So the 10-Day Challenge is officially over after yesterday, and I've measured the results! I've gotta say, I was a little nervous about what they would look like... after all, by openly blogging about this, I kind of had to stick to it for my "reading public", right?
I lost 4 lbs, and a total of 5 inches! (Specifially TWO inches from my belly!) This is the most weight I've lost in a LONG time, and it usually takes me a month to do so. But if you remember, I wanted to lose those belly inches, specifically, whether or not I lost the pounds... my strength training has been a focus lately.
Now, I'm back in my size 8 skinny jeans! (I just want to make them a little looser...) Size 8 is my happy place... it's where I feel pretty, feminine, and comfortable. Buying all those size 10s was an eye-opener for me. I don't want to go back.
You see, in December of 2011 I hit my highest weight of 160 lbs. On my frame, and as out of shape as I was, that was not where I wanted to be. (And there's tons of photo documentation, since I was in Lindsey's wedding then!) Lindsey has been so supportive of my journey to fitness and health, and I've had my ups and downs... at one point this year, I was down to 150, but when I started this challenge I was back up to 156. (I didn't share this earlier because I wasn't sure I wanted to!)
During this 10-day experience, I learned that what they say is true... 80% of weight loss is about diet, the other 20% about exercise. I didn't exercise as often as the challenge asked me to... willpower. And I had a few moments of weakness on the weekend where I went off-diet... willpower. Argh.
But what I've learned is that if I focus, plan my meals and snacks, hold myself accountable (with my buddy Lindsey!), and have some WILLPOWER... I can get to my ultimate goal. And food isn't a reward for me anymore... as it was bluntly put to me, I'm not a dog. I MAKE MY OWN CHOICES.
I'm not 100% there yet, but I will say that even at 150 lbs. earlier this year, I didn't fit into these jeans. (The inch I lost from each thigh helped me out, yay lunges!) I can see that my muscle tone is greatly improved (squats = buttlift, woohoo!), and that my figure LOOKS different. So I braved the jeans today, and now I'm wearing them to work. I'm going to continue using the recipes that Lindsey provided me, and track everything in MyFitnessPal to keep me honest. I hope I have more results to share in the future!
If you're interested in trying out Lindsey's 10-Day Challenge,
e-mail her and check out the flyer below!
Bloggers with over 200 followers get 50% off, and for September you get a discount if you sign up with a friend. I also recommend her 90-Day challenges... I've done both Insanity and Turbofire workouts through Beachbody, and they are intense and awesome.
Disclaimer: I received a 10-day supply of Shakeology and coaching/nutrition guidance in exchange for blogging about my experience. My opinions are my own.