Let's Get Started!!!!!

Ok – so that’s the background to where I am now.  I am now probably on the more intense journey to drop those extra inches and get back down to a steady size 2-4.  That’s the measurable goal, which I'm sure will be a frustrating goal to attain.  Hence, why I need your support!!!!  Encouragement, love, and fighting in the struggle along with me are all welcomed!

The true qualitative goal is to continue to feel good and stay healthy.  

Quality of Life is super important to my spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being.  

How This Will Work:

I will post on here weekly the exercises I have done, the things I have eaten, and most importantly what drinks I have imbibed because hey… 

This is the Liquor Connoisseur's guide to slimming down.

Expect posts every Sunday, detailing the previous week's (mis)adventures and measurements.  There will also be a page of work outs, food and cocktail recipes.  Enjoy!

Phase 3 (July - Now)

Phase three has seen the most Ups and Downs in terms of commitment and caliber of exercise and food choices.  I was doing well in July, but then in August when work kicked back into extremely high gear (start thinking 12-16 hour days), working out and eating healthy took a bit of a dive.  I was able to get back on track more so in October (last month) with consistency over the last two-three weeks.  Mid-November will start Phase 4 with more hours devoted to the workout.  This will be the High Intensity component of my work out cycle.  As of now, I do AM/PM in house and approx 1hr/week in gym and/or cardio.  I’ve cut back down on carbs.  The in house routines have more weights, reps, and longer holds.  I definitely feel a surge in strength and I am seeing more definition again but judge for yourself. Size 6, sometimes 4 (Kept size, lost 5 inches waist, 4 inches hips/thighs, tightened stomach, and lifted ass.  Arm muscles defined, 4 months)

July – For these results lifting weights is the Key!

August/September

October

Let's get started!!!

Phase Two (January - June)

                

After the holidays comes the sluggish winter.  Typically, I am a bear in the winter.  I love to hibernate with some comfy food and thermal underwear.  Don’t even get me thinking about the gym!!  So what’s a girl to do?!?!  

Calisthenics, yoga, and Pilates in the comfort of my home.  For a little added bonus, I also add some light weights.  10lbs ankle weights, three, five and ten lbs free weights. 

And yes the carbs came back into my life!  But no pasta.  Only wraps, whole wheat grains, sushi rice, steamed brown and white rice.  

Now there would be those rare days, like maybe once or twice a month, when I would go running around my complex in the early morning.  We’ve got a super steep driveway I love to run up when the mood hits.  

The in home work out routine was done for 20 mins every AM Mon – Fri.  Typically rest on the weekends.  My goal during the 1^st half of this time (January – March) was to not regress!  Normally in the winter I gain, starting a vicious cycle that I'm sure most of us are familiar with.  This time – I maintained!!!  Size 8 (Down a ½  size, 3 months)

In April, I kicked back into gear with daily walks and hikes, usually doing at least 3 miles each time I was out.  I still kept to the AM in-house routine as well.  You definitely have to push yourself into high gear otherwise you won’t stick to the routine.  Everyone talks about HIIT workouts; well it’s the same with the cycle of working out. Size 6-8 (Down 1 full size, 3 months)

Next up -  Phase Three.

Phase One (August - December)

During this Phase (August - December), I did intensive cardio (mainly biking and hiking) and eliminated all carbs and sugars (except alcohol of course).  This did include fruits and juices as well.  Size 8-10 (Down 4 sizes, 5 months)

Debauchery happened at the cookout I went to but I biked there.  Approx 10miles each way.  


   

             And more debauchery, partying up at a friend's wedding, with friends, and getting ready for a night on the town!  

But notice the weight is coming off.  Definitely time to get excited.  Usually see the fastest results in Phase One.  Onwards to Phase Two!

The Dreaded B-E-F-O-R-E

 Pictured Below are all my stages of the Dreaded BEFORE, taken, approximately 1- 2 years ago. At the time of these pics, I was a size 12-14, sometimes a 10. There are many reasons to start this blog: 

1. Because I am constantly asked how am I slimming down and maintaining
2. To hold me accountable
3. To keep a record of this journey that only feels like it has just begun
4. To ask you to come with me.

Who am I?
I am not a personal trainer nor a nutritionist; just your average woman living a normal lifestyle, trying to work out the balance of life.  I work hard, I play hard. I live a more healthy lifestyle than most.  How do I do it?  That is the focus of this blog.

Now it's time for a year in a review so you can see how I have progressed so far.  I call these my Work In Progress Pics and they are divided into three Phases.  This week as we begin our journey together will constitute Phase Four.  The pics are works in progress because this is a lifestyle.  Ultimately I’m not sure where my journey will end but I think you’ll find it’s a fun ride.  Come join!!!

Now I am a steady 6.  Sometimes I can squeeze into a 4 but that’s usually in material that has a little give such as work out clothes.

As with many things that are a work in progress, you have Ups, Downs, Highs, Lows, Ebbs, Flows… You get the picture.  Here’s Phase One.