The only surprising thing about gaining a pound this week is that it was only one! I have been doing really well with my menu plan and stayed consistent with working out & running. However, I still cave for special occasions—and last week was full of them! With my middle child at Girl Scout camp and the other girls at my parents’ house, we really made the most of our kid free week.
I think I only really ate well a couple days last week. There was a margarita night (complete with nachos!), a girls’ night movie (compete with buttery popcorn), a blogging conference (complete with social hours—and sangria!) and a leisurely trip back home with my roommates (complete with a stop at the candy factory & dairy farm).
So, how did I keep my weight gain to a single pound with all of that?
It was partly due to keeping up with running and 30 Day Shred, and partly due to making good choices in between all the junk! After years and years of not eating breakfast at all, I am giving each day a healthy start with whole grains, fruit & milk. It’s typically waffles or toast with peanut butter & banana, with the occasional homemade smoothie with granola or a bowl of rice cereal.
I also made healthy meal choices, for the most party. You know, when I wasn’t downing a plate of nachos with my margarita! It was all the extras that did me in—drinks with friends, indulgent snacks and, uh, more drinks. Still, a pound isn’t so bad and I totally earned it! So, since I don’t have weight loss to cheer this week, I’m going to focus on the other things I’ve gained through the George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge:
- Energy: Eating right, staying active? Yeah, it actually produces more energy! I am more active, more involved with my kids and enjoying things I never thought I would. While I used to just watch the girls play Just Dance 2, now I pretty much rock it out right along with them.
- Time: This pretty much goes right along with energy because it’s all about sleeping less! Yes, I’m spending more time working out and planning meals, but I still find myself with additional time on my hands that used to be spent on naps.
- New Recipes: All the amazing recipes from Inspired RD and George Foreman have really gotten us out of a long standing rut. Plus, a good, healthy menu plan has given me more food choices as well. I know the hubby is extremely grateful! He’s a much more adventurous eater than I.
- More Shopping Options: Now that I’m down a size (and a half!), there seem to be a lot more choices. I’ve made the shift out of misses, which opens up a world of opportunity. Plus, I no longer have to order my bras online. They sell my size in normal stores!
- Self-Confidence: It’s hard to feel self-conscious when everyone you see is telling you how awesome you look, but I feel it even without that ego boost! Still, there’s nothing quite like running into people you haven’t seen in a year and hearing their reactions.
- Hobbies: Who knew I would actually enjoy working out & running?! Not only do I feel good after, but I kinda like some of the exercises (Psst…planks! Not you.) And, while I can’t yet say I like running, I do like the festival atmosphere of a 5K. I already have another one on the books for fall—planning to run this one and so excited about it!
- Muscles: Oh, yes, I have muscles! Real ones. In places I never realized could have muscles! Abs? Not so much, but I’m rocking the Grunt Style Ab Crusher as often as my body can handle it. One day, I will add Abs to the list of things I’ve gained on this journey.
- Closer Relationships: Running with friends, cheering one another on through our weight loss and forming an organized 30 Day Shred group has brought me closer to some of local blog friends. It’s just plain lovely. I am also feeling closer to the hubby, as we get on this healthy path together.
When this whole process started, I just thought Id lose some weight and move on. I had no idea my whole life would change. I’m truly a completely different person than I was 4 months ago.
And, I’m never going back.
Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 176.5 pounds
This Week’s Weight Loss: 1 pound gain
Total Mamavation Weight Loss: 18.5 pounds
Total Knockout The Fat Weight Loss: 11 pounds
BMI: 25.25
Sistahood Question: What has been your favorite Grunt Style workout? If you aren’t doing his workouts what has been your strength training routine?
This post is sponsored by Grunt Style, and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation, sponsored by Grunt Style.
Disclosure: The George Foreman Knock out the Fat Weight Loss Challenge is a compensated program. As an ambassador for George Foreman, I received a George Foreman grill and will be paid for my time at the end of the 90 day challenge. All opinions are, as always, 100% mine!
I’m so glad you focused on the IMPORTANT Gains this week 🙂 I love it! and I’m glad that you enjoyed yourself in moderation – deprivation never works for me, so occasionally we should enjoy the moments 🙂 You are doing FANTASTIC! WTG 🙂
I agree with the increase in energy. I remember when I started I would be panting after a few minutes, now I am still going strong after an hour! I also appreciate the new recipes. I’ve become a lot more creative and have made up some things on my own. No worries about the 1lb gain, you are doing great!!
Energy GALORE!!! Not only do I not need naps, but I don’t fall into bed utterly exhausted anymore! It’s a great thing to have a little bit of down time that I can use productively after the small one goes to bed.
Love all those lessons learned!
I am so proud of you Heather! It makes me happy to hear about everything you have gained during this process. You are an inspiration!
Congratulations on focusing on the positives. That pound will come right back off and you’re learning valuable lessons throughout all of this.
Um, I don’t think I could be in love with this post and your attitude any more! Love, love LOVE!!!!!
This post makes me smile. Even with the gain you exercised self control, a realistic attitude, and a positive vibe. Xxoo