Day Two

It wasn't as hard as the first day, but it was still hard. I had cravings, but they weren't overwhelming. I'm not going to get too excited yet though because I know that the second week is going to be when I feel like I'm going to die. Lol.
But I started out the morning with Stone-Cut Oats and frozen berries with cinnamon. I finished off my Amazing Mango drink. I ate lots of my organic granola. I also ate quite a bit of my 7-Grain Sprouted bread. On top of that I ate wheat bread. Holy cow! I ate a lot. I know over-eating is just as bad, but at least it's not fatty food. Maybe I won't be able to lose the fat, but at least my cholesterol will go down. Jk jk.
I didn't do a workout video, but I did go hiking with Kellie! We went up to Waterfall Canyon. It was so pretty! The trail was still covered in snow. We didn't go super fast, but we kept a pretty good pace. Every now and then we could see the river peeking through the snow, and it was amazing. I love the sound of rushing water. I hate that pictures never look as good as it was in person.
It just made me so so excited for spring! It was warm enough for Kellie to wear a short-sleeve shirt, and for me to wear capris. But only because we were hiking. If we had just been hanging around outside I would've changed to something warmer for sure.
But we had so much fun. It was so great to finally get out of the house, and out of the city. Just to be outside again was the best feeling. I love girl talk, but I hardly ever get to do it. Of course we dished about our relationships, but just to be able to hang out and have fun completely changed the course of my day. I had gone to a meeting at work, and it is going to make work like fifty times harder. But maybe it will be better in the long run. And then I tried to get some errands done, but things didn't work out. I had had a really rough day, and wanted to crawl into bed and cry, but the hike completely fixed everything. Ok, it didn't fix things, but it made it easier for me to deal with them. That fresh air can really do wonders.
We started about 5:30, and got to the bottom at 7pm. It only took us 1 1/2 hours in the snow. On the way down we were trying to hurry because we didn't realize how fast it was getting dark. So scary. We were not prepared to be hiking in the dark. We were laughing so hard that Kellie peed her pants! oh my word! I was laughing so hard! I love that girl. She is so much like her moms. I stopped for a minute to try and catch a snapshot of the city and told Kellie I would catch up. But as I was taking the picture I could hear an animal crying out like it was being tortured. It was such a scary noise, and it was right off the trail. Kellie started screaming my name out because she thought something was attacking me. I took off in a sprint down the snowy hill. I was slipping and sliding all over, and I couldn't tell where my feet were landing, but we were scared to death.
When we neared the bottom we ran into hikers on their way up the mountain. They had all the gear on. Lights on their heads, snow clothes, snow boots, and hiking poles. They thought we were nuts for being up there in our attire. But it was so worth it! It was so much fun! Thanks Kellie for hiking with me!
So, instead of doing some routine exercise I was able to have fun and get some cardio in. YaY! I Loved it! and plus, I felt pretty accomplished because we made it all the way up to the top and back in the snow!

Day One

THE SECRET OF GETTING AHEAD IS GETTING STARTED. -Mark Twain

For the past month, my brother has been on a Vegan Challenge. Not against anyone. Just himself. He has tried to eat Vegan for an entire month! and he has pretty much succeeded! I am absolutely amazed! He has always been one to be different, but never healthy. The men in my family have always scoffed at my eating, and grocery choices. They thought soy milk was absurd, and that fat was the foundation of the pyramid. But during the month of February, my brother ate tofu, soy milk, whole wheat bread, and vegetables!
I have tried for so many years to get my family to eat healthier, but they have always refused! I was always known as the Loon in the family. But now, Ryan, Melissa, Joshua, my Mom, and my DAD! are all eating healthy! How in the world did this happen?? Now, we are fighting over the last slice of wheat bread, and arguing over spinach. I am so confused???
Growing up, we only ever had white bread and sugar-loaded cereal. I can't even figure out what some of the ingredients in the cupboards are now. But it has happened at the worst time. I have been eating junk for the first time! Slowly, Josh has taken me to the dark side. Three weeks ago, I ate my first slice of pizza with the cheese still in tact. In December, I ate my first french fry in 8 Years! January, I ate my first hamburger since early high school. What has happened to me?? and to be honest, I am addicted to all this junk now. It is absolutely terrible!

So, my brother, my sister, and Chelsea, have all inspired me a little. I am going to begin a 30 Day Challenge of my own. :] and this is the first day of it. Luckily, Kandice, responded to my post on FB and she is beginning a 30 Day Challenge as well. Yippee! I love support.
This morning, I had a little vigorous exercise of my own before Josh went to work. ;)
But then I caved, and ruined my first day. :( I indulged, and finished off my hamburger from yesterday. It was supposed to be my "Last Meal." But I didn't finish it. I put it in the fridge. Why did I put it in the fridge??? I ate a 1000 calorie hamburger! ugghh. No wonder I felt sick afterward. I didn't bother to look up the calorie content before. But I did today. 1,000 fatty, kill you, clog your arteries, preservative-packed calories! GROSS. But oh well. I can't do anything about it now, so I'm not going to punish myself or give up.
For lunch, I had 1 cup stone-cut oatmeal with 1/2 cup frozen berries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
For a snack, I polished off the rest of my wheat thins... Not good. Those are loaded with all sorts of salt and other chemicals. oops. And I had a peach Light N' Fit yogurt. Dangit. That is full of fake sweeteners. Horrible.
But I did sip on my Amazing Mango drink by Bolthouse Farms. YaY! I did two things right! I've also been working on my water. Three points!
And at 3:30pm I did Jilian Michaels' 30 Day Shred workout video. It's only 20 minutes, but it's better than what I've been doing!
I'd say this is pretty good so far .... for my first day. I'll make improvements, but at least I'm trying, and not just procrastinating.
Right now, it feels impossible, but I know once I get good habits started, and beat my addictions I'll be feeling way better! This is going to be hard, but worth it. I am going to try to post every day for 30 days and watch my progress.

