12 Weeks....
Whole 30 round 4 starts Jan 11.
Here are some things that I'm changing.
1) One of the rules in Whole 30 is to not step on a scale until day 31. This is so that you focus on your non-scale victories. Well, 60 pounds later I'm still psychologically struggling with body image issues. This is why I post so many before-and-after photos. Seeing and receiving praise keeps me motivated. Surprise! It's not because I'm self-centered or egotistic. It's to keep me focused on my weight loss journey and healthy lifestyle transformation. It's also in hopes that I can inspire others with my story. Maybe someone who isn't as open about the transformation they are going through or want to embark on can find inspiration in my posts.
I've signed up for a 12-week body transformation challenge at Gold's and they will be doing my weigh-ins and measurements throughout the program. I've requested that they not tell me the results of anything except for my progress on push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and heart rate so that I can focus on doing better in those aspects. I'm also going to focus on the weight that I lift, form and getting a better PR every week. I will not be looking at my measurements, looking at any photos nor will I be looking in the mirror. I obsessively look in the mirror to see changes in my stomach and other areas on my body. But, because I constantly look at my body I don't see the transformation differences. So, for twelve weeks I won't be looking at myself in the mirror from the neck down. I also won't be doing any "transformation" pictures until the end. The visual aspect of the weight loss and the way my body transforms is very psychological for me. 2) I also have decided that for 2017 I am not drinking. You can’t have alcohol during the Whole 30 anyway but, I’ve decided that I’m going to commit to a year without alcohol. I’m not an addict, I don’t have a drinking problem but, I only drink when I’m out and need to feel more comfortable in social settings. This isn’t a healthy relationship with alcohol and the whole point in starting this transformation was to form healthy relationships with food. Also, every time I take 5 steps forward, I celebrate with alcohol and it pushes me back 3 steps. I could be further ahead in my transformation if I would have left out drinking. So, I’m challenging myself to have a sober 2017.
3) Lastly, in addition to weight training and once-a-week Bootcamp, I have decided I’m going to teach myself how to ride a bike and begin mountain biking. What’s the point in going through a lifestyle transformation if you continue to live the same life you’ve always lived? I’m different and I’m going to continue to change. I’m in love with who I’ve become so far and am excited to see where this transformation takes me!