Beach Body Challenge with Annie McDonnell – A Year of Transformation

LIFESTYLE CHANGES IN FULL EFFECT

I lost 7.8 pounds since I began my Year of Transformation. 

I am doing better than I thought I would, which makes me so happy.  It is about the SWEAT! and, I am sweating a lot!!!

I know that my changes have to be more than just the food I eat…it is total lifestyle changes…from exercise, to managing stress, and taking better care of my physical health.  Since I have so many illnesses that force me to rest more than I would like, or have such pain and fatigue I cannot do much, I used to feel hindered.  I am learning that is ok.  I had a couple of rough days this week, so I walked and did Yoga instead of CIZE. (but I hate missing CIZE, it is my most favorite workout, ever!)  I decided to stick with the Bruno Mars song, as I really wanted to nail down the dance.  It was harder than last week’s routine.  This coming Monday I will move on to the next one.  It is fun to really feel like you are a Superstar Dancer!

I have to lose 90 Pounds.  82.2 pounds TO GO!!  My initial weight loss goal was 10 pounds, so I will be celebrating soon, I am sure.  What should I do to celebrate??  I think I will do something fun…I am sure I have at least a week or two to think of something.

I went on a Yoga Retreat this past weekend, and it was very empowering. I learned a lot about myself, and came home with a totally new attitude.  I am no longer going to be so hard on myself about my body image, as I will not be the perfect weight for many months.  In the meantime, I still need to love myself.  It is depressing to think so negatively all of the time.  But, I am going to make more time for yoga, prayer and meditating. Even journaling. I am not going to just change my diet, and add exercise to my days…I am completely changing my lifestyle.  My college roommate/sorority sister came with me…and we met a group of amazing women.  I am now really working on ME! And, I love it! I deserve this!! and, we all need a group of positive people around us…I am blessed to have that!

Ok, I had to rest for a day because I had to get a shot in my Hip, due to the RA…but, I just made sure that I stretched my upper body out a bit. I have had to learn to modify my thinking, as I cannot commit to the same exact workout each day, etc.  My body cries with different needs each day, and my health comes first. I never know how I will feel when I wake up. That is what makes things tricky. While I know that losing weight is going to be the best thing for me…I also know that if I overdo it, I will be back using a cane, walker or even that wheelchair again.  That is not my future. I am smarter now.

I am still getting my butt in gear!  My Beach Body Coach, Christine Olson, suggested I read the book PUSH by Chalene Johnson.  I am really enjoying all that I am learning.  There is not a ONE-SIZE fits all diet and exercise program for everyone.  We are all individuals, with different ways to get to the same goal.  I love how Chalene Johnson is teaching me this.  She really has me really seeing things differently!  My changes are happening one day at a time…one habit per day.  Like one more glass of water each day.  I should be drinking 136 ounces of water per day…I am still working up to that amount, but each day, I am adding a few extra ounces.  I realize that I cannot change everything at once…or I will fail.  It is all a work in progress.

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION! My new habits, are eating a great breakfast and drinking water each day. I am not perfect, but, I am making changes that are going to make a difference in my life forever. Eating breakfast each day is a huge change, as I used to skip it.  I have two poached or boiled eggs, veggies (I have been using kale, spinach, tomatoes and peppers this week) and quinoa bread.  It really gets my day started in a positive way with a nicely fueled body.  I really feel the difference!!  It is amazing! I never thought to have veggies for breakfast, until I started with Beach Body!  Their advice is marvelous, and nothing is crazy hard!  I am eating so many veggies, so many different ways.  I am LOVING my new good choices.  I am in love with Quinoa, who knew?? So is my husband. This lifestyle change is not as hard as I thought it would be.  My Fall into Fitness Group is helping me so much!  Accountability is key!  I am learning a lot of new recipes from my Fall into Fitness Group.  I actually look forward to learning new ways to cook vegetables.  I am having mashed Cauliflower this week, and cauliflower and veggies patties.

I Repeat, I will not give up this time!  I am happy with the woman I see in the mirror, because I know I am doing all I can to become the woman I want to be.  I want to enjoy the journey!  Thanks to the women I met this weekend, the Beach Body group, my friends and family, I am inspired!!  I need all of the inspiration I can get, and inspiration is abundant! I sit here in sincere gratitude.

My Rhythm. “CIZE. The End of Exercise”.  This week’s dance is about a one hour work-out, from learning the steps, and then rocking them out to Bruno Mars.  I am having so much fun! It was fun doing it the days I was able to. Those days are gifts to me. Makes me so HAPPY!

I am perfect just the way I am…I am just becoming a better me, and I like her.  That is this week’s Reward!

Please join me next week, when I will fill you in on the new CIZE routine I learned, tell you about my new Scale (it is awesome)!!!  Hopefully, I will be announcing more weight loss, too!