooking and I loved it. Thanks for sharing your experience!