First, let me apologize for the lack of posts. The holidays came and I just got out of the habit. I have continued my journey to a fitter healther me. I did not give up on that I just did not have time to post about here.
Things are going pretty well. I have started a different workout program. So I don’t know if I have mentioned it before but I am using Beachbody programs. While I have been gone from here, I purchased two things. A new workout dvd set called ChaLEAN Extreme which a low impact weight training program. I also purchased the Ultimate Fix program which a food program. It works on training you to take in a balance amount of nutrients in the right amount.
I am focusing on improving my nutrition because even my doctor said to me at my check up that losing weight in the core happens in the kitchen more than anywhere else. That is why I purchased the Ultimate Fix program because I really wanted to figure out my nutrition in a balanced non diet way. It is working! In the month of January I have lost 2 lbs so far. From October to December I lost 8 lbs! 
I know this last 10 lbs are going to take more dedication to eating healthy, having fun with my workouts, and cutting down on my substitutions. But you know what? I know I can do this!
I was just looking through some pictures I have been taking to chronicle for myself how I am doing. All those people – coaches, trainers, nutritionists – they are right to encourage us to take pictures and take measurements. Don’t just step on the scale. That number is such a small part of what change really looks like. On those weeks while I haven’t posted, that I did not see a change in the scale, I may have seen a measurement or two or three go down. Some times neither the scale nor the measurements changed, but I felt lighter and better!
I will post a picture that I am currently using to track my changes. Our coach challenged us to pick out an outfit that we don’t fit into all that well right now. Put it on and snap a picture. Then snap a picture every week. I did not think it would be a big deal and I had the perfect dress in mind. Just as a reality check these pictures are actually two weeks apart not just one because I was out of town. It is still neat to see the change and to have others recognize it as well.
Not there yet, but making progress. It has really helped that my husband is joining me on this journey. He is using a different program but we are both eating healthier. He does the grocery shopping so it is great to have him on board! We have older children still at home so they are kind of being forced to eat better because there are not too many unhealthy choices in the house. My husband still buys them chips, but thankfully that has never been a challenge for me.
This past week my greatest accomplishment was making up my morning snack, my lunch and my afternoon snack. When I started this program, I struggled to eat the six times a day they were saying that I should eat. Going through the videos in Ultimate Fix has really helped me to understand the reasons behind eating this way. Plus muscle burns fat…the more muscle I gain the easier it is getting to eat every two to three hours. I am actually hungry so planning for those snacks has really helped me to stay on track.
I know that I sound like I am tooting my own horn in all this but I know as a Catholic that I have received a lot of grace from God to accomplish this. I have the opportunity (and I take it) to go to confession every week. This helps me to gain the graces I need to overcome my habitual sins. This week work was particularly hard and frustrating. I prayed a lot! On my worst day, I had received the grace and aid to remember that walking is a great way for me to relieve stress. So that day, instead of grabbing a bunch of chocolate, I took the dog for a walk after work.
My practice of perseverance isn’t just with my food choices or my exercising. It is also something I practice in my prayer life. I have a good morning prayer routine, but have struggled – always it seems – for a good evening prayer routine. It is improving, but still needs work…and I will keep working at it because I know and see how persevering through the hard parts can end with wonderful results.
I thank you for your patience in my lack of posting. I hope that this encourages some of you to stick with those resolutions or maybe give yourself some goals to reach for.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
TJTM,
Kate