Get Fit For 30- recap

Get fit for 30 is officially behind me.  My big birthday was on November 1st and at that point I had reached 50 pounds lost!  I thought it appropriate as we enter the new year for me to look back on last year at this time and share a photo of myself at my heaviest weight.  I had posted pictures on facebook and kept going back and looking at this one-  eventually I couldn't handle it anymore and I deleted it out of my album.  This photo was my inspiration to make some changes in my life and to work towards a healthier self image that went a lot deeper than just a number on the scale.  Part of my journey included a Bible study book that covered how God sees me-  and how His unconditional love for me is something that can always be counted on.  Nothing I do, nothing I am or am not can impact His steady, unmoving, unchanging and unfailing love!  Letting this truth soak in to my very soul is the driving strength behind growing to become who He wants me to be and to be able to embrace who I am each step of the way.

It's also appropriate to celebrate a victory I experienced this past year!  Working off 50 pounds took commitment & determination.  Here is a photo of me hiking over Labor Day with two of my favorite people in the world.  

I wish there was a way to visually show the transformation that took place internally, and to explain the vital impact my faith played in my success.  Someone asked me how I did it, and honestly I told them that I couldn't have done it at all without God's strength.  This always seems like the cliche Christian response  "oh,  we just need to let God give us strength"... I believed this in my head but not in a practical daily impacting way.  Through this journey I have learned how this is truth right down to the very core.  What in the world does it mean to let God give me strength?  I didn't have a clue how to apply this to my daily life,  my struggles, challenges, temptations and failures.  I needed to dig in and find out what this actually meant in a way that was meaningful and applicable to daily life.  What I found was a bit surprising, but it shouldn't have been.  God is good.  God is faithful even when I am a complete failure.  God is love.  To use His strength is the best choice we can make!  Why would I keep struggling through life on my own weak and puny strength when I have access to the strength of the One True God on my side?!  This realization was not only life changing, but also DAY changing!  I am NOT in this alone,  I do NOT have to look to myself for answers, help or wisdom.  I can plug into the true source of all wisdom, to my Savior who cares deeply for me and wants to lead me through life on a path that is best for me.  Why in the world was I stumbling so blindly through my days and weeks when I could have been holding the hand of my Lord?!  

The biggest thing I learned through this journey was not how to eat the right foods, fit workouts into a busy life or drink enough water to stay hydrated.  It was how no matter what challenge I am facing, no matter what temptation is staring me down-  I am not alone.  Choosing to look to Christ in all circumstances as my source of peace, strength, rest and power.  I am ready to enter 2013 with a refreshed spirit and a new glimpse of how amazing God is!  

Get fit for 30- 5 month update

Month 5- behind me. My present and future await. 

This month my weight loss slowed, as I am inching my way towards final goals- toning up and then on to the task and learning process of maintaining.  To date my current progress is a whopping 44 pounds!

Earlier this month I participated in my first 5k.  I proudly walked the 3.3 miles alongside breast cancer fighters & survivors.  

Me, Emily & Missy after finishing our 5K

One family touched my heart, a woman around my age, a baby stroller with a little one strapped snugly inside, her husband by her side… she was a survivor.  I thought about her story and the many others as I walked a glimpse of their world with them on that beautiful morning.  I thought about my own story- so much in this life is unsure- so much isn’t guaranteed.  We aren’t given a card of perfect health, we aren’t promised riches, fame, or no stress.  But, as children of the King, we are promised that His plan is perfect, and even though that does mean challenges with our health, struggles along the way, days that we will feel weary & times when in all honesty we do feel very alone.  The reality is that He is right by our side and when we learn to actively walk our life’s journeys with Him leading us, we get to experience peace in the midst of storms, victories in the middle of challenges and His joy, love and meaning to life that goes deeper than anything this world offers.  Authentic, saving faith.  

This month my weight loss meant I was able to participate in a Sunday morning walk with two of my friends and be reminded in a new way of all that I have to be thankful for.  My life is not perfect.  My kids fight- a lot.  I get overwhelmed.  I fall behind on housework.  I take for granted things and people that should be deeply appreciated & I am ashamed to admit how selfish I can be.  All that in mind- I have a Savior who loves me more than anything, just as I am.  I can never do anything to increase or decrease His perfect unconditional love… I can just accept His perfect offer of grace and soak it up every moment when I once again fall short. 

On to month 6!  Let my story continue to unfold.  

Get Fit for 30- 4 Month Update

4 months behind me and 40 pounds off me. What I do not miss about that 40 pounds

• Felt like carrying around my 4 year old all day and all night
• Hauling 8 gallons of milk everywhere I went
• Less energy
• Bigger jeans
• Self conscious
• The mom who sat on the sidelines instead of chasing the boys around the yard
• Missed opportunities to be active with my family
• Feeling defeated instead of victorious
• Overwhelmed
• Like the goal of 40 pounds could never, ever, ever be reached

Looking forward to month 5 of choosing health over comfort food- and finding new ways to deal with stress than turning to chocolate.  Working towards a new goal & being active everyday. Can't wait to see what I won't miss about the next 10 pounds!!   

