10 Changes that aren’t making me skinnier.

I’m sure you’re sick of hearing about all my workout challenges.  In an attempt to keep you updated but not overwhelmed by my fitness struggle I’m going to start Workout Wednesday.  Each Wednesday I’ll share an update, tips, changes, observations, etc specifically related to my pursuit of skinny strong.

Today I’m going to share my top 10 changes that aren’t quite making me skinner yet but just you wait – 11 days.

On Sunday I took the 2 week FIT TEST & my 2 week measurements.

After the fit test I feel better about the work I’m doing.  I am certainly stronger than I was before & have more endurance.  When Beau and I started INSANITY the allotted breaks weren’t enough for us to catch our breath.  We had to pause the DVD before continuing to the next exercise.  Don’t get me wrong, I was still INCREDIBLY winded but able to keep up with the DVD without pausing.  As if that is not enough of an accomplishment, I also improved in every exercise, even if it is just marginally.

With all this hard work I still am not reaping the physical results I was hoping for, but then again – 11 days before I am supposed to notice anything.  I can stick it out another 11 days. You can see the scale isn’t budging much.  I was lucky the water weight was working with my Sunday morning and it at least appears I have lost a pound.  My hips are slimming down, which is nice to see considering my old roommates like to poke fun at my “bedonk.” My lifestyle has changed quite a bit too.

Here are the top 10 changes I’ve made that haven’t made me skinny (yet).

1. NO JUNK FOOD.  Since I do the grocery shopping, I try to ensure that we don’t have any junk food in the house.  We buy an occasional bag of chips for the beach or poolside company but for the most part our cabinets are stocked with healthy foods.  Lots of fruits, veggies, protein.
2. EAT MORE! I think as women, we are typically expected to eat less when we want to lose weight.  Cut your calories, increase your exercise, and expect results.  Well would you believe that I think I was actually eating too little?  After reading and researching, it seems that my previous diet may (or may not) have met my daily caloric needs but they were primarily empty calories and often spread too far apart.  My body would tell itself to hold on to the fat because it might not get more food for an extended period of time.  I now eat breakfast EVERY MORNING and target at least 5 “meals.”
3. SNACK FOODS.  Before, if I got hungry between meals I would grab a handful of chips or maybe a cookie.  Now without those options around, I reach for frozen fruit (blueberries are AH-MAZING, but turn your fingers and mouth purple), or raw almonds, or unsalted peanuts and follow each workout with a protein fruit smoothie.  These snacks keep me satiated for much longer and are delicious to boot.
4. DINNER AT HOME.  Since I do the grocery shopping and meal planning, we skip eating out.  It’s saved us a ton of money, calories, and left overs.  I HATE LEFTOVERS.
5. BEVERAGE OF CHOICE.  Can you believe that in the last 2 weeks I’ve probably had 3 diet coke – TOTAL.  I’ve completely abandoned soda in favor of water. I actually have cravings for water now.
6. GET ADDICTED.  I feel worse on days I don’t workout.  With the INSANITY program you get one day off a week – I’ve taken to doing something else on those days like chasing my 2-year-old niece, swimming, or taking my bike out for a spin.
   
7. PAIN IS PLEASURE.  You know that feeling where you can’t walk the day after a workout?  I love it.  I’ve come to enjoy the dull pain in my legs, abs, and biceps.  It’s a reminder that I worked hard the day before & the constant reminder that my muscles are fatigued because they are building helps keep my motivated.
8. UN-FRIEND THE SCALE.  I do it every day before my shower.  I watch the numbers go up, down, or stay the same.  I need this step as a more frequent way to track my progress or lack there of, but each time I step off the scale I remind myself that muscle weighs more than fat and what matters is what I see in the mirror.
9. GET NAKED.  After each workout, when I feel the strongest – I strip off my gear and spend a few minutes staring into the mirror – naked.  It’s usually after I’ve stepped off the scale and feel a little discouraged but without the constraint of spandex, or control of denim I can really see when, where, and how my body is changing.  I look specifically at my problem areas.  Do my thighs look more tones, are my love handles less prominent, is that a hint of arm muscle?  When you look in a mirror and try to find the positive, it’s a fairly rewarding process.
10. ACCOUNTABILITY.  Finally, I don’t know if I would have made it this far without Beau.  Any workout program is easier when you have someone to do it with.  We hold each other accountable. “Did you do your INSANITY today?  What exercise did you have?” “Oh that one sucks, it’s probably my least favorite.”  These little conversations are what keep me going.  What if I had to answer no?  That’s embarrassing.  Accountability is a huge part of achieving your goals – so I’m thankful that Beau, and Mumma, and you guys are here to ask how it’s going, check for results, and sympathize when we don’t see the results we feel.