(cue Oprah) IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

It's my birthday y'all! Last year at this time I sported my new bikini friendly body, got a fabulous surprise visit by my NYC besties, and marveled at how far I'd come emotionally and physically over the past year. I knew I could relax a smidge but that my battle would never truly be over.

My focus was on incorporating exercise however I could, finding the motivation to get in gear and cutting back on calories. This past year has been more about a discovery of being active and what it does for me. When I lost On Demand Exercise TV in the summer (ComCast was awful and HAD to go to save my wallet!) I turned to Bikram Yoga (thank you Groupon). Because of some stellar discounts I was able to party with Bikram for about five months. Then I got bored with the monotony and busy and stressed with two huge projects at my day job. I found I missed exercise and felt myself longing for movement and actually run down and lethargic without it. At the end of January (thanks to another Groupon) I was able to start working out at a new fitness place. I was snobby about it at first which I now realize was my way of trying to get out of exercising. I love it so much now. I get such a wide variety of classes from yoga, to kick boxing to dance to traditional calisthenics. It's great. Not easy in any way, but great. I work out four times a week and am slowly adding more. It's become my routine to walk over after work and 'get my sweat on' (the place's motto). I love planning out my classes for the week. I feel so strong and have noticed some definition that I've never had before. It's so motivating.

I'm almost 17 months in to switching to a vegan diet and I still love it. I know it helped me through my recent Plague. Food is medicine people. I still feel so clean and energized and happy eating this way. I never feel weighed down after I eat. I always just feel nourished and content. I stay on top of getting all of nutrients, but it's so second hand at this point. With my more active lifestyle the past few months I think I need some guidance with the best way to eat while building muscle and trying to continue slimming down, so I am hoping to meet with a vegan nutritionist soon to make sure I am doing the right things.

Oh, would you like to see comparison shots? It never gets easier to put myself out thee, but here are the stats and pics:

May 3, 2010 Waist (at belly button): 29
May 3, 2011 Waist (at belly button): 28
An inch!

May 3rd, 2010 Hips: 35.5
May 3rd, 2011 Hips: 34.5
An inch!

May 3rd, 2010 Thigh: 21.5
May 3rd, 2011 Thigh: 20.5
An inch!

May 3rd, 2010 Arm: 10.50
May 3rd, 2011 Arm: 10.25
1/4 of an inch!

Again this year I think the back shots are the most telling.

While maintenance was the overall goal of the year I've realized that I have some strengthening work to do (especially if I am going to have kids one day). While I am sad that acting isn't working out for me, I am looking at the bright side that it's given me time to tend to my health. I love that I am starting to see some muscles and want to look fierce and athletic and healthy! I hope to kick some serious fitness arse over the next year!

Look, I have some little guns now!

Now for a fabulous birthday dinner, but first, thanks to all of you who have stuck with me. Knowing you're out there makes all the difference. Truly. We can do this!

Maintenance

Time to check in to see how I've done with maintenance this month. Success!

May 3rd Waist (at belly button): 29 inches
June 3rd Waist (at belly button): 29 inches

May 3rd Hips: 35.5 inches
June 3rd Hips: 35.5 inches

May 3rd Arm: 10.5 inches around
June3rd Arm: 10.5 inches around

May3rd Thigh: 21.5 inches around
June 3rd Thigh: 21.5 inches around


I am glad that my relaxed month hasn't been detrimental. I think it's been very healthy for me to step back and give myself a little break. Don't want to get too obsessive! That's definitely not healthy.


Saturday I start shooting the indie on the weekends, but my weeknights are my own, so I should soon get on a more regular schedule of coming home from work whether it be going to the gym (if I join) or working out at home.

Happy Birthday To Me: The Results

I was stressed about creating a "perfect" post, but have to decided to let myself off the hook and share just as I always have:

Has it really been a whole year since I decided to take control of my life long battle with weight and threw down the proverbial white fringey gauntlet declaring that I wanted to work hard for the next 365 days to become bikini ready for the first time in my entire life?! It just doesn't seem possible. This year has flown by, and it's been such a rich time of learning about myself inside and out.

Biggest Changes:

I became a vegan. I can't tell you how much lighter and cleaner and happier I am. When I began this journey I would have told you that favorite food was cheese. Now, I don't really miss it at all. I love everything that I eat and don't feel like food is my enemy anymore. My head feels so much clearer and I feel more balanced. I totally understand that it's not for everyone, and it's such a personal choice (and one that can be made for several different reasons), but for me, it's been wonderful.

I am kind to myself. I don't beat myself up as much and celebrate triumphs more instead of focusing on goals I didn't meet. I attend guided meditation and really spend time being good to myself.

I don't see food as my enemy. Even "bad" foods like occasional french fries or a handful of chips don't send me into a shame spiral. I can eat some if I really want them and move on. I can also just eat them in small amounts. I don't feel like like every meal is a test that I will either pass or fail.