Get Fit for 30- 3 Month Update

Month 3 is now a thing of the past-  My weight-loss accomplishment to date is 34 pounds!  When I decided to give this my best shot- I never would have guessed that I would have come so far at my 3 month mark.  I was actually hoping for around 22 pounds by this point, so I am just thrilled that my progress is exceeding my goal!  


We went camping for Father's Day and I think what stood out most to me was how much I enjoyed being active with my husband and kids.  Every morning after breakfast we went and explored a new hiking trail and accomplished anywhere from one to two miles together.  It was just awesome to be out in God's creation with my family.  Even our 2 year old did the treks on his own (no backpack or stroller!)  3 months ago I would have opted out.  Stayed back at the campsite and missed out on 3 wonderful mornings with my guys.  I am so thankful for my new found energy and motivation and the very practical, every day, impact it is having on my life!  


On to month 4- a new goal is set- more camping trips are on our calendar and I am looking forward to the ongoing, daily enjoyment of life!  

Sunday morning hike around Star Lake- breathtaking!  

Get Fit for 30- 2 Month Update

Month 2 is behind me- and 25 pounds (yep- that's right! twenty-five!!!!!) are off me! Along with following the plan every single day, tracking points and not cheating- I logged a total of 71.2 miles this month! (treadmill and outdoor walking with the girls) 


Things I have noticed about myself and quality of life:

• My energy is high
• I am feeling great
• I am motivated to keep at it
• I love the progress!
• My clothes are loose- shopping trip around the corner when goal #3 is officially met

Reasons to keep working at it:

• I have worked hard, and come too far to quit
• I want to know what reaching my final goal will feel like!

My current favorite lunch 


Tortilla Pizzas


1 flour tortilla
2 tbsp. pasta sauce
garlic powder
onion & gr. pepper chopped small
spinach 
green olives
1/8 cup feta cheese


baked at 400 for about 8-10 minutes.  SO delicious and only 6 points!  My kids loves these too- so it's been a great "go-to" lunch that I can whip up super quickly. 

I added green olives to this one for a different variety.  (add 1 point)

With the weather warmer as we enter late spring in Wisconsin- it feels great to get outdoors with my kids and be more active.  The more I do, the less likely I am drawn to the feeling of laziness.   A highlight for me each week is to take an evening trip into town- meet up with my girlfriends and walk the night away- we have seriously gone close to 2 hours and the time just flies! Here is to a great month ahead as I continue to choose health, one day at a time!

Get Fit for 30- 1 Month update

Goal 1= check!


5% of my body weight is gone.  g.o.n.e.  Not only do I feel lighter (obviously) but I have more energy and my clothes are starting to fit better too.  


I wonder how I will feel when I reach 10%? ... and beyond!  I am motivated but also very victorious with my results in the first 30 days.  Each pound is a celebration.  


Some of my very favorite plan friendly meals are

• English muffin and fried egg- Prepared in olive oil spray. Only 5 points

              

• Breakfast smoothie.  1/2 cup french vanilla yogurt, 1 cup strawberries, 1 banana and 1 cup spinach and 4 ice cubes- blended well.  2 points

• 1 cup tomato soup- with basil and 1/8 cup feta cheese. 3 points.  Tastes amazing, but not photo friendly. :)  

• Home brewed iced tea sweetened with Steevia.  0 points

• Pistachios- 1/2 cup 5 points

• Fudgecicle- 1 point

As a reward for reaching my first official goal I set up a hair appointment and got a little pampering. New style for summer complete with highlights.  Love it! 

Trying to decide on an appropriate reward for my next goal- maybe new shoes or a new flat iron.  I think the best reward will be increased energy, health and a better me to offer my husband and boys.    

I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 

My "Get Fit For 30" Plan

Thirty. The big 3-0.  I am coming up quickly on an age that seemed so old when I was a kid.  Somehow- now that I am approaching it, it’s hard to believe I am standing right on the threshold of waving good-bye to my twenties.  2 weeks ago I officially kicked off my “get fit for thirty” game plan.  I took the plunge and signed myself up for Weight Watchers Online… Something I had never tried before- but had heard a lot of success stories about.  I wanted to take this seriously- and pick a program that I wouldn’t get burnt out with on week one.  So- two weeks in and so far so good!  I am finding it easy to stick to the daily points, and love that there are weekly bonus points built in.  I have seen progress and am, more importantly, feeling motivated to keep it up…  This is my year.  I am claiming it- owning it- and loving it.  The day I turn 30 is going to be a great day for me- lots of goals to reach before November 1^st!

^{What are your current fitness goals?}

^{Have you learned any tips along the way?}

^{How do you fit it into your day?}