I'm fairly new to the forum and I've lurked a bit here and there. In the last six months, I've found my motivation for losing this last 20 pounds really lacking. In January 2006 I transferred to a University from a Community College and it was my first time living on campus. I decided instead of gaining 15 pounds, I was going to take advantage of having my own kitchen/refridgerator and a gym on campus and LOSE weight instead. I began at 185 and I dropped to 165 by the time I came home that Spring by following South Beach-style eating habits (probably more low-carb in reality than SBD is supposed to be) and going to the gym a few times a week doing cardio and not much lifting. I've been struggling with losing 5 pounds, gaining 5 pounds and basically staying around 165 since then. When I got home from school this past May, I decided to tackle this last 20 pounds--and since may I've managed to lose 5 pounds, but I've again been inconsistant with eating properly and exercising. I don't want to gain and lose these same 5 pounds over and over--I want to lose these last 20 I've got to lose for GOOD.
Lately I've taken a hard look at myself and why I eat clean for two or three days and then I eat junk... and it all comes down to emotions. I eat junk when I'm stressed or feeling down and it numbs me. I don't think I've ever connected the overeating to emotions before...or maybe I've always known and have been afraid to face the truth. In order to lose the rest of this weight by eating clean and using the Turbulence Training program, I'm going to have to face my emotions: the good and the bad. I'll have to face myself and stop using food as a buffer between myself and how I feel. I'm ready to face my next impulse to eat off-plan and say: "Wait. Why do I want to eat that? What am I feeling, why am I feeling it, and what can I do to resolve it?"--and then actually resolve whatever the issue is instead of using food to shove the problem down again.
So, now that I'm ready to tackle these last 20 pounds, how am I going to do it? I'm going to start the Turbulence Training program (I had before and then fell off track) from the "Beginner" level and work my way forward. I have everything set up to do it now, so no excuses. So TT is what I'll be doing for the lifting/HITT. As far as nutrition goes, I've become really interested in ketogenic diets, thanks to Cass Forsythe, so I'm going to start out eating a ketogenic diet. It'll consist mostly of lean protein, vegetables, nuts and cheese--with at least one piece of fruit a day--I've done the math and I can keep eating veggies aplenty and fruit while eating less than 50 carbs/day (total carbs less fiber, of course). I think it's actually close to how I was eating when I lost that first 20--except I'll be eating more fruit/vegetables than I was then; I used to be more finicky with veggies and afraid of fruit. I'll try it out for a few weeks and see how I feel. If I dig it, I'll keep at it; if I don't, I'll move up to something with a few more carbs so it's less intense.
And now, for my weight/measurements as of today and some "before" photos--so I can track my progress.
Weight: 160.0
Measurements:
-Waist: 32"
-Hips: 40"
-Chest (under bra): 32.5"
-Chest (over bra): 39.5"
-Thighs: (right) 23.5" / (left) 23.5"
-Calves: (right) 13.5"/ (left) 13.5"
-Biceps (flexed): (right) 13"/ (left) 13"
And finally, some "before" photos to mark this place as my new start. I apologize for the fuzzy quality...the camera didn't want to cooperate today. So, here I am in all my flabby glory!:
Front:
Side 1:
[
Back:
Side 2:
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I'm going to try and post here daily with how I'm doing/what I'm doing--so I can keep myself accountable and track my progress
I'm going to begin the TT program on Monday, so I can do the workouts on a M/W/F schedule--but that doesn't mean my diet's waiting till Monday! I've got my meals planned out for the next few days to keep me on track!
--Azure