I've been on Sparkpeople for many years now, but don't always show the dedication required to make these lifestyle changes. My most recent motivation happened in March, 2011. I went on a 5-day cruise with my boyfriend and my friends. Everyone else was eating whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. I admit that I wasn't eating the greatest, either, but I still didn't think I was doing too bad. I made a conscious effort to eat some fruits and veggies and to not eat all the time. Fast forward to the end of the trip with me stepping on the scale. I had gained 10 pounds! In only 5 days! All while I thought I wasn't doing too bad. To make matters worse, I was one pound away from seeing a number on the scale that I had told myself I would never see, and I was 189 pounds - just 6 pounds away from being obese. That same day I signed back on to Sparkpeople and started reevaluating my choices. Since then, I have lost about 20 pounds and am feeling great. I sleep better, feel better, and laugh more. Best of all, I completed my first 5k in October of 2011. I thought I hated running (I even have a blog about it!) but now I'm planning on running three 5ks this year. Update: Dam to Dam 5k: 37:33 Flower Power 5k: 36:09 Principal 5k: (Not until October) Red Hot Heartbreakers Challenge goals Start weight: 174 One Voice (727): 172 Relaxation (8/17): 170 Labor Day (8/31): 169 World Heart (9/28): 167 Total loss aim: 7 lbs.

To find a healthy routine that I can stick to for the long run.

I eat between 1200-1500 calories each day. For exercise, I try to get at least 10 minutes of physical activity in each day. Usually, I do more than 10 minutes, but 10 is the minimum. I like to do at least one or two days a week where I spend an hour at the gym using the elliptical machine. When not at the gym, I do a workout video like Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred or I do Wii exercises. My latest favorite Wii workout is EA Sports Active 2. It's awesome! It has a built-in heart rate monitor and really gets me sweating!

I'm 5' 7.5" tall and a healthy BMI weight for my height is between 117 and 159 pounds.



Add a Link Jessica - Iowa
Save Changes