Wednesday, December 31, 2008

2008 - A Reflection.


In every education class that I took while pursuing my degree, the idea of reflection was driven home. I don't know if every education program at every college puts as much emphasis on this as MTSU does or not, but I can tell you that reflection has taught me how to be a better teacher each time I give a lesson. If the reflection process has helped me that much in my professional life, I figure, why not give it a try on my attempt to regain control of my health. So, here I go.


What has worked for me this year: 1) Not being obsessed with a specific diet plan that lays out each meal for me - it seems that when I've tried this, I'm successful for a few days to a few weeks, then BOOM, I've failed & I'm done forever. 2) Relying primarily on exercise to drop the weight. 3) Support - the idea of putting the good, the bad, & the ugly out there for the rest of the world to see on the Internet scared me a bit, but I must say that when I feel like quitting that I think of all of you & keep going. You all know just what to say to lift me up when I'm down & I appreciate each of you for it. 4) Realizing that people who are fit are not judging you when you walk into the gym/class/etc. I have actually found that a lot of the people that I was originally intimidated by are some of my most vocal supporters - you know who you are & THANK YOU! 5) Finally understanding that I didn't gain this 80+ extra pounds in a matter of weeks & that it will take some time to drop it. This is a lifestyle change & when I fall off the wagon - I just need to get back up & on it again.


This year, I hope to do a better job making healthy nutritional choices. Although I don't believe in following a specific diet, I will be trying to follow a general plan about how many calories/fat/carbs/etc that I want to consume on a daily basis. I hope to increase my activity & try some new things as far as exercise goes. Yes, I totally plan to keep up going to Zumba, but I'd really like to gradually teach myself to run a little. There's a small group of ladies that I would like to try & run with some, but I feel like I need to drop a little more weight before I am anywhere near their league (not because they care if I'm fat or not, but because I physically won't be able to keep up with their pace). I also really want to incorporate some strength training in my program this year - this is a big hurdle for me because I have major mental issues about the weight room. Honestly, I'd like to try a spin class, but again, from what I've heard I think I need to get a little more physically fit first, but my goal is to try it by April.


So as we close out this year & begin to look forward to a new one. I am happy with my progress so far. Even after the gain during the holidays, I've lost a total of 17.5 lbs since beginning this journey at the end of September. Since mid-October, I've lost a total of 14 inches off my body. I can't wait to see what I push myself to achieve this year. My overall weight loss goals include dropping another 67.5lbs this year & I want to lose about 6 sizes. I realize that this is a hefty goal, but with hard work & determination - I totally believe I can achieve it. Also this year will be my 15 year high school reunion. I haven't gone to any so far; quite frankly, because I was too embarrassed to go. I may not be at my final goal by then, but I totally know that I can be close & finally after many, many years of being self conscience, be comfortable in my own skin.


Happy New Year to each of you!! Thank you for all your support!!!

7 comments:

RunnerMom said...

Andrea---I'm so glad you stopped by my blog. I should do what you do and separate my exercise blog and parenting blog, but I don't have the energy.

I enjoyed reading your profile and goals. I feel like I know you a little!

My husband grew up in Manchester! My in laws are Maurice and Barbara Pittman, who sell real estate with Christine Fisher realtors. I don't know if you've ever seen their signs! They all went to MTSU and my husband's grandma and aunt taught at MTSU in the home economics department years ago.

I love being a SAHM and I love running. I'd love to encourage you on the journey to becoming a runner. Runners come in all shapes and sizes. Some people do a run/walk program (google Jeff Galloway). I could not run 1/4 mile to start out--I couldn't breathe because I was going too fast (and it was sooo not fast). I just kept at it and eventually ran more than I walked. The body adapts if you train smart (don't overdo it) and consistently. I don't know of any activity that promotes weight loss more.

Just think, you could be running the Murfreesboro Half Marathon by next October! Now is the perfect time to start.

Andrea said...

Runnermom - Thanks for your encouragement!! I actually know exactly who your in-laws are. I worked at Motlow when Maurice was there as HR Director. They also used to attend the same church as my in-laws (& we now attend there as well, although, I'm not sure where they go now). I think the idea of the 1/2 Marathon in October is a great goal. If you live close by & plan on running in it, maybe we could do it together.

Bethany said...

You can do it Andrea! And on RunnerMom's comment, M'Boro Middle half would be a great goal. I would like to do it too, hoping that my foot heals properly :( I really think that if you create an aerobic lifestyle that your food will just come naturally, it always does for me. Oh and I think you should try spin. Just be cautious of your knee! You don't have to keep up with the teacher, just crank at your own pace, but try to push yourself! The resistance is the scary part, but once you know how much you can turn it up you can go back and forth according to your fitness. You are going to have a great year :)

Anonymous said...

Andrea I completely understand what your saying! I have always been self conscience about my weight. I was so embarrased to go anywhere after I had Meredith heck I gained over 80 lbs with her. When I had her I was at 205. When I started the Y last year I just knew everyone in there was looking me going OMG what is she doing here. I did quit going after 5 mths and not seeing any results. Heck I'm nervous about me going with you to Zumba cause I'm so not fit.. I tried doing some cardio the other day and after 10 min I was completely out of breath... I really need to stay focused and get these next 15-20 lbs off. Let me know about those classes and when they start.
Tonya

Anonymous said...

Andrea I completely understand what your saying! I have always been self conscience about my weight. I was so embarrased to go anywhere after I had Meredith heck I gained over 80 lbs with her. When I had her I was at 205. When I started the Y last year I just knew everyone in there was looking me going OMG what is she doing here. I did quit going after 5 mths and not seeing any results. Heck I'm nervous about me going with you to Zumba cause I'm so not fit.. I tried doing some cardio the other day and after 10 min I was completely out of breath... I really need to stay focused and get these next 15-20 lbs off. Let me know about those classes and when they start.
Tonya

Amy S. said...

Wow, this is a great post.
One, because you are aware of how far you have come (17.5 lbs is a lot!).

Two, because you are willing to try new things even though they make you uncomfortable.

I am sooooo shy at the gym, but to anyone who is new, I am probably the "intimidating person." I use the weights with the guys, I walk around in my own little world. I actually made a resolution this year to try and talk to those people who look most uncomfortable. I feel like such a snob, but really I'm just super shy. BUT, if one person hadn't of been super nice to me, I'd have never gone back, so maybe you and I can pass that along to others. Sorry for the long rant, you just really hit home for me!

Anonymous said...

You are really making your MIL feel really bad. I think she needs to get on the same page as you. ha ha I'm very proud of you!