Unexpected Results

Desired Results:

1. Size 6 Pant Size
2. ...... yeah that was pretty much it

When I started working out 2 1/2 weeks ago my main goal was to be in a size 6 for my friend Jaren's wedding.  Of course that could be phrased several different ways as in ~ being able to stand in front of my husband and people still see he is there ~ or ~ be able to wear the "cute" clothes again ~ or ~ be able to get out of my car when parked in a very tight parking space without leaving a door ding in the car next to mine.  You see all basically the same thing: Size 6 = Better :)  Unfortunately I'm still not a size 6... which honestly I just don't understand considering how much I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY want to fit in those super-expensive-good-job-present-to-me-make-my-butt-look-fab-MISS ME-jeans.  So weird...

There are however been some pretty spectacular unexpected results that I am really coming to appreciate.

First off even though I am still wearing the same size and my clothes aren't fitting any differently as of yet - I feel skinnier.  Most would think that isn't such a good thing but for me its great.  I'm starting to feel better in my skin again and its been a while since we have been on any kind of positive terms.  Another benefit of feeling skinnier is that little added boost of confidence that comes with it which inevitably makes me walk straighter, throw my shoulders back, and suck in my, well what will at some point resemble abs, which is good for me anyway.  The fact of the matter is, anybody who has the least amount of character knows that confidence = sexy and that works for me!  Just think if I'm feeling this good now the world better watch out when I get those jeans!!

The second thing I have noticed is that I for real have more energy and I am EXCITED to work out when I get home!  This is a breakthrough for me because I have never been the "athletic" one and anyone who knew me in high school can probably recall me refusing to dress out in PE so I could sit in the stands and read.  Not only was I a geek but worse I squeaked by in high school PE with a 70.  (I'm pretty sure the coaches were just tired of seeing me sulk in the bleachers.)  No one is having to threaten or coerce me to workout and I actually have the energy to make it through the day whereas a few weeks ago I was dragging my behind and lucky if I made it through the day without a nap.  So Sad :(  Not to mention I am finding other ways to get my body moving during the day.  For instance, today during my training I found myself doing in and outs and leg lifts under the table!  Honestly it might sound vain but I am SUPER PROUD OF MYSELF!!!

Another pretty awesome thing is that I can already tell a difference in my bodies ability to make it through the work outs.  Granted Plyometrics is still kicking my butt, but I did better this week than last week, and during the other workouts I am upping my weight or my reps in just about every category.  Not to mention my flexibility.  I have NEVER been what you could call limber.  As a matter of fact when I was in elementary school I started gymnastics and had the breath knocked out of my while doing a cartwheel... not my shining moment... so the fact that I can extend further into my stretches for longer lengths of time is pretty substantial!

So despite the fact that my body hasn't dropped 60lbs in 14 days (To tell you the truth I couldn't tell you if I've lost an ounce because I made my husband hide my scale ~ It appears I'm a scale addict) I'm pretty happy about what IS happening to my body.  I know that a lot of you guys are working your behinds off too in order to reach your goals so what results did you see first and what has been you favorite result so far?  Sometimes I feel silly getting into this when I know so many of you out there are going above and beyond what I am doing!

Also I wanted to share some things that I have learned along the way.  I am by no means a work-out junkie or health-nut.  I don't read health magazines or browse work out web pages and I sure as heck don't look at skinny girl pictures because honestly at this point I just want to punch them in their perfect little faces and stomp on their abs! (Clears throught) I still super want Reese's Eggs (everyone knows the holiday Reese's are the best) its still a challenge to walk down the cake mix isle and not want to cry, and obviously I still have a gagillion things to work on, but I have come across some tools that were new to me and that have really come in handy.  Now some of you may already know of these but I didn't so I thought I would share them with you just in case!

LIVESTRONG.COM

For anyone who is calorie counting, mapping out their weight loss, needs help maintaining goals, likes the weight watchers program, or wants a way to keep track of this on your smart phone, this website is for you!  The best thing about it is it is FREE!!!  I had a weight watchers account and the first time around it worked great for me (I am by no means bashing WW) but for some reason this time around LIVESTRONG.COM is working out much better.  Its basically the same thing as the online WW as it does all of the functions I utilized on their website it just doesn't use the point system.  It calculated how many calories I need a day based on my weight loss goal and my stats and allows me to count calories, figure in my work outs, and has a graph of my weigh loss etc.  Its great so if you haven't checked it out I highly recommend it!

SKINNYTASTE.COM

I cannot say this enough - this woman is amazing!  She takes everyday favorites and reconfiures the recipe until she has created a healthy GREAT TASTING alternative.  There are some many things on their to eat that even the pickiest eaters can find something (the chicken nuggets are amazing as well as the chicken divan).  She not only provides the whole recipe + pictures she lists the serving size and all the nutritional information right there so you know what you are eating!  Fabulous!

P90X

Now I'm sure most of you have heard of this workout program.  I just want to let you know that it is NOT impossible.  I was so intimidated at first by what I had heard and honestly even though the cardio is keeping me humble the workouts are not as terrifying as I thought they were.  Don't get me wrong they are work outs but guys I can do it... nough said!  My mom has done this with me for the past two days.  Yesterday we did plyo and though we both took breaks we didn't stop and whimp out, and today was Arms and Shoulders and where I improved my work out from last week my Mom kicked BUTT!  I'm super proud of her because she hasn't been able to work out in a while due to a foot injury but she didn't quit!  She pushed through and brought it!!  Its like Tony says, "Do your best and forget the rest!"

Well enough endorsing things when I'm not getting paid for it!  I just wanted to take a couple of minutes and share these tools with you!  I know you guys are doing great at reaching your own goals whether they be health related or not!  Life is about moving forward and growing in all things and though each of us are in different places in our lives we should all have goals we strive to accomplish.  So what are your goals?  How do you keep track of them?  Do you write them down or keep a mental note?  How do you know when you have accomplished them and once you do how do you celebrate?

Thanks for checking out my book of thoughts!  Tell me all about whats going on with you at

Texas_Ginger23@yahoo.com

Oh and what is your favorite healthy snack?  I have a weakness for baked goods but I need healthy alternatives! :)