thank you

You girls are so sweet. Thank you for the really kind and supportive comments. I was nervous to post photos because I know I'm not the tinniest girl or the thinnest girl, but you girls made me feel better about it all. I'm still working hard and I'm motivated to reach my goals. I want to get smaller, thinner, and more toned by Memorial Day weekend. That's a month away! If I work hard, get my workouts in, and eat right I think I can get there. I just need to keep my eye on the prize and bust my butt these next few weeks. I'm mentally in the right place so I really do feel like I can reach my goals. I don't DESPISE my body, but I know what I want and I know I can there if I work hard enough. I need to lose the excess fat that's covering my body, particularly my abs, legs, arms.. actually everywhere. I'm also a bit self-conscious about my muscle mass, sometimes I think I'm too muscular (arms, legs) but maybe If I get rid of the layers of fat covering it I may see something different. Today is Friday. I'm determined to stay on track this weekend.

(photo removed)

I still have a ways to go, but I think I'm starting to lean out. I'm in the middle of 30 Day Shred. I couldn't do it every single day due to school (full time job + part-time school). Some nights I was able to get it in at 10pm, but other nights it was just too late. I'm still planning to do all 30 days, but it's just going to be over a longer period of time (maybe 40-45 days or so). Anyway, here is me at Day 20 or so. (I want to get leaner, and smaller, and lighter. I think I can stand to lose 8-10lbs)

alive

I haven't updated in a really long time. I know I've been neglecting this blog and I hate that, but between work, school, and other responsibilities, things have just been so, so busy. I'm still working my butt off to get my body ready for summer though. Some days are harder than others. The weekends, in particular, are the worst for me. I think this is known. I overeat and have the mindset that I'll undo the damage come Monday. It sucks because it's turned into a cycle of good week, bad weekend, good week, bad weekend, etc. my weight has been mostly range-bound or just slightly lower.

I'm more than half way through 30 Day Shred and you can definitely see a difference in my appearance. More muscle, less flab! My arms and legs are more toned, which I'm very happy about. Now I just need to get my abs to hop on board.

I have a big party on Saturday night and I plan to work really hard this week so that I can look good in the new dress I bought. Lord knows everyone and their mom will be taking pictures and posting them on facebook, so I MUST look fit (and tan and cute, of course). Clean eating, lots of cardio & 30DS, and a ton of extra sleep should get me ready. I hope all you lovely ladies have been doing well and staying positive and focused on your goals. Let's do this.

time is now

Happy April. New month, fresh start. I'm determined to make this my best month ever. I'm still going strong on the 30 Day Shred and I'm seeing a noticeable difference in not on my body, but also my endurance and stamina. My arms are looking hot too due to all the push-ups and upper body exercises. I'm excited to get in bikini shape for summer. I know it's common sense, but I think I've finally realized that nourishing my body with clean, healthy foods and exercise really DOES lead to good things. My mood is better, my energy is better, my whole attitude and outlook on life is better. I'm tired of starving for perfection. It's been hard to up my calorie intake (right now I'm trying to eat 1200 per day) but it's been paying off big time.

Here are some daily/weekly goals I've made for myself to get the month started:

Daily Goals:
- nourish body with clean, healthy foods (lots of fruit, veggies, lean protein)
- exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, no excuses (right now doing 30DS)
- try to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night
- take vitamins
- drink at least 60 oz of water
- be fully engaged in everything I do

Weekly Goals:
- get heart pumping with at least 4 days of cardio
- limit sugar intake