Now for some results:

April 3rd Waist (at belly button): 29.5
May 3rd Waist (at belly button): 29
Down 1/2 inch! Down 4.5 inches total!

April 3rd Hips: 35.5 inches
May 3rd Hips: 35.5 inches
No change. Down 3.5 inches total!

April 3rd Arm: 10.5 inches around
May 3rd Arm: 10.5 inches around
No change. Down 1.25 inches total!

April 3rd Thigh: 21.5 inches around
May 3rd Thigh: 21.5 inches around
No change. Down 1.5 inches total!

I didn't expect much of a loss this month, so I am happy about a little win in the waist department.
Now for pics. First a comparison of day one, month six, and now in the original blue bikini:

I think my back shots below are most telling:

I got myself a nice classic black bikini for use when we actually have lake/beach weather here in the midwest:

HEY WORLD-LOOK AT THIS!

Below is my favorite shot. As often happens in Chicago, a big gust of wind blew through. I had the realization that I've never felt wind on my belly. It was such an exhilerating feeling that I can't believe I've been missing out on! I was taking it all in in this picture:

Ahhhh

Thanks to my awesome pal Mandy for taking these shots!

How did I do it?

Putting my intention out into the universe (and cyberland). I know having this blog and all of you to be accountible to has kept me on track. It's scary to out yourself out there, but it's been overwhleming to have people I don't know find me here and offer encouragement!

My husband and friends. I am surrounded by supportive people who don't tempt me with food and are encouraging of my efforts and resp[ectful of my journey.

Determination: I wanted to do this for me and no one else. I was determined not to let myself down. It just doesn't work if you are trying to do this for other people!

So, what now?

There are still some areas I want tone (like my legs and upper arms) and I want to continue working on nutrition and finding the best work out regimen for myself. Since it's still a little chilly in my world, I still have yet to experience being out amongst people, walking a beach in a bikini. That will be a big day, and I definitely want to share that with you! There is also a lot of work that goes into maintenance-it's not like I can pig out and stop exercising now. I couldn't have gotten anywhere without all of you out there reading and encouraging me, so I would love it if all of you came along!! I want to think of some new goals. I would love to come up with a fitness/athletic goal. I'll jog sometimes, but I am not terribly interested in a marathon, so I am not sure what direction to go.  I am open to suggestions. I definitely want to be a more active blogger and post more about healthy cooking.

It's been a wonderful long birthday and I want to spend the last of it snuggled up with my little family, so I'll close by saying: There you have it. I am a very real "everywoman" who has two jobs, a career, a life, a husband, a dog child, and a decades-long battle with weight, and I've managed to make my way into a Bikini By 30! It feels great!

Results Tonight

(Oprah voice) It's my BIRTH-DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tonight I will be putting up my birthday/results post. Stay tuned!

I've already had an amazing birthday! Saturday morning I headed out early to take my bikini shots and Mr. BB30 told me he would have brunch made for us by the time I got home. How sweet. So I took my shots (still nerve racking if you want to know), and I decided to stop by a store on the way home since I just can't seem to find any new clothes that I like. Finally I called the mister to tell him I was on my way back. When I walked in I sensed something weird- what was my hubby up to? I walked in my dining room and there sitting with my pal who'd taken my shots (and beaten me home) were my two east coast besties who'd flown in from NYC to be with me for my birthday weekend. They videoed my reaction. I want to figure out how to post it (a tech genius I am not). I was showered with love and presents and a veganized version of my beloved almond crusted french toast. I was treated to a pedicure and girl time, and it was revealed that several people were coming out to see my play that night and were coming out afterwards for a little party at a restaurant across the street. Birthday bliss.

Today lots of fun things have been planned for me and I feel like a princess!

Month Eleven Results

Here are my latest measurements:


Mar 3rd Waist (at belly button): 29.75
April 3rd Waist (at belly button): 29.5
Down 1/4 inch! Down 4 inches total!

Mar 3rd Hips: 36 inches
April 3rd Hips: 35.5 inches
Down 1/2 inch! Down 3.5 inches total!

Mar 3rd Arm: 10.75 inches around
April 3rd Arm: 10.5 inches around
Down 1/4 inch! Down 1.25 inches total!

Mar 3rd Thigh: 21.75 inches around
April 3rd Thigh: 21.5 inches around
Down 1/4 inch! Down 1.5 inches total!

I am so thrilled. I had been worried about this month since I have been so busy in rehearsals at night! Could it be that I was just eating too little and pushing myself too hard? It seems as though this past month of doing shorter workouts or sometimes only getting in a walk actually helped me along? Did my bod just need time to process all that I've hit it with? Clearly I still haven't figured out the science of it all, and everyone seems to have a different opinion for what works best, but I've lost about two pounds this month and 1.5 inches of jiggle. Wow! Again, I will sing the praises of clean eating, calming deep breaths and meditation, doing the best I can, and making the choice not to beat myself up too much (surprisingly still tough!)
 
