3 Year Healthy Anniversary & 200th Post!!!!

So, I was cleaning out a desk drawer at work and came across some of my weigh-in and measurements sheets through the years. My work has a small gym staff with a staff (who have fitness designations) and various fitness classes and challenges. The staff provided free customized workout plans. Until 2010, it was free to use - so I used to took advantage of the services but worked out at 24 hours - which had more convenient hours and more equipment. 


My weigh-ins varied from 136 to 155.

October 2005

Measurements	Your Results
Weight (lbs)	146
Height (in)	62
Body Mass Index	26.7
Waist / Hip Ratio	0.00

Lifestyle Factors	Your Results
Cigarettes (per day)	0
Eat High Fat Foods	1-2/Wk
Alcohol (drinks/week)	0
Aerobic Fitness Level	Excellent
Perceived Stress	Moderate
Energy Level	Moderate

March 2006

Measurements	Your Results
Weight (lbs)	135
Height (in)	62
Body Mass Index	24.7
Waist / Hip Ratio	0.00

Lifestyle Factors	Your Results
Cigarettes (per day)	0
Eat High Fat Foods	3-6/Wk
Alcohol (drinks/week)	0
Aerobic Fitness Level	Poor
Perceived Stress	Moderate
Energy Level	Low

March 2007

Measurements	Your Results
Weight (lbs)	147
Height (in)	62
Body Mass Index	26.9
Waist / Hip Ratio	0.00

Lifestyle Factors	Your Results
Cigarettes (per day)	0
Eat High Fat Foods	3-6/Wk
Alcohol (drinks/week)	0
Aerobic Fitness Level	Good
Perceived Stress	Moderate
Energy Level	Moderate

March 2008

Measurements	Your Results
Weight (lbs)	155
Height (in)	62
Body Mass Index	28.4
Waist / Hip Ratio	0.00

Lifestyle Factors	Your Results
Cigarettes (per day)	0
Eat High Fat Foods	1-2/Wk
Alcohol (drinks/week)	0
Aerobic Fitness Level	Excellent
Perceived Stress	Moderate
Energy Level	Low

Through those years...I just couldn't quite figure it out...the balance of healthy eating and exercise that I needed to maintain my weight. Some weeks and months, I would be very dedicated to it - 4 to 6 weeks of exercise - skipping unhealthy meals. Other months, I would nail the exercise part but not the eating. Other months, I wouldn't focus on either.


It wasn't to 2009, I hit my highest weight - 160 - that things changed.I started to work on losing the weight again - working out and watching what I was eating. Honestly, I am not sure when exactly during the weight loss that I realized that I needed to do things different.


Perhaps, it was because it was a lot harder to lose the weight that time. Perhaps, it was having to reach out to a dietitian and a trainer for help. Perhaps, it was my rapidily approaching 29th birthday ---Which got me thinking about my 30s and my later years too... 


But, whatever it was...I was determined not to gain the weight back again. I was determined to get healthy and stay healthy. I desired to eat better. I desired to stay active.


As I lost the weight I read any article I could find on weight management and permanent weight loss. I found two books...Thin for Life and Refuse to Gain...solely dedicated to the topic and read it. I found that many - if not most - plans and programs were relatively or very quiet about this subject.


After that....I decided...


1) To keep active (a mix of cardio and strength) 5 to 6 days a week - every week. Figure out activities that I would enjoy and mix in variety to keep it interesting. In the past, I worked out by maybe 2 days one week - 5 the next - nothing for a week or two - 3 after that. 


2) To eat better. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, yogurts, and lean proteins. I learned about new types of food and combinations of foods, portion sizes, and more.


3) To figure out how to balance fitness and healthy eating with a busy schedule, family responsibilities, and a social life. I had to learn how to make it through Thanksgiving and Christmas with out gaining 10lbs. I had to learn how to keep my exercise schedule even if I traveled to another city & state for work. I had to learn how to attend a birthday party without overindulging. 


4) To figure out how to indulge wisely. Enjoying a few tasty treats at a barbeque, taking my nephew to get ice cream on a hot summer day, enjoying a steak at a business dinner...I wanted to be able to have my cake and eat it too BUT fit into my jeans.    


5) To keep myself motivated. I started to subscribe to several health magazines and blogs  and regularly purchase health and fitness books.


6) To weigh myself regularly and stay with an acceptable weight range. I weigh myself regularly - everyday. I gave away all my clothes I used to wear when I was heavier. If I find myself at the upper limit of the range or beyond, I work to slim back down...


It was on this day 3 years ago...that I made a decision to change. I had just gotten back from a GREAT trip from Memphis. Good food, good music, and good times. I got home and looked at the pictures in dismay...this couldn't possibly be me and what I've become...Then, I step on the scale...it said 160 - a new high. I changed my clothes and hit the gym and never looked back....