Today I signed up for a blog, because I was told that documenting progress is an easy way to stack on track. But, I haven't even gotten on track to begin with, so I figure maybe this is the catalyst I need to get there.
I should introduce myself;
I'm 23, I live in Portland, I'm a student and a rockstar. Well, maybe not the latter yet, but I'm getting there. I front a local band that's just starting to pave their way through the Portland music scene. We've been gigging for a little over two months now and something I've noticed in both photos and video of us on stage- I'm kind of pudgy.
Now, I know I shouldn't want to fall into that stereotypical skinny girl stage persona, but as much as I hate it, sex sells! (and according to modern society, being at weight or slightly over is NOT sexy. -_- )
They say the key to successful weightloss is to not do it for anyone but yourself. And regardless of my previous statements, I not only want to do it for the stage appearance, but I really want to accomplish it for myself. I miss fitting into a size 6!
In the last two years I've watched my weight fluctuate, and I'm really kind of tired of it.I want to find that balance, to be able to lose the fat and eat healthier, regardless of my crazy busy schedule!
In february I was on my way to those goals, I was thinner than I had been in a year, I was working as an editor on a Stop Motion animated short film AND I was rockin' it hardcore with my band. But my appendix ruptured and I found myself in a hospital and forbidden to work out for quite a while afterward- until all of my incisions had healed. When it was finally time to hit the gym again, I was 171 lbs. :(
I've come a long way since February though; I'm down to 161, I have more muscle mass, but I can't stop the sensational love for food and the lack of motivation to hit the gym nightly to exercise. So, I've started a new journey.
I'm beginning a 30 day challenge on November 1st with a couple of buddies. My personal goal is to eat five meals a day (small ones, and healthy ones. chocked full of veggies, fruits and high in protein.) Hit the gym ATLEAST 5 days out of the week- NO EXCUSES!!! And to hopefully drop a jean size or two. I'm saying no to chocolate and alchohol- the chocolate will be hard, as I am the assistant manager of a chocolate shop in Portland. But I think I'll be able to do it.
My equipment:
a gym membership to 24 hr fitness. I will need to muster up the courage not just to go and do cardio but handle the weights and feel the burn!
a weightloss and healthy eating cookbook. I've been sampling recipes this last week and so far there's been no problem with flavor! Everything has been full of vegetables and I won't have to give up my love for beef! But I do need to scale down my beef consumption to atleast twice a month. That's going to be hard! There's only so many things you can do with chicken!
the spark people website. To track my fitness, food and water consumption and calculate my calories. Not to mention the motivational tools it provides.
fitness newsletters. To help me figure out what exercises I need to use to get to where I want to be at the end of the 30 days.
This is simply a trial run. I want to be able to continue through the end of the year, but it's a matter of how motivated I can stay! Music is a big part of my life, so I'll need to build a playlist to help keep me un-bored at the gym. And as much as I hate it, I'll need to hit the scale atleast twice a month to monitor myself. I think I'm capable of doing this.
My band is taking a month off in December to write new material and gear up for the new year. I figure when we hit the venues of Portland again in January, I want to be ready! I want to come on stage and say "Hey! Remember me?" And I want everyone to be wowed by not only the new music, but my new transformation.
Don't get me wrong, this will be the hardest thing I've ever done- especially with Thanksgiving falling in the middle of my 30 day challenge and Christmas looming ahead... (and my birthday... oh gosh! the cake!) But I think with the right motivators, I CAN and WILL succeed.
