Holidays done… TOM coming soon… okay this week, must remember that weight will go down after TOM….weight 3 pounds down since this time last month...slow and steady wins the race.

I'm Tess, a 39 yo mother of 2. ST goal- was from 127ish to 118 pounds by 40th birthday on 2/15/11 (Week 5-at 120.4 today, but pre-TOM), or closer to 115 (my "high weight" once I hit my final goal, hopefully by week 12 of this challenge) . LT goals- BF 16 percent, 113-115 pounds, a lean/tone "look".

PICTURES (3 sets): all relaxed (no flexing)
First set: "BEFORE" vs. "NOW". 2nd set: "BEFORE" vs. Last 3 Weeks (front/back/side only). 3rd set: All (front/back only)

FIRST SET: "BEFORE" vs. "NOW" (Week 5).

Front (looking at abs, space between upper thighs)

Side (looking at arm size, glutes, thigh size)

Back (tucking bottoms to see subtle changes. Trying to keep same hip flexion. Looking at glutes, space between thighs, back.)

Side Left Leg out (Week 1 vs. 4. Looking at arm/hamstring definition)

Side right leg out (Week 1 vs. 4. Looking at arm/hamstring definition)


SECOND SET: BEFORE vs. Last 3 Weeks (3,4,5)
Front

Back

Side


THIRD SET: ALL (Front/Back only) (sorry so long, but this helps me…)
Front

Back


MEASUREMENTS:
Height: 5'4''
Weight (pounds): (start: 126.4), W1 (pre TOM)-123.6, W2 (TOM)-122.4, W3 Xmas-121, W4 New Year-119.4, W5 (pre TOM)-120.4
Hips-(start: 37.5’’), W1-36.5, W2-36.5, W3-36, W4-35.75, W5 (pre TOM)-35.75
Waist- (start: 27.5’’), W1-27.25, W2- 27, W3-26.75, W4-26.5, W5-26.75
Bust- (start: 37.5’’), W1-37.5, W2-37.25, W3-37.25, W4-37. W5-37
Thigh (largest part)- (start: 20’’), W1- 20, W2-20, W3-20, W4-19.75. W5-19.75
Body fat: (measured October 2010, at 126 pounds: 18 percent)

GOALS:
Measurable goal (by 2/15/2010): Drop 9 pounds by 2/15/11 (new week 4: 11 pounds??)

Long term goals: Maintain under 16 percent body fat for life, Stay in great shape for life (cardiovascular, flexibility, and strength). (new week 4) black belt within 3 years. Tae Kwon Do competition team.

Visible goals: Get rid of love handles, backfat, lose an inch or two off the waist, perk up my glutes, slim out face, (new week 4) visible muscle definition.

REFLECTIONS/ASSESSMENTS OF THIS WEEK:

Pictures: I must remember TOM is coming, so will really do the judging in a week or two. Abs coming down, would like to get more flattening of hips, thigh separation, and waist tightening. I think I see more ham definition, but very subtle (could just be I'm putting more pressure on my leg).

Measurements: All the same, but waist/weight slightly up... TOM is culprit, so I can't stress... I expect these all to be down in the next week (or 2). Goal for the next couple of weeks is to be down by 2 pounds.

Goal achievement (weight, visible): Still on track...

Diet this week: Did well with the calorie/water/salt goals. Getting easier, honestly. Listening to my body's cues...

Exercise this week: Pretty good, weight sessions at work gym/home, start teaching CAGE this weekend!

PLANS FOR UPCOMING WEEK(S):
Diet: Stay the course, get those veggies in! Loving the ratatouille, eating it everyday. My diet is boring and consistent. Stricter with protein- try for 100g/day. Cals under 1500, lots of water, low salt. Try for mostly clean eats. Listening to my body... got dizzy yesterday, so had some fruit and felt better. No events this week, so should be clean.

Exercise- 3x/week full body, CAGE for HIIT 2-3x/week, and my TKD class (including competition team training). Dealing with the lower energy levels...

Attitude: Keep it positive, and stay dedicated. Goal to get down to 118 in the next 2 weeks...

IN A NUTSHELL:
I am pleased with this week, although frustrated with TOM, who usually weighs 2-3 pounds…. I must keep this in persepctive- still down from this time 4 weeks ago. Stay the course, will continue to see changes! I am expecting to be down by a couple of pounds in the next couple of weeks, I must compare myself to this time last month. Keep pressing on!!!