July 1 update

I know it's been a while, but I'm happy to announce that I've been on a great path. I've lost 30 pounds and I'm almost at my halfway mark (I'm dying to hit 170). I look different, my clothes fit differently, I'm giving away clothes that don't fit me anymore.

I have changed for the better. I'm so happy. I feel optimistic, excited, younger.

I feel like diet and exercise is the solution for EVERYTHING! It's like the father's Windex in My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding. No energy? Exercise! Have trouble sleeping? Exercise! Pants are getting too tight? Diet! Want to feel sexier? EXERCISE!

I'm sharing this photo because when I saw how I looked before, I was in shock. The photo was taken in October of 2008, but I didn't start my journey until December 2009.

On June 2, 2010, I started this circuit training program (five days a week for an hour a day) at the place where I spin. My muscle has increased substantially and since I've started, my riding has improved significantly. I have cuts in my arms that I've never seen before. My legs don't wobble as much. I've really been pushing it because the results are so tremendously awarding.

The only thing that I really need to work on is my diet. I still have an addiction to fast food. It's TERRIBLE!!! I told myself the other day, "Liz, you're going to have a beautiful body and McDonald's has NOTHING to do with it." But I still find myself going to the Drive-thru. I need to put duct tape over my mouth whenever I drive by or something.

I'm still moving along. I hope to reach 170 pounds very soon.

February....almost March update

I'm still on track. My riding is improving, I'm losing weight. I've lost 16.5 lbs. This morning, I tried on a pair of jeans that I haven’t worn in 3 & ½ years. They fit! I couldn’t believe it. I still want to drop 5 more lbs. before I wear them in public so that my stomach doesn’t stick out, but it’s very exciting. Now that I’m getting my body back in order, I still need to organize my life, both personally and professionally. My boyfriend helped me clean up my apartment, applied new caulk to my bathroom (which really makes a WORLD of difference), and constantly motivates me to simplify my life by getting rid of STUFF.

I have been doing so, but I have a long way to go. I want to go back to school. Become a teacher. Get my master’s. The list of things to do never ends, but that’s just life. The point is to find meaning, inspiration and beauty in the things you do.

I feel like I am on my way to becoming a better person. I’ve come to the realization that we never stop growing, we never stop learning. My boyfriend helps me with these things. His perspective on life is different from others. He and I don’t always agree on everything, but his nature is kind-hearted and patient. He makes me want to be a better person.

There are things about myself that I want to change or that I am working on right now. But at this moment, I feel intrinsically happy and enthusiastic about life.

New Year, new me

I've been riding, exercising, behaving like a good girl. I've lost 10.5 lbs....Yay!!! I know I have a long way to go, but knowing that I'm officially on my way, I feel pretty good.
A) My clothes fit me differently. I can actually get into a smaller size.
B) People are noticing.
C) It inspires me to keep going.
D) It reaffirms that I'm doing it right.

I feel darn good.

New plan....

I remember one time, when I was about 20/21, I had gained weight and I went up to 152. So, I implemented my own diet. I had coffee in the morning. Two fruits for lunch and a sensible, lightly portioned dinner. I lost 17 pounds and kept it off for about 3 - 4 years. I want to do this again. But man, I think I will be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO hungry. I will have to adjust to the hunger for a few days. But I can do it! ARGH!!!!

For lunch today, I had organic fat-free yogurt, it did have sugar though. A banana and a granny smith apple (super tart!)

Back then, when I went up to 152, I couldn't believe it. At this point in my life, I wouldn't mind 152 at all. If I can reach 152, then I definitely wouldn't have a problem dropping the last 17.

Come on, Liz. You can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!

update....

I haven't set out to find that piece of paper yet. I invited friends over to dinner next week as sort of an impetus for me to clean my apartment.