Thursday, January 28, 2016

Alomst there, but not quite

I know, I know, it's been awhile since I've checked in.  I also know that I say that a lot... but, I'm still here, and I'm still plugging away at this weight loss journey.  I have not had nearly the success that I had in the first challenge, but I'm ok with that.  I've lost a measly five (5) pounds (net) in the last 5 weeks.  This past week,  I barely lost any weight hat's because we spent the MLK weekend in Florida at Disney World, Universal, and Sea World... not exactly the healthiest places on Earth.  I had hoped to do better than that, frankly, but it is what it is.

Final weigh-in is on Saturday, and it's highly unlikely that I will lose the last 15 lbs even as I subsist on fish and asparagus and then fast on Friday.  Frankly,  I think it was the fish and asparagus that doomed me last time and set me up for failure this time.  As you may recall, I lost about 8 pounds in the last week, and then gained most of it back.  I started this second challenge in a pretty deep hole because my starting weight for the second challenge was my final weight at the end of the last challenge.  In essence, I had to lose over 25 lbs for this challenge. The way I look at it, though, if I had deferred this challenge to February, I probably would have been up at least 7 lbs.  Moreover, it's hard to be disappointed in a total weight loss, to date, of almost 30 lbs.

So, I keep thinking about what's next for me.  I've found a schedule and a routine that I like and can manage pretty well.  Getting up as early as I do, does not interfere with my family time... mostly it just interferes with my sleep. 

I really like most things about VIP, except the price.  Because I'm unlikely to make my 20 lb weight loss, I will not get my money back.  Again, that's ok.  I never really expected to "get my money back," I was hoping to be able to continue working out either by rolling the money I paid up front into purchasing a membership or doing figure camp.  I'm kind of off the figure camp idea, especially because I haven't lost enough weight.  I'm not sure what my options will be in terms of purchasing a membership.  I've heard from others at VIP that it is expensive.  Given that VIP is not a traditional gym, only boot camp classes are offered, for me it seems expensive to spend almost $200 per month for a membership. But, we'll see.  If they offer me a deal of some sort, I will consider it.

I'm also considering some alternative workout facilities.  I recently purchased a Groupon to try Xtend Barre.  I went with a friend last weekend, and the HIIT (high intensity interval training) class that I went to was just as intense as any class at VIP.  I haven't tried the actual Barre classes, but from everything I've heard, those are tough too, in a different way.  They also offer something called Xtend Suspension, which I'm told is using the TRX, which I love.  I've registered for about 10 classes for the month of February and it only cost me $53, that should give me a pretty good idea of whether I want to continue doing that. 

After Xtend Barre, I plan to give Orange Theory a try.  The concept of this facility, which happens to be located in the same complex as the Xtend Barre facility, looks pretty cool.  I'm a little concerned about the idea of running given the issues I have with my numb leg, but I want to give it a try. It's also a bit on the pricey side  ranging from $15 to 25 per class depending on which package you buy.  I'm also not sure how many days a week they will suggest.

I guess that's it for now.  I'll check back in on Saturday after the final weigh-in, who knows, maybe I'll be surprised. No matter what, I'm thrilled with my accomplishments and look forward to trying to lose these last 10 pounds albeit at my own pace.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Bottle it up!

Yes, I'm still here plugging away at working out, eating right, and trying to lose weight.  I'll be honest, it's been tough the past few weeks with the holidays, some travelling, and a nasty stomach bug!

I gained some weight during the "off week," but was able to lose most of it during the holidays.  I am finally back in the negative column.

I don't really have much of note to write about, I just felt like I should check-in and note my progress.

Briefly: the meal plan for challenge 2 changed slightly by incorporating additional food choices and allowing a little more flexibility.  I found it to be a little overwhelming, however, and decided to stick with what I know and what worked, so I'm still basically following the  meal plan from the first challenge. Unfortunately, I've been "cheating" here and there... during the first challenge, I did not waiver in following the meal plan... this time, however, I find myself sneaking bites of chocolate here and a few cookies there.  I haven't been terrible, I just haven't been as strict with myself as I had been.

That said, I have still managed to lose a little weight.  I'm pushing myself harder and harder during the workouts.  As I mentioned in passing above, we traveled to North Carolina to celebrate the new year with some friends, and I was still able to do some serious "at-home" workouts. I've been slacking on the walking (ESC), but I'll get back into that routine soon.  I joined the rec center just for purpose of being able to walk indoors when it's just too frigid to go outside. My family and I also suffered through a nasty stomach bug that helped me lose about 2 pounds... definitely not the way to lose weight.

Finally, a brief NSV (non-scale victory): About 10/12 weeks ago, before I started this challenge, I would stand in my closet frustrated because none of my pants fit, they were all too tight. This morning, I stood in my closet, frustrated, because none of my pants fit, they are all way too big and baggy!  It is such a good feeling... a feeling that I wish I could bottle and save for the rest of my life.