Tuesday, June 2, 2009

I Won the Spring Fitness Challenge…

It was 8 weeks of working out, sometimes twice a day, watching what I ate…Ok, really lack of watching what I ate…I didn’t eat chips, chocolate, drink sweet tea or anything else considered high in calories or fat.  It was hard in the beginning but I soon started craving apples and oranges as opposed to my previous love for chocolate.

One of my biggest things was I kept moving.  I spend a lot of time on the computer….Too much time in fact, but I kept moving, if it wasn’t anything but bouncing a leg or foot.  I kept moving.  The more you move the more calories you burn.  The more calories you burn the more you will lose! 

I got rid of all the white stuff in the house…bread, pasta and rice, and switched it up for the healthy whole grains…I must say we don’s miss it and won’t be going back! 

Working out…Well, I started out jogging…It didn’t last long because the weather didn’t always permit, so when it rained or something I would break out the trusty Turbo Jam dvd’s and get busy.  It was a lot of work but after a while I was really getting through the workouts with a breeze. 

Now the biggest weight loss was the first two weeks…4 pounds a week for a total of 8 pounds.  This was merely a huge change to my body because I was eating right and moving! 

Anybody can do this…It wasn’t hard and it doesn’t take rocket science.  It does take will power, because you just can’t cheat!  It will set you back further then you realize.  Tasting that chocolate once will put that taste back in your brain and the apples won’t taste the same anymore. 

Don’t give up.  Giving up or thinking you can’t do it at least once will make you think twice about your goal. 

Goals…Don’t set something that can’t be reached.  I used to do that when using the Wii Fit.  I would set a goal loss of 10 pounds in 2 weeks and of course never meet this and feel like I failed.  So, this time I just didn’t set a goal except to lose 2 pounds a week.  Some weeks I met this others I didn’t.  There were a couple that I passed this goal, but I always kept my head up high!

So what do I plan on doing with my winnings??  Well, I plan on not buying new clothes.  I am only a short distance from my goal that I have now set.  And I would hate to buy clothes now and not fit them in a couple of months. 

I do plan on paying a bill (lame I am sure you think) and possibly using the rest to go to Indiana.  This is where my husband is from and the kids and I have never been! 

I feel so much better about myself.  Losing weight really changes your outlook not only on yourself but on others.  I now look at other over weight men and women and think if you’d just make this one small change, it would mean so much to your health.  And it is now ultimately about health!

14 comments:

Kelli said...

I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!! That is wonderful news Joanna. I see you worked hard and it paid off, not only by winning but being healthier. I need to get on your bandwagon, so when I see you next year I'll be as cute as you!

Carry Grace said...

Congratulations! That is awesome.

Laura said...

Good news!!! Congratulations!

Laura :)

Poulsen Family said...

Congrats!!! I hope you enjoy all your winnings!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! I lost six pounds a while back, but now I have gained them back plus two more. I have got to get serious again. It is bathing suit season here in Texas.

Kristin said...

Yeah!!!! Congratulations!!!!! Way to stick with it :)

Tiffany said...

Great job! You deserve it!

And you did inspire me - I got on the treadmill last night. I walked 1.3 miles and burned 83 calories. Not much, but it's a start. I would really like to lose 20 pounds before my b-day in Sept. Keep your fingers crossed!

Anonymous said...

Congrats! Thats great!

Amanda said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is SO awesome! You really did kick butt girl!

Unknown said...

WOOT WOOT!!! Way to go!

Anonymous said...

You go girl! That's the way to do it...now if I could just get some of what you did and go forth ... awww I need cake~ Hugs and smiles~

Elise said...

That is wonderful!! I am so happy for you!! I need to get inspired by you. It would have to be a God thing, cause I don't have tons of willpower.
Elise

Molly said...

Congratulations! Great job.

Shawnee said...

WONDERFUL! I'm so glad you posted the before and after photos. Congrats!!