Weighing it all

I've been working out, off and on, for many years now. By working out I mean going to a gym (thanks Julie!) and doing a workout plan. I've taken time off (ie fallen off the wagon) but I've always tried to get back on. This has been a struggle for me for many years, since having my children really. I know for some Moms (and usually those who breastfeed it seems!) the weight comes off within a year. For others, like me, having children (bless them!) seems to have totally changed my body, and not for the best.

With my first pregnancy, within the first three months, I had stretch marks that went from the top of my abdomen down to the top of my thighs. Purple no less.(I'm sorry for that visual, people. Especially so early in the morning. I hope you have digested your breakfast) I should have realized right then and there that my skin is obviously not very pliant. It was especially upsetting to me because prior to that I had never had a stretch mark. My friends had some from growing or developing, but I was soooo smug. Hmmpf.

Then, I had to have two c-sections to have my children. Now, again, for a normal woman this would be an operation that would make it EASIER to get to the child encompassed within. They would cut you open and pull the baby out-easy peasy. Not for me. They had to use forceps and a vacuum and several hands to reach my children. My husband likes to say he saw my stomach pulled with a shoe horn and tucked under the operating table. Well, frankly, I don't know how a belly is supposed to just "bounce back" after that kind of trauma.

In the past, I've been very upset to weigh myself after all of my working out-to see the scales barely move. It seems I've been wrestling with the same weight up and down for years and years. Oh, I've noticed definition and felt the muscles getting larger and firmer. I can't complain about that. But the weight never seems to go under a set level. Which would be fine if it was my goal weight level.

Well, no more.

This is my year.

I'm working out 6 days a week currently. That's going between the gym three times a week where I do cardio and weights. I also do the 5 Factor Fitness Plan and Pilates three times a week. I'm watching what I eat. Not restricting the odd treat (a girls gotta LIVE!) but watching portion sizes and quality of food. I'm following the "eat well 80 % of the time" rule. I'm drinking lots of water.

And, I've seen changes. My clothes are looser. My silhouette smaller in the mirror. But one other difference this time; I'm not weighing myself weekly.

I used to be a chronic weigher. I would step off and on that scale obsessively. I decided this time that I would weigh in once a month. I took my measurements as well at the start of the month. I just don't want to be a slave to the number on the scale, nor do I want to be disappointed by it if it's not as low as I think it should be. So, once a month I will weigh in and do my measurements.

I've been tempted. I've even pulled the scale out a few times. But I've resisted. And that's a new change already.

Another difference this time is, I've stopped putting a "time frame" on reaching my goal. I've decided it's just going to take as long as it's going to take, but I WILL get there eventually. And then, the struggle will be to stay there. To maintain my lifestyle.

And finally, to sign up for a tummy tuck. :)