Continuing my journey as a Shaklee 180 blogger on a journey to get fit and healthy…
It’s that time of the month again.
No, not THAT time.
It’s that time when I have to face up to what I have and have not accomplished in my attempt to transform myself.
I’m on a 6 month journey (180 days) to turn it around. “It” being my lifestyle: food, exercise, sense of self. And I’d say so far so good.
I didn’t start with any weight loss goals. I have an idea of where I’d like to end up. I don’t know if I’ll get there but it’s not so much about the number or even the clothing size for me.
For the longest time, I thought the number on the scale would make me feel better. Then I thought, it’s not the number, it’s how my clothes feel. I know when they’re too tight.
This month was a little different for me though. And here’s why.
I’m still using Shaklee 180 just as I should. Protein shakes or meal replacement bars for breakfast and lunch, a few low calories/high energy snacks, and a sensible dinner. The “sensible” part is the part that is open to interpretation. And because I don’t believe in torturing myself with calorie counting (although I am very calorie aware), I sometimes overeat or simply eat the wrong things. But I do it with full awareness and I don’t sit around whining about why I’m not losing any weight.
This month I did much better at sticking to the plan but I decided that this was the month I was going to focus on exercise and fitness.
I’ve never been described as athletic. I was always picked last in kickball. When I attempted to play softball, I was always sent to the outfield. I’m not strong enough, coordinated enough, and I certainly don’t have enough endurance. And as if I didn’t already know all of this, I’ve had a personal trainer confirm it for me.
The problem is that I’m not crazy about exercise. But I know I need to do it and so I’ve been doing my best to fit it in where I can and in ways that are enjoyable (check out my video on how I’m trying to make exercise fun).
This month, my results may look stagnant to you but I’m hoping the pictures will tell a different story.
People following the weight-loss portion of the Shaklee 180™ Program can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
In four weeks time, I lost an inch off of my hips and a half pound off my weight. I’d love to get down to 120 pounds by the time the program is over but if I don’t, I’ll be happy to just have less fat overall, less overhang (ladies – you know what I’m saying), feel more fit, and just feel better about myself. I’m already on that road.
But I FEEL stronger. My triceps have definition. I had forgotten I HAD triceps! My legs are leaner. I’ve been wearing tighter shirts (but not too tight). The love handles are slowly receding.
The only problem? That flabby belly right in the front. That’s where it likes to sit.
While my pictures from this month may look the same as last month, what I notice the most is my posture. I have scoliosis which is why I look “uneven” in a lot of the pictures and it makes things a bit of a challenge especially for my posture.
So let’s get it over with…
I’ve got two more months to go. Regardless of what the scale says, I’m looking forward to bringing you a lighter and leaner me next month as I keep ramping up the exercise and trying to do better at dinner.
(And don’t tell anyone, but I’m actually starting to look forward to working out. I guess the trick is finding something you really like!)
This is a sponsored post as part of the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. I have received free products, online support and incentives for participating in the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. My opinions are my own.
Want to see how much progress I’ve made overall? You’ll have to go back and read all my Shaklee 180 posts because I’m not doing the final comparison until the end of 6 months!
6 comments
Way to go, Fadra! I can see it for sure. Great job!
Thanks, Malise!
WOO HOO!!! I see the belly shrinking! Way to go – that is awesome!
Sloooooooowwwwwly. I’m more excited about the muscles on my arms!
Alright the side profile is very revealing, you can totally see the change! I am so proud of you regardless and have really enjoyed working with you as a person and blogger! You’re inspirational!
looking good! 😉