So for those of you who do not talk to me everyday probably do not know the struggles that I have had with maintaining a constant weight. Growing up I was stick thin and thought that metabolism and weight issues would never be a problem for me. I actually remember thinking that pimples were my biggest problem in life. Oh to be young again. Since my living female blood line consists of my mom and grandma (both short with small bone structure) I couldnt help but be frustrated the last few years that maintaining a steady weight didnt come easy to me. Let's be honest, I have the boobs and hips of an 18th century prostitute!
It wasnt until my paternal grandmother passed away and I was able to see pictures of her when she was my age that I realized where my genes actually came from. So instead of trying to change myself into a different woman, I am learning to embrace my femininity and the curves that come along with it. Problem with that is I gain weight easily and will not lose it without sweat, and a lot of it! Now dont get me wrong, I dont consider myself an obsessive personality especially when it comes to weight loss. I think gaining and losing weight is just part of life with me and Ive come to terms with that. However, in order to lose weight, I must work out daily and stick to a strict calorie regime. Thing is, life doesnt always allow for such inflexibility. But since my jeans are a little tight and I'm too broke to buy new clothes, its time to get myself back in shape again. I've done it before (2008 I lost 12 pounds!) and I can do it again!
Unlike other diet regimes Ive tried in the past, this time Im doing it at a slow and steady pace. I want to improve my lifestyle more than I want to lose weight and luckily, those two go hand in hand. The first step of this process for me has been to reduce my alcohol consumption. Bummer right? Truth is, I just love beer and wine and both of those add up to extra calories quick! Now I admit, Im not always the best at refraining (dont judge me, mom and dad!) however Ive done a lot better in the last few weeks than I have in the past. Eh, except for last week, but that doesnt count.
Next step was to cut down calories and this is the hardest step! Cutting down on calories means eating less, boohoo :( I am now trying to maintain a 1500-1700 calorie limit and that means no processed foods, limited cheese, and absolutely no chips or cookies. Damn! I am also trying to increase my protein content to at least 100grams a day which can be somewhat challenging for a pescatarian like me. There are some days like yesterday when I consume 198 grams of protein (whoa, go me!) and other days when I can barely get above 50. It just requires being conscious of what you eat, bottom line.
The third and final step has been exercise. THIS IS MY WEAKEST AREA! The truth is, Im freaking lazy! But Im proud to admit, thanks to the nike ipod device that I have started running again and thoroughly enjoy it! Yesterday I ran a nonstop 3 mile loop at a rate of 12minutes per mile. That is my longest run ever. I am hoping to work up and eventually do a 10K soon. I have also started a weight training regime on opposite days which is crucial to toning which I definitely need. Since the gym is full of my students and other undergraduates (awkward running next to your student when you are barely able to breath on mile 1 and they are talking away on mile 6) I recently joined the housewife phenomenon called Jillian Michaels DVDs. I have to admit, Jillian kicks my butt!! Im still on level 1 and usually need a day or two to recover (aka walk again) before going at it. This bitch really is crazy Im telling you! And with a promise of losing 10 pounds in 30 days, I cant go wrong right?
Jillian, Im putting you to the test!
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