But as always, it's the beginning, so I must post measurements and goals:

Weight: 135.2
Water: 50.8 %
Body Fat: 30.3%
Muscle: 49.8 lb
BMI: 23.0

Neck: 14
Armpits: 34.50
Chest: 34.75
Belly Button: 33
Waist: 35.75
Hips: 40
Thigh: 23.50
Knee: 15
Calf: 14
Ankle: 8
Bicep: 10.50
Forearm: 9.25
Wrist: 6

Those are some pretty scary numbers if I do say so myself. Eeek! But I just need to remind myself that they are not going to stay this way for very long. They will be way different in April.

My GoaL: By July 2nd (my birthday), I want to be down to my fighting weight (115 lbs). I want my BMI down to at least 18. And I want only 15% body fat.
That is a difference of 20 lbs, and half my body fat. That is going to be a drastic change! I've been there before and I loved it! But if I find it is too unhealthy, unsafe, or disgusting I will change my goal. That is the good part about this, I can stop when I want to. The hard part is getting started, and the hardest part is staying committed!

But I'm up for the challenge!

DuN DuN DuN!!!

what I can. I need to make up for whatever was lost if possible. I need to fix me.

STEP SIX
CREATE A NEW CODE OF BEHAVIOR

I am going to make an agenda.
I am going to follow that agenda.
I am going to make priorities.
I am going to make sure my priorities come first.
I am going to make time.
I am going to make promises that I can keep.
I am going to find productive hobbies, habits, and cravings.
I am going to admit my wrongs when they happen.
I am going to be honest with myself.
I am going to be happy for what I can be.
I am going to let people know how much I love and appreciate them.
I am going to be honest with my feelings.
I am going to enjoy people while I have them.
I am going to let little problems stay little.
I am going to eat when I am hungry.
I am going to discover my hunger before I try to fulfill it.
I am going to do what I love.
I am going to work as hard as I can.
I am going to do my best.
I am going to believe in myself.
I am going to continually improve and progress.
I am going to compete with myself and no one else.
I am going to be beautiful.
I am going to do what I enjoy.
I am going to ignore every critic besides myself.

I am going to make my life mine.

STEP SEVEN
MAKE AN AGENDA TO REPLACE YOUR PROBLEM

I am going to wake up early. 5:00 AM on work days. 7:00 AM on days off.
I am going to exercise every morning for 30 minutes.
I am going to eat whole and healthy foods, and write in a food journal.
I am going to live with hypoglycemia and control it with fiber and protein whenever I eat.
I am going to avoid sugar, simple carbohydrates, sugar-free sweeteners, and fats.
I am going to do 30 minutes of yoga, pilates, meditation, or relaxation every day after work.
I am going to learn recipes and cook dinner.
I am going to strength train for 30 minutes every day.
I am going to get ready for bed every night, and make it something I look forward to.
I am going to read and study at least one chapter of scriptures each night @ 9:00 PM.
I am going to journal after I read.
I am going to say my prayers morning, night, and before meals.
I am going to fall asleep early without distractions.

STEP EIGHT
MAKE ATTAINABLE GOALS
BREAK THEM DOWN TO THEIR SIMPLEST PARTS AND REFRAIN FROM NEGATIVES

1. Lose Weight. Lose 1-2 lbs per week. Until I achieve my goal weight of 115 lbs.
2. Change diet. Eat CLEAN. Only one bad meal per week.
3. Smile. All the time. Even when nobody is watching.
4. Keep your living space clean every day.
5. Do 3 types of exercise each day. Six days a week.
6. Learn how to jump a curb on your bike.
7. Make a bucket list for the summer.
8. Write one letter every week.
9. Visit one person every week.
10. Read the Book of Mormon by January 1, 2012.
11. Get your temple recommend by January 1, 2012.
12. Read at least 3 books each year.
13. Work on your novel at least once per week.
14. Enjoy the outdoors once a week with Josh.
15. Give something you want to somebody else every day.
16. Smile or say hello to strangers.
17. Work on your flexibility every day.
18. Walk the dog once a week minimum.
19. Track yourself every day and make yourself accountable.
20. Repeat your self-affirmation once a day in the mirror.

STEP NINE
GET A SPONSOR

Natalie, Josh, Mom, Joshua, Kandice, and Josh have all offered to run with me.
I am going to ask the Bishop to help me track my progress. One meeting per month.
Every Saturday I am going to take my physical measurements, and record them on the calendar.
Every day I am going to keep a food and exercise journal, and review it at night.
I am going to track my scripture reading on the chart.
I am going to make a daily, weekly, and monthly checklist.
Kallee and Fred are competing with me against sweets until July.
I still need to find a sponsor though. Should I make Josh my sponsor?

STEP TEN
HELP SOMEONE ELSE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM

Any volunteers? Lol. I probably should not do it secretly because it wouldn't work very well. Plus, I would probably find a way to cheat. How do you confront someone without an AA meeting? Haha. Addicts Anonymous. Jk. Umm... I need someone that I can consult with constantly. I'll have to work on this one...


Alright, so it's not exactly 12 steps, but it's still a plan. I can do this. I will do this. I start today.