I'll leave you with this promising shot of me in a pair of shorts I bought a year ago for my honeymoon. They are big now! As we've gotten a small taste of warmth in Chicago the past few days, it's been really motivating to put on clothes from last year and see some results!

Happy Easter!

Pants Dance

Behold: Thursday I put on my old “skinny slacks” and they’re a bit roomier now!


SCORE:

BB30-1

A**Hole Scale-0

The story of my skinny slacks:

Here is a brief BB30 History lesson that I have yet to share and gives you a little insight into my endless struggle to achieve the slim fit body I’ve always wanted. I’ve definitely had some set backs. About 2.5 years ago I randomly decided to start calorie counting (sticking to about 1200 calories a day). I kept an excel spreadsheet at my day job where I logged every calorie I ate. The result was a very rapid weight loss. I had just been eating waaaay too many calories (damn you delicious Cocoa Krispies). I wasn’t fit or firm (I was still all jiggle) but I was slimmer and it stuck for about nine months. That is until I started taking a medicine that threw weight on me until I was up the 25 pounds I had lost. At first it was slow and unnoticeable, but then it started piling on so fast-I had no idea what was happening (I was still eating 1500 calories or less per day-it was like a bad dream! Seriously, I lost a pair of pants in my closet for two weeks and after finding them they couldn’t even button. SCARY.) Another tidbit to point out: My off-the-rack (and stunning) wedding dress was already purchased!!!! So, I stopped taking the medicine (of course) worked with a trainer friend for some sessions, enrolled in dances classes, and got moving so that I could wear my beautiful wedding dress in six months. I did it, and I was lucky, but man oh man-it was scary! Anyway, in those slimmer months I purchased my “skinny slacks.” They were snug and at first I would wear panty hose under them to make them fit better (you know you’ve all done it), and when I ballooned up of course there was no way I could even pull them up over my hips.

So, it was such a nice feeling to put on these slacks and see some results!!!

Makin' Sure It All Adds Up

For well over a month now I have enjoyed a meat and dairy free lifestyle thanks to inspiration from The Kind Diet/Life. I am confident this is the reason my scale has finally moved a bit and why I have the energy to endure extended workouts as well as an abundance of day job and career stress.

Over the last week or so I have noticed a dip in energy so I decided that I should do some calculating to make sure I am getting what I need. I was reluctant to do it at first since I do have indulgences like wine and carob chips (basically vegan chocolate chips) and I really didn't want to know if they were detrimental, because I don't want to stop enjoying them! I also didn't want to know if I was falling short on protein and calcium (thus confirming nay sayers) and if I was taking in too many calories (because who wants to eat less?). However, just because I don't reserach it and avoid the answers, doesn't mean I couldn't be malnourished and/or taking in way too many useless calories. Ignorance isn't always bliss- especially when your health is involved!

So, I've broken down a typical day to see if I am getting the calories, calcium, and protein I need.

Calories: Too high. I would like to stick closer to the 1200 calorie range. This is easily accomplished by cutting out pretzels or eating only half of the bag and bringing more veggie snacks with me to work.

Calcium: A little too low. According to Womenshealth.org a woman between 25-50 should be getting 1000mg of calcium a day. One additional cup of greens a day would easily do this for me, and I have no problems with that-I love 'em!

Protein: Just right. I bet you thought this was where I'd be lacking. I was a little concerned myself, but I am actually getting a little more than I need. Many sites I looked at went with this formula: Weight in pounds divided by 2.2. (This is how many kilograms you weigh). Multiply kilograms by 0.8 and this how much protein you need in one day. See?! I am getting plenty of good healthy protein without animal products!

Things to know:
I do not always eat pretzels.
I do not always eat hummus.
I do not always have a glass of wine.

The past few days I have avoided carob chips and am not buying anymore to make sure I am in control and don't feel like I NEED them. It has definitely been hard not to go on a 9pm run to the grocery store some nights.

I've also started throwing sprinkles of roasted flax seeds into various dishes and even my cereal for extra boosts of Omega 3s since I am not eating salmon.

Seeing my stats has helped me pinpoint my trouble areas, and now I have a better handle of where I am food-wise. Has putting your food intake down on paper helped you strategize?

Monthly Measurements

So I didn't lose any inches this month, but I totally expected it with three weeks of almost no good workouts due to my hectic rehearsal/show schedule and some major work stress (the last quarter of the year is a particularly hectic time in Day Job land.) I'm disappointed of course, but I know I will do better over the next month. I also know that I need to make the most of Jan and Feb because I was cast in another play this week that will begin rehearsing at the end of Feb. On the flip side, knowing I will soon have about two months of more free time at night and on the weekends will help get me through these tough spells when I am frustrated with not having time to hit workouts hard.


