40 by 40: Week 5

Procrastination is my middle name. I didn't blog last week because I didn't want to share my very sad number. Now I have to deliver to sad numbers. No point in putting it off any longer.

Last week = 213

This week = 212

Hovering. I'll be honest and say I haven't been trying very hard. I want to be a big, fat fatty when I get assessed on Monday for Challenge Erie 2.0 but I don't want to gain anymore weight. The more I weigh, the more I have to lose. And then I can win the cash, baby! So, I'm hovering.

BTW, bad night for us and today was a little rocky because of it. Found out our beloved Aunt Peg passed away yesterday unexpectedly. I am so happy she was able to meet my loving husband. We were able to visit with her a couple of times within the past year and, wow, what a blessing. It was so comforting to get to know her all over again and to discover her love for Jesus Christ. How comforting to know she is healthy and whole again in the glory of our King. The thought of seeing her again gives me much peace. I can't imagine how those who don't know the Lord make it through these hard times. I pray her legacy is bringing those she loves into a saving relationship with Jesus through the testimony of her life. What a beautiful gift.

40 by 40: Day 25

Can you say stagnant?

So, I weighed myself today (a day late) and saw these numbers...213. Ooookay. In the past three weeks, I seem to be hovering in the 212 to 214 range. Initially, you might think, "At least you haven't been steadily gaining, right?" My thoughts are, "Whatever, dude!" I'm thinking the few changes I've made thus far have stopped the expansion. While that's important, it seems a small victory compared to the ultimate goal. Now it's time to make the adjustments that will bring about true change. I suppose the best place to start is reviewing my journal and seeing what can be tweeked or completely omitted.

Just like the picture above, stagnant waters allow all of the junk and impurities to rise to the surface. Guess it's time to get the skimmer out and get to work.

Side note: Dr. Krauza held a test Team Adrenaline workout associated with the upcoming Challenge Erie 2.0. I decided to head over to see exactly what I'm getting myself into...yikes! It was a tough workout but I am really glad I went. I can and will do this.

40 by 40: Day 16

212

That's the new number, as of yesterday. I'm back to my start off weight and taking a step in the right direction at least. Let's see if I can't keep the momentum going.

I'm surprised I lost two pounds because last week wasn't my finest. Looking back, I did make some better food choices. The only bad thing is I made zero entries in my food journal. I must do a better job of that this week.

I am still extremely psyched about participating in Challenge Erie 2.0. I was even the first one to turn in my registration form and fee. I think I'm gonna get a prize for that one and we recently found out they upped the grand prize from $400 to $500. Even more motivation.

Thank You, Father, for Your continued love and support. I see you working all around me and Your strength and promises are what carry me through each day. Help me to continue to make the choices You would have me make. I love You.

40 by 40: Day Eight

I have good news and bad news. I think I'll start with the bad news.

It's day eight...one week down. Time to weight myself again. The object is to lose an average of two pounds per week in order to stay on track. Unfortunately, I took a teeny step backwards. I guess the trip to Illinois had more of an impact than I originally hoped. I'm hesitant to share because of the disappointment and shame but accountability requires transparency. So, here it is...214. I gained two very nasty pounds. I don't like them very much. Lessons learned and tomorrow's a new day.

On to the good news...I'm joining the Challenge Erie 2.0!! Turns out we can afford it and Fred is willing to make some sacrifices during the 10 week period in order for me to get as much out of it as I can. It's going to be tough but I know I can do it. I need to do it.

Transparency, accountability, and support are the key things I will need during this process. I know my honey will be there for me. I really love that man of mine.

40 by 40: Day Six

This weekend was an eye opener. I thought it would be easy to stick to the game plan, especially with my Freddy with me. It was easy, alright...easy to pick all my favorite comfort foods. It all comes back to choices and making the better ones.

I suppose the scale will be the true test of how well I've done this week. In two days the truth will be revealed.

Also, we have a big decision coming up. There is a special event called Challenge Erie 2.0 being organized by our chiropractor. It's a special wellness program lasting over a 10 week period with $1300 worth of services and events. The registration fee is $295 ($279 if you register before the end of this month). The winner of the challenge receives $400 cash prize, which would more than cover the the cost. I really think it's something that would push me because I am so competitive. Because of the cost and the schedule of events, we can not do it together. : ( The biggest issue is spending the money on this instead of working on paying off our debt. What to do, what to do.

I REALLY want to do it but am unsure if we should take the hit financially. Guess I gotta keep praying.

40 by 40: Day One

I did it. I took the first ugly step of weighing myself. The number that popped up isn't as bad as I thought it would be...but it's not good either.

Drum roll please............................212. Eek!! There's something horrifying about being over 200 pounds.

Oh well, gotta start somewhere. That makes my goal weight 172. I'm excited and hesitant at the same time. I want to do well but am afraid of self sabotage. I want to complete this journey but have a track record of quitting when the going gets tough. Prayerfully, that will not happen.

Father, grant me Your strength, peace, and wisdom as I take the first steps on the renovation of Your temple. Amen.

40 by 40: the Embarkment

So, here it is. I'm on the verge of turning forty years old...the big 4-0. Yikes.

I'm really not freaked out by the idea because I've never, ever, felt my age. In fact, most people I know would say I definitely don't act my age. Age is only a number, right? Right. So isn't that pleasant three digit number on the scale, right? Wrong. That number is actually something I can do about. I may not be able to stop aging but I can stop getting fatter...and fatter...and fatter.

Last night I was watching the Biggest Loser. While most of the contestants stories speak to me, I'm usually not inspired enough to make any changes to my poor health habits (which explains my ability to snack while watching). Something odd happened during last night's episode. One of the ladies shared a promise she made to her husband. She had turned 49 at some point before joining the show and told her husband she wanted to lose 50 pounds by the time she turned 50. It struck a cord with me.

I began thinking about my upcoming birthday and where I am on the scale. The contestants words were echoing in my head. 50 by 50. 50 by 50. 50, 40. 40 by 40. I turn 40 on July 9th, about 5 months from now. 40 divided by 5 is 8. Eight pounds a month divided by 4 weeks is 2 pounds a week. That's it! 40 by 40.

So, here we are. I shared my plan with my husband last night because I will need his love and support (and accountability) to be successful. I've decided to adapt our lifestyle mantra to this process as well...keep it simple. The short list is drink more water, watch my portions, eat lots of fruits and veggies, and move, move, move. Shouldn't be hard to remember.

I'm going to share my journey here in my blog because I've heard it said that to journal is healthy and therapeutic...and somewhat embarrassing. I'll be weighing myself once a week and posting the results. Again, yikes! I'll be sharing my ups and downs through the weeks and, hopefully, will find success at the end of the journey.

Oh, one more thing. Lots of prayer would be appreciated. I can do nothing apart from my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is my foundation and I am doing this for Him. After all, my body is His temple and I should be treating it that way.