I'm Back....and An Athlete!

So I've decided to resurrect my little corner of the Internet.  Some highlights from the past 10 months: 

• I've gained back a few pounds
• I'm now a R.I.P.P.E.D. instructor
• I'm training for a triathlon

These 3 things combined have led me to do a lot of thinking lately.  I still find myself in awe sometimes when I tell someone that I'm a fitness instructor or that I'm training for a triathlon.  It took awhile, but I'm starting to embrace that this is all actually happening, and I'm starting to feel really proud of myself.  I've even started practicing telling myself that I'm an athlete.  But lately I've been trying to add a second part to that sentence.  "I'm an athlete....time to start eating like one."  I've learned a lot about nutrition over the past few years, and I know how I SHOULD be eating.  It just isn't happening.  Which is what led me here. 

I'm hoping this blog will accomplish a few goals: 

• Keep me accountable:

• I have no idea if this will actually work, but it is worth a shot.

• Did I mention I'm training for a triathlon?:

• This is one of the craziest things I've ever done.  Even though its a super teeny tiny baby tri, who knows where it will lead.  I think it will be pretty fun to document my journey along the way. 

• Keep a record of what works (and doesn't):

• I know that I'm not perfect.  I'm still on a journey to better health (and yes, weight loss), and I know that sometimes I will stray from this journey.  So I'm hoping that if I can keep a record of when things go well for me, it will make it easier to figure out how to get back on track. 

As far as triathlon training goes, I'm not doing any sort of "official" training yet.  I'm essentially at a point where I'm learning to swim, bike, and run, and I'm trying to practice those 3 as much as I can.  Two other things I need to improve in my training: 

1. Nutrition
2. Stretching

I know how to fuel my body like an athlete, I just need to put it into practice.  As for stretching, I need to figure out a plan to spend more time with my foam roller.  I also really like the quick yet efficient stretching video from T25.  And of course, I want to try to make it to a BodyFlow class with my favorite instructor once a week. 

Weigh-In Wednesday

This week: -3.8

Total: -21.4

Life has been a little crazy lately.  Vacations and illnesses and crazy schedules and starting a new business! which led to poor food choices and a lack of exercise.  Which led to a 6 pound gain. 

Fortunately, I was able to get myself back on track and have lost some of that gain.  After returning home from vacation on Saturday I food shopped and prepped and got my mind ready for the week ahead.  And (of course) things haven't been perfect, but I have made some good choices, made time to work out, and have kept up with my water intake. 

As part of my lifestyle change I have also been focusing more on positivity.  And I'm back to blogging :)

Delayed Wednesday weigh in

This week: -1.4

Total: -22.2

I know this is delayed but I figure better late than never. I've neglected this blog and I think coming back to it will help keep me on track. This post will be short because I'm currently trying not to eat my way through New York. But I promise to be back with more real posts next week. 

Weigh In Wednesday

This week: -1.8
Total: -22.2

I finally got things moving in the right direction, which again is a direct result of food choices.  This time for the better.  I also started a new round of R.I.P.P.E.D. which helps me to keep my eating in check.  I know that what I eat will affect my performance during class, and I want to perform my best. 

Weigh In Wednesday

This week: + 1.2
Total: -20.4

This week's results are due to some really poor food choices.  Hence, the title of this blog.  I am still a work in progress.  The biggest change really needs to happen in my mind and how I think of food.  I am striving to remember that food is fuel (not feelings or comfort).  

Another mentality I am trying to overcome is the thought of "I'll just workout longer/harder/more."  I know that you can not out train a bad diet, but I need to actually remember that.  

Focus on Goals

It's Monday again, which means time to refocus again.  

We are all encouraged to set a goal when setting out to lose weight.  I have always related my goals to clothes, and set goals like fitting into a certain outfit for a special occasion or bathing suit for the summer.  When I would consider a "cheat" meal, or skipping a workout, I would consider the consequences of these actions.  In those circumstances, the consequence would be not fitting into the planned outfit.  Most times, that was not enough to keep me on track. 

This time around I am trying to really focus on my health and overall quality of life.  I want a healthier lifestyle, I want to just feel better.  More energy, less sluggish.  So when I consider throwing out my packed lunch in favor of fast food I think about the consequences.  I know that if I eat a huge processed meal I will spend the rest of my day feeling lazy, sluggish, and tired.  I will have a hard time focusing on my work, and may even skip my workout that day.  

I have been having trouble lately with eating things that will not help me reach my goal.  So I am trying to keep focused and remember what I am trying to achieve.  A happy, healthy life!

Weigh In Wednesday

Since January I have been weighing in on Wednesdays.  I have not lost any weight in the past few weeks, so I thought I would start posting about it here in an attempt to gain some accountability. 

My thoughts on the scale:  It really doesn't mean anything.  But I still weigh in weekly just to keep myself in check.  In fact, most weeks I can guess my weight before I even step on the scale.  It's not too difficult.  If I had a good week I know I'll have a loss, if I've had a bad week I know it will be a gain.  I mainly weigh just to remind myself that what I do all week makes a difference.  

As for my recent plateau, it is all food related.  I have kept up with workouts, but I have eaten way more than I should and I have eaten way too many things that I shouldn't have.  Hopefully next week I will have some better results.