Nov 3rd Waist (at belly button): 31 inches
Dec 3rd Waist (at belly button): 31 inches
NO CHANGE Down 2.5 inches total!

Nov 3rd Hips: 36.25
Dec 3rd Hips: 36.25
NO CHANGE Down 2.75 inches total!

Nov 3rd Arm: 11 inches around
Dec 3rd Arm: 11 inches around
NO CHANGE Down 3/4 inch total!

Nov 3rd Thigh: 22 inches around
Dec 3rd Thigh: 22 inches around
NO CHANGE Down 1 inch total!

Half Way There

Tuesday marked my six month mark (and my half birthday). The time has flown by. First things first, my monthly results:

Oct 3rd Waist (at belly button): 31.5 inches

Nov 3rd Waist (at belly button): 31 inches
Down 1/2 inch! Down 2.5 inches total!

Oct 3rd Hips: 36.5 inches

Nov 3rd Hips: 36.25

Down 1/4 an inch! Down 2.75 inches total!

Oct 3rd Arm: 11 inches around
Nov 3rd Arm: 11 inches around
No Change (but I really think I am exchanging it for muscle).
Down 3/4 inch total!

Oct 3rd Thigh: 22 inches around
Nov 3rd Thigh: 22 inches around
No Change. Down 1 inch total!

Now for the six month pics. Suprisingly, posting these was not easier than posting them last time. I thought I would be over it and confident, but I still feel exposed and vulnerable. However, I think it's really important to share. First you'll see Day One, followed by the Six Month Mark. And yes, I got new curtains in my livingroom :)

Then  Now

Then   Now

I didn't share my back pic in May, because I was embarrased, but the pics show some telling results, so I am sucking it up and sharing, because there is nothing to be ashamed of-these are just progress shots, I'm not done yet!

Then Now

So, although I dreamed of being further along after so many weeks of effort, I think I represent the many women who are very busy, don't have personal trainers, private chefs, and expensive pre-made food services, or have hours to work out everyday. I am a real woman on this journey! (However, I think a personal trainer and private chef sound dreamy!) I also need to celebrate the fact that I've lost 7 inches of mush off of my body, I am much firmer, and my clothes are loose. That's a great feeling!

I've realized that since I am someone who has always been chubby (and at times clinically obese), I don't have that picture in my head of what I will look like when I reach my goals. I've never been in shape and thin. I have never seen myself slim and svelt with muscle tone. I've neer been able to wear an outfit that shows off my legs because my thighs have always been jiggly and doughy. The goal pictures in my head are of other people and what I hope I can look like. I have to make sure to manage those expectations since we're all different and the look of my fit bod will be unique to me. Unfortunantely I will never be able to look just like fitness inspiration Janine although I can definitely use her as motivation!

I would say the two biggest factors that have contributed to what I have achieved thus far are:

Support and Being Picky

Support:

You fabulous motivating followers are always in the back of my head when I have tough decisions to make, and the first group of people I want to tell about successes. I appreciate you!!

My hubby and pals: I feel very lucky to be surrounded by people who are supportive of my plight and accept when I turn down junk food offers and don't pressure me to overindulge.

Being Picky:

I am a pickier eater than I have ever been. For the most part I only eat or drink something if I really want it. If I am not really enjoying something I typically stop, because it's a waste of calories and will only doom me in the end (even if it's not a seemingly detrimental high cal treat). I think this is a great habit to form, and it keeps me from mindlessly eating everything in sight when I am stressed out and helps me pay better attention to my food.

So there you have it. I am half way there. There is still a long road ahead, but I haven't given up, and I am glad so many folks have stuck with me.

Up Next: Embarking on a new way to nourish myself inside and out and really care for myself. I'm very excited to talk about this!

Here's Lookin' At You Month Two: The Results

I wanted to get this done first thing this morning and put it out there as the holiday weekend begins:

May 3rd Waist (at belly button): 33.5 inches
June 3rd Waist (at belly button): 33 inches
July 3rd Waist (at belly button): 32.5 inches
Down 1/2 an inch! Down 1inch total!

May 3rd Hips: 39 inches
June 3rd Hips: 38 inches
July 3rd Hips: 38 inches
No change. Down 1 inch total!

May 3rd Arm: 11.75 inches
June 3rd Arm: 11.5 inches around
July 3rd Arm: 11.25 inches around
Down 1/4 inch! Down 1/2 inch total!

May 3rd Thigh: 23 inches around
June 3rd Thigh: 22.75 inches around
July 3rd Thigh: 22.5 inches around
Down 1/4 inch! Down 1/2 inch total!

Not too shabby. I am feeling good physically and have started to notice the results.

How are you doing today on your fitness journey?