Monday, May 28, 2012

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
MeasurementsYour Results
Weight (lbs)

146
Height (in)

62
Body Mass Index

26.7
Waist / Hip Ratio

0.00


Lifestyle FactorsYour 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

MeasurementsYour Results
Weight (lbs)

135
Height (in)

62
Body Mass Index

24.7
Waist / Hip Ratio

0.00

Lifestyle FactorsYour 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

MeasurementsYour Results
Weight (lbs)

147
Height (in)

62
Body Mass Index

26.9
Waist / Hip Ratio

0.00

Lifestyle FactorsYour 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

MeasurementsYour Results
Weight (lbs)

155
Height (in)

62
Body Mass Index

28.4
Waist / Hip Ratio

0.00

Lifestyle FactorsYour 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....

2 comments:

MissHaneefa said...

Great post! You must be so proud of yourself. Keep up the great work. It is always great to find past info that shows you how far you have come!

Papi's Girl said...

Health and fitness is a journey filled with trials and errors but the success comes from never giving up. If we stay persistent and consistent then we will reach our goals sooner than later. Congratulations on your success.