An update. I am always behind.

I have been reading all of these articals lately about how to become a successful blogger. And I was trying so hard to find the motiviation. It amazes me how much work goes into creating a blog worth reading. I just don't know that I am that kind of blogger. I think my blogging is mostly a way to keep a journal for myself. I love to write. I love to journal life events and write love notes to my husband and babies. But for some reason, I enjoy writing more when it isn't something I have to "keep up" with. It is easier for me to just write when I am compelled to jot down my feelings. Which is why, I haven't written an update on my birthday goal for almost 4 weeks. It's silly really. I am keeping track at home with a paper journal. But I am not transferring it to the blog world. I do however have to say, that the last 4 weeks have showed wonderful progress. In the last 22 days I am down 14.2 lbs. Insert and all expressions of excitement! I have 17 weeks until my 30th birthday. Actually seven weeks exactly, today. And a change like 14.2 lbs is incredible! I am feeling so confident that I will smash my 30 pound goal before my birthday. My plan now is a little different. I plan to have the second 15 pounds gone before July 1st. Which means, I will spend the last 8 weeks before my birthday just killing it at the gym. More strength training than cardio. I am excited to start seeing muscle definition again and I am determined to feel great in a bathing suit this summer!! I want to wear this... How perfect is this high waisted suit? I know I will feel more comfortable with this style suit. Especially since it will literally by my first time wearing a bikini. Body image issues are silly. But I am determined to feel great going forward.

One big giant "Ah-Ha" moment for me was realizing just how important diet is to losing the weight. Obviously we all know that eating clean is the way to go. But even down to the types of proteins, fruits and veggies. How much each meal and how frequently. I have literally not stepped in the gym for the last 4 weeks. It is hard not going. I would feel much more guilty not going if I didn't see the scale move. So that motivation keeps me moving. I love being in the gym. Getting a good workout in and sweating like crazy. I love the pump after a killer arm workout and that is what I miss most! But I have to keep reminding myself to eliminate the fat first. Then the muscle growth and toning will be far easier! I do have to admit...I want bad food. I crave something different every single day. Yesterday I wanted Chic-fil-a. The day before was pancakes and bacon. Today I want Mexican food and ice cream. And believe me when I say, that I am counting the days until I allow myself a cheat meal. But it is so encouraging to know that I am more excited and motivated by the clean eating. I actually think it will be hard for me to divulge. And I am already preparing my stomach for the aches. This journey is by far the most exciting because I have Kyle to support me in it. I am so grateful for his patience when I cook the most boring dinners. He reminds me how great I am doing everyday and never forgets to tell me that I am beautiful. This process wouldn't be what it is without his love! XOXO

Week 3- Changes

We have movement people! The scale is working in my favor this week. I am down 2 lbs. And even if it is just water weight, I will take it. I am consuming a minimum of 78 ounces of water and a maximum of 1 gallon. I also have commited myself to eliminate coffee from my diet for now. I have trained myself over the last 6 months to drink my brewed coffee with sugar free vanilla and a small amount of cream instead of the latte or machiatto that I had learned to drink when coffee was new to me. Then recently I decided that I need to get used to drinking my coffee black. So baby steps...until now I have my brewed coffee with just 2 pumps sugar free vanilla and a splash of skim milk. And I love it that way. It is definitely how I prefer it. Giving it up for this new fitness goal is worth it. If I feel the need for caffiene I will have an unsweetened green tea. Somehow I think I will manage without coffee. :) This week I am a little extra tired because I am going to bed later than usual and still waking up at dawn with Gage. :) That boy is up with the sun. However I am still getting great workouts. Yesterday I did legs and abs. Leg days are by far my favorite. They always have been. I am not totally sure why. Maybe because I feel most strong when I am using my legs. I also added weighed hip thrusts at 60 lbs. It was my first time doing them weighed and I am already feeling the soreness. It is a beautiful thing. This morning (Tuesday) I was able to get a workout in. Which is rare. Actually so rare that I don't think I have gone to the gym on a Tuesday morning in 3 years. But Kyle's work schedule had him home this morning. So he told me that he would take the kids to school so I could get a workout in. BEST HUSBAND EVER! So I did sprint drills and abs. I am trying to increase my speed on the treadmill. This morning I got my speed to 8.5. I don't really know how often I should increase my speed or how long it should take for me to get to a speed of 10. But my plan is to try it tomorrow. Wish me luck! Hopefully I don't have a gym fail and go flying off the treadmill. Could you imagine that humiliation. :) My diet is clean this week. And I can feel the difference. Lots of veggies and lean protein.