Out with the old...now what for the new?

Out with the old...It has been 9 months since I started this weight loss journey. By years end I have lost 54 lbs. Just missing my goal by 6 lbs. However...I had challenged myself to work out every day for 28 days (til the end of the year) and burn 500 calories each workout. For me that was about an hour and a half of cardio/strength training per day. Whew...somedays I was exhausted and some days I skipped. I quickly learned that skipping meant double the next day. NOT FUN!! Having met the challenge by years end, missing the 60 total lb goal didn't seem very disappointing. You would assume that 6 lbs would have come off with all the extra calorie burning but in actuality...I was hungry more often and really just mantained. I can't complain though as it did allow me to have a little more of the Holiday goodies.

In with the new...I hope to continue on the journey and enjoy a new wardrobe by spring. With the new year in full swing I hope to revamp my attitude and get my food choices back in full swing. Seems I have slacked off a little and allowed some extra crappy carbs back into my diet so hopefully I can turn that around; exchanging coffee/cream for hot tea, no more worthless chips, more fruit/veggies and back to my portion control. As for exercise...well it is back down to 5 days a week; two strength training and 3 cardio.

So are you wondering where I am at with my past challenges and exercise?

Running: I started a running program that would ultimately get me running for 30 minutes straight. I was doing really well with that despite struggles with learning to breath, sore feet and sore knees. I am still striving for this goal but not with as much interest. Managing to run 20 minutes at a time has been accomplished but I get bored easily so have decided to just run a few days a week along with other exercise. If I get bored I tend to start having feelings of quitting so need to change things up a bit.

T-Tapp: I initially lost a lot of weight with T-tapp DVDs. I intend to add this in again 3 days a week as it only takes 15 minutes and can be part of my cardio. This was phenominal at getting my core stronger and I dropped a full size in just one month with it.

Trainer: I am still working with a trainer once a week. This has been a really good thing for me because it started me on the strength training that I had not been doing. Christine kicks my butt and helps me see my potential. When I started I could only do about 2 minutes on the elliptical but now I easily do 30 minutes. My mind gets bored long before my body tires. Ha Ha! I see more definition in my muscles and that is exciting. I told my girls that if/when they get married I am going to be the hottest woman there besides them/bride. LOL!!

Classes/DVDs: I still use my Leslie Sansone Express DVDs and have added in Jillian Michaels (Biggest Loser), The Firm, water aerobics and Zumba. I would like to check out some new classes at the Y like Yoga, pilates and maybe muscle pump or muscle toolbox. YIKES! Those scare me.

Long term goal: another 60ish lbs.
Short term goal: 20-40 lbs by April 24th (Nieces wedding in St. Maarten.)
Challenge: at least 5 lbs and one size down by February 1st.

Wish me luck and send up some knee-mail.

Through Christ to a stronger, lighter me,

LeAnn