Since November I've been trying to incorporate a workout routine. Since January I have given up regular sodas and replaced that SERIOUS addiction with diet soda. Over the past 9 months I have lost about 18 pounds.
The negatives:
My workout routine has been spotty and gotten progressively worse. During the last two months I only got a few workouts in and over the last four weeks have done nothing. I am drinking diet but I'm drinking way too much soda, period. I should be drinking more water. I've managed to gain back 4 pounds. It's not a whole lot but it's a gain. And even worse is the fact that since I'm short, 4 pounds is a lot for my frame and probably looks more like 8-10 pounds.
But most alarming is this: While you don't get fat overnight, it feels like you do. It creeps on slowly, so slowly that you don't even notice. Then one day you glance in the mirror or see a photo of yourself and it takes you back, catches you off guard and you think to yourself "What the HELL happened to me?" It's a pound here and a pound there and then BAM, before you know it's 20.
At least with me....
So 4 pounds isn't a huge deal but it's enough to make me want to get serious. And since this is the first day of the week, I'll start with cardio this evening.
And I do want to clarify that it's not about weight or about being skinny. As cliche as it sounds, it really is about being fit and being in shape. I'm too young to be as lumpy and soft as I am...It's not that I'm uncomfortable with my body, I just recognize there are areas that could use some improvement and if I strive to improve myself in every other way, why should I ignore my body?
I've made the decision to post some pictures. I've really struggled with whether I should post these or not. One I posted (to show off my super fabulous bikini bottom find) but then I removed it. I go back and forth between who cares, this is my body and it is what it is...and ooohhh, I just don't know if I want everyone in the world to have access to that much of me. It does make me feel super vulnerable to be so exposed.
But I'm doing it. For two reasons - to help keep me accountable and to reminded of the reason I'm working out. So these are my before pictures and in 90 days (I'm doing p90) I will post my after shots. Technically, these are my after/before shots because I was bigger than this when I started.
I apologize about the quality of the photos. I didn't do any editing to them to make them dark or grainy (although it probably helps) they were taken in a mirror so they just aren't that clear...
So these really are my before/after shots. I bought these pants last September, for the job interview I had for the position I now have. When I bought these they sat right at my waist and were snug through my lower pouch...in fact, I was a little worried that they looked too tight. While I'm not discounting the progress I have made, I would like to tone my tummy and back. This is especially evident in the second picture where my middle looks really thick and you can see the bulge under my bra on my back.
These next two pictures are a little more revealing. Again, it's evident that the tummy needs some firming and in these photos you can see that my thighs are kinda jiggly (especially the left one, which for some odd reason is bigger) and there is a little bulge of fat underneath the sides of the bathing suit top.
Okay, so now I'm out there. All of me. Well, as much of me that I'll ever share! First day of the week, first day of working out on this new routine. I'm giving myself 90 days to make a difference and see what I can do....and I'm committing to keeping it real!
2 comments:
I guess what we see in the mirror is not always what others see. Every time I see you you are melting away. I haven't seen you in over a month though. Losing weight and being motivated to keep in the game has been SUPER hard on my part too. Last week my friend's kids went back to Seattle. My friend's mom took pictures of me and my friends son's and my friend commented on how "Ava you are just melting away, you must share your secret" I was like what? I haven't worked out in a month. I have been eating everything BAD and am losing this weight loss battle. Others have said they see my weight change, but I don't. I guess it is hard to see the change when we see ourselves everyday in the mirror. Also when we know our own personal goals and how near or far from them we are. I am so jealous of your picture in your swimsuit. i don't even see what you are talking about bulge or gigliness or whatever... You look super fit. I think you should be super proud of where you are at and keep going. I know you have a proud husband, little girls, and friends that def see what you have accomplished. SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND DON"T BE DOWN ON YOURSELF.
Thanks for the sweet words Ava!
It's not that I don't like what I see in the mirror, it's just that I know I can be better. In all areas of my life I strive to always work towards personal growth and development - I want to be the best me that I can be! Except the when it comes to the physical, and that just gets igored. And that makes no sense to me.
And I love that you said it but I'm definitely not melting away. I think it was just that you saw me at my heaviest and then didn't see me again until I'd dropped some weight so it was obvious. To those that see me every day - it really hasn't been noticable.
I can so relate to the challenges. But DON'T GIVE UP! Really, let's work to encourge each other. Incorporating a healthy lifestyle is TOUGH! I need all the support and encouragement I can get and I'm happy to provide it for others too!
Again, thank you so much for your sweet words. It does wonders, especially after feeling so exposed with those pictures...
Post a Comment