The period of time from February to July was ridiculously busy and I have to admit during that time, I didn't just fall off the fitness wagon, I dived off that thing feet first.
After some hard truths about my eating habits, salt intake, and lackadaisical attitude towards my water intake, I decided to face the scale only to realize that in less than 6 months. I had gained 15 pounds! WTH??? Who does that? No, I didn't start back drinking sodas or eating at fast food joints, but I did slowly start re-incorporating processed foods back into our meals, not paying attention to my water and salt intake, eating out more often, and just eating bad in general. Why? Because with our full time jobs and making these cake pops and cake balls during every free minute we had, to be honest, the processed foods were just quicker (and easier) to make. I also noticed that where we used to work out 5 days a week in the mornings, we would be good if we worked out for 30 minutes on a Saturday. Most times our plans for the Saturday morning workout would fall by the wayside too. After seeing the number on the scale and being absolutely disgusted with myself for losing ground on my weight loss journey, I picked myself back up, gave myself a stern talking to, and decided to get back on it.
As a result, hubby and I decided to join the gym and bought Fitbits (a calorie and activity monitor that you clip onto yourself everyday to keep track of the amount of calories burned each day as well as the number of steps taken and the number of flights of stairs climbed). I also realized that for me, watching my food, my water, my salt (and sweets), as well as the amount of actual physical activity I do will play a HUGE part in my success with getting this weight off for good. This is a journey, it is a lifestyle change, and I will have to stay vigilant for the rest of my life...
So, we have since started back eating more veggies, more fruit, eliminated the processed foods again, and I have drastically increased my water intake. My water goal is now to get between 80-96 ounces of water in per day. The "fake" chemical and salt laden foods are no longer in my pantry and I am making a very conscious effort to not only get the cardio that I need in but to also strength train on a regular basis.
I even got a trainer. I know, right? Who would have ever thought that day would come about? He's really good and on the days that I see him, I feel as if I am getting a really great workout. Well, to be honest again, most times that I work out with him, I am convinced that he is methodically trying to kill me and there is usually more than one cuss word that may be uttered in my head at him. But, he keeps me focused and every time we work a particular area I feel that I am being challenged, so it is definitely money and time well spent.
With that being said since I just finished my Turbo Jam Cardio Party 2 workout tonight, I am going to start holding myself to a higher level of accountability.
* According to the Fitbit for today, 09/19/2012:
Number of steps: 7621 (although that will increase when I get up from the computer to go to bed)
Number of miles: 3.36
Number of flights: 6
Calories burned today: 2261
My water intake is currently at 96 ounces.
Today was a good day...
On the workout playlist, Christina Aguilera's "Fighter" came on and I just felt so empowered!
My favorite part:
I am a fighter
(I'm a fighter)
I ain't gonna stop
(I ain't gonna stop)
There's no turning back
I've had enough
Makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
Makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Whoopie Pie