My Journey to a healthier me

I thought this might be fun. I am going to keep a detail page on why I decided to finally make the changes and get it right and reflect on it when I have not so great days. This will cover the reason for wanting this healthy lifestyle, my program or plan of action, support in place, rewards and milestones.

The Reason why I wanting this healthier lifestyle? Back in 2006 was when I really started to get serious about doing something with my life. I just wasn't happy, seemed to be tired and frustrated all the time. I had no energy at all and my eating habits were crazy. I had these up and coming athletic children and their mom was not even in shape. I was so proud of them but no happy with myself. My first thought was that I needed to lose weight to be happy and I just had to get that scale to say that magic number so that I would not only look better but feel better. Around this time my clothes were size 10 & 12 and size large never before have I ever been this big to top it off my 10 started to get to snug for comfortable to me and I refused to buy bigger clothes. To top all of my normal frustration my husband got orders to go to Afghanistan and I thought to myself what else would be a good start to get on track and get back focus on becoming a healthier me. I will surprise him when he gets back.

My plan of action… I felt almost depressed immediately after my husband left. I was basically functioning as a single mom with three busy daughters. I would get up to go to the gym come back wake the kids up for school and then drop everyone off in the mornings to school so my mornings workout became my hour in a half to get ready for what my busy day was going to bring me when the clock struck five I was off to pick everyone up and then take everyone to the practices. I didn't get home until about 8 sometimes 9 every night. I don't know what I would have done without my extra hour a day to get me going.

My support…. I truly felt like I didn't have any support. I was always super busy with no time for myself, my husband was gone. I had been a member at ediets for sometimes and never really used the community like I should until now. At this time, I also decided in April 2007 to join the local weight watchers group. This will document my progress and have some accountability. I was about 10 pounds away from my goal and didn't even really notice because I wasn't taking pictures and buying clothes until this point.

Reward for milestones… I believe after I finally hit the finally 10 pounds I will treat myself to a full body spa treatment. I really would love to go to one of those fitness spas as I found that I really do love working out from running to cycling to kickboxing classes. I love all of the different classes that my gym has to offer.

Changes… I have made so many important changes to my journal this time. I really believe in journaling it just helps me be accountable for my food intake, exercises 5 to 6 times a week helps me to keep up the energy level so that I won't be wiped out by 5pm

Happy.... I feel like I am a 10 on a scale of 1-10. I feel very accomplished in my career and personal life. I feel as though my girls really look up to me as a fit role model. My oldest did a story in eight grade about how much she admire me and mention that she was proud of me as she wanted to someday run a marathon too. That just made me feel like I was doing something right.

Sleeping….I always sleep much better when I have exercised that day.

Exercising….5 to 6 times a week. I have added a strength class twice a week that has really gave me some muscle tone that I love.

Me Time…Since I am still functioning as a single parent in a since my runs or my workout is my own me time. I have started running different events like 5k's 10k's and half marathons to keep me going.

Have fun…I love going to the class at the gym.

Stress level…no stress no worries I am happy J

Supporting others….I think I have inspired my mother to live a healthier lifestyle. I was in a wedding this February and I had seen my mother in about a year and I can tell that she was really proud of the changes I made and now we share tips or eating and exercising which is great!

Journaling….I love to journal and it is keeping me accountable. I do it online and on paper.

Five fruits and Veggies…If you only do this everyday you feel up much and it leaves less room for snacks out of the vending machines. I found that this has help me tremendously when I stick to this daily.

Drink water….I feel like crap when I don't get all my water in. So from this day on. I always at least drink a min of 6 with a max sometimes of 12. Trying to keep it no more than 8 but it really does feel you up and I notice the difference with my skin.

Accountability….I check in online with several online groups usually daily but my weekly support will be the ww meeting. I have only been going lately once a month but I do want this to change. It only takes about 30 minutes to go to a meeting and get reinforcement on what to do.

Try new foods…Always recipes online that I can try with the online support and every time I am at a meeting I come out with a new recipe or ideas as well.