I’m wrapping up Phase 1 of the Lean & Lovely Program this week.  So far, I haven’t made all that much progress in my weight loss goals.  But I know weight isn’t the whole story.  My workout logs show that I’m getting stronger with each workout, and I can feel myself getting leaner.  Hopefully it’s just a matter of time before the weight (and more importantly, the dress sizes) falls off.

The last time I was really serious with weight loss, I was stuck at the same weight and size for months.  Then when I started noticing my pants getting too big, it took a few weeks before I made it to the store for new clothes.  By that point, my body was changing so rapidly in response to my months of workouts, that my new clothing size shocked me!  I had previously been wearing size 12-14 clothes, and figured I’d be a size 8.  Nope!!  I was a 4-6!  My months of complaining about the scales not budging was swiftly reversed by the realization that my body composition had changed completely.

I firmly believe that once I’ve been consistent with my training and dietary habits, I can drop those sizes again!  I’m currently back up to a size 10-12, but would love to fit into an 8 by the end of the Lean & Lovely program around Thanksgiving.  Can it be done??  Only time can tell!

To ease into this program, I’ve only been following the workouts and am doing my own thing with food.  The goal for now is just to stay consistent with my workouts while developing sustainable habits.  Once something is a habit, it’ll be harder to break!  I know it’ll be hard to make forward progress in my body goals with all my favorite fall holidays coming up.  I certainly won’t delude myself into thinking I’ll lose weight over the holidays, but at least I will try not to GAIN any weight, and also stay on track with my workout schedule.  I know I can change my body composition and drop sizes without losing weight, so that will be my goal for this holiday season!

After the holidays, I’ll clean up my diet as per the Lean & Lovely Nutrition manual.  I should definitely be able to see even more body changes once all my favorite fall and holiday foods aren’t tempting me!

Reflections of Gratitude

I love the holidays.  I don’t care if they make me fat (though obviously, I’ll do my best to resist this!)  I love getting together with friends and family for all the silliest reasons.  This fall, I already have a packed schedule.  A trip to Kentucky for a 200 mile running relay race.  A pumpkin carving contest w/pizza and pumpkin beers.  Rocky Horror Picture Show.  A trip to New York (though I will be missing a Halloween themed Bar Run at home!)  Thanksgiving.  Caroling at the Bean.  Zoo lights.  Christkindlmarket.  All events filled with friends and/or family.

I can’t wait for it all.  Looking forward to the fall!