I just realized I haven't blogged in a while, so this challenge is coming at the perfect time really:) One of our challenges this week is to write a blog reflecting (and perhaps also reevaluating) on the goals we made at the very beginning. I think this will be a good exercise for me because truth be told, I've slacked more than I would have liked. No excuses, but life has gotten in the way a bit (in addition to myself).
Anyway, my main goal for the challenge was to lose 20 lbs, a bit steep for 8 weeks, but it wouldn't be a challenge if it wasn't hard! At this point I've lost about 5 lbs., so it looks like my original goal was too optimistic. I'd like to reevaluate this goal and change it to a total loss of 10 lbs. This seems more doable, but is still going to be challenging because the last few weeks of the BLC I will be in Italy on vacation with my family. I'm going to have to work hard and practice what I preach on vacation- not always so easy to do. Cross your fingers!
I also set a goal to continue to exercise, which has been tough. As I mentioned at the time, exercise has never been my thing. It's always the last thing I end up incorporating into the routine and the first thing that gets "sacrificed" when I have an excuse. I will say that my exercise has been much more consistent, albeit imperfect, and I've even taken to doing strength training and starting the Couch to 5K program! Big steps. Overall, I'd say this goal has been met. I just want to keep it up!
My final goal was to increase my water intake. Like exercise, while my water drinking hasn't been perfect, it has been more consistent, more so than it ever was before. I wasn't ever a big water drinker, but it really has helped to keep me feeling good and lose weight. I would say my average intake is around 5 cups/day. Just a little more and I'll be at 8! That will be a big step too:)
I would say, upon reflection, that there are a few reasons I am where I am at this point in the challenge. For one, I got pretty sick for a good 2 weeks at the beginning. This messed me up a bit, as I couldn't really work out and I just wanted to curl up with soup. Then, after getting better, I quickly reached a big milestone in my weight loss! While this was great, I went overboard on the rewards which led to a period of about 2 weeks where I was a bit out of control. I really had to work to re-commit, which was disappointing given the progress I was making. I was hoping my demons were mostly under control, but it just goes to show you that this has to be a full-time, lifestyle change and not just a temporary diet. If not for these setbacks, I do think I'd be further along at this point in the challenge, but I accept my mistakes and own up to them. I'm back at it now and couldn't be happier or more proud of myself:)
As for new goals for the second half, I'm going to keep it simple and just make one overriding goal: to stick to my original goals as best I can! I'm not seeking perfection, but consistency so that I can reach my (new) goal of losing 5 more lbs. I can do it! I'm hoping that losing weight, exercising, and drinking water will continue to become more a part of my routine than things I have to make myself do. One day I hope it will all come naturally, and that I can finally say I'm living a healthy life! I really think the key to this is to be consistent, and forgive myself quickly and easily when I slip up (because that is inevitable). Those are my take-aways from this challenge, I think. Plug away and be consistent until new skills become habits. That is how I will achieve health, both now and after the BLC.
Wish me luck, friends!
XOKC