This is what I've been working on:
2012 was always going to be the year of "Me". Finding ways to make myself more of a priority - getting my hair cut more than every 6 months, getting my legs waxed more frequently, taking care of my skin, getting pedicures and most importantly (and the most difficult) losing the baby weight.
So for the last 20 weeks I've been on Michelle Bridge's team doing the 12WBT (12 Week Body Transformation). Clearly my body is a long term project - 12 weeks just ain't enough!! :-) I had considered joining Weight Watchers earlier in the year but didn't want to attend meetings, the online program seemed expensive without any support and there wasn't anywhere convenient for the one-on-one consultation. So for most of 2012, whilst it was on my mind I didn't do anything about getting healthier.
After seeing 12WBT was Liked a few times by friends on Facebook I finally checked out their website and signed up within 24hrs. For $200 you get a Nutrition Plan, Exercise Plan, Shopping List, Recipe Index, Motivational & Workout Videos, Forums and more. Everyone signs up and starts each round at the same time and finishes at the same time. I have been so blessed because I found a Facebook group of women (and a couple of men) within my area which has been a huge place of inspiration and support. Without the FB group I would've been less motivated, the 12WBT forums were not cutting it for me. Every week people organise bootcamps, runs & walks, gym sessions, yoga, etc. This weekend I've organised a group of us to go to Rollerfit (I was a roller skating whizz as a girl).
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| Feb 2012 |
So I'm on Wk 8 of Round 4, it has been much more difficult to achieve weight loss over Xmas but at least I have managed to lose a few kilos before Xmas and keep it in check. I have 4 weeks left of this Round and I'm 6kg (13 pounds) away from the goal I set myself. Overall my goal is to lose another 16kg (35 pounds) so I plan to sign up again for Round 1 2013 (starting as soon as the current round finishes).
I'm not getting any kudos for talking about 12WBT here, yes I am a raving fan! :-) The nutrition plan is really sensible - you eat carbs, protein, fruit and vegetables, pulses and legumes, nuts etc. This was the most important thing to me - to eat well. I don't believe carb-free or shake diets are of benefit long term. The 12WBT plan is how I always tried to eat but didn't have the guidelines for proper portions. My whole family eats what I eat, I don't have the time to cook separate meals for everyone. My husband was so impressed with my results from Round 3 that he signed up for Round 4 with me (he only needs to lose about 10-15kg).
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| Dec 2012 |
The most amazing thing that has come from all this is that I am now a "Runner" (slow jogger). About half way through Round 3 I downloaded the free version of C25k app (Couch to 5km) and have consistently been doing the program three times a week. I can now run for 30mins non-stop (about 3kms / 1.86 miles). My goal is to get to 5km / 3.1 miles (I did a 5km run two weeks ago but had to walk for a few minutes in the middle). My first fun run is coming up in a month - The Color Run which I'm looking forward to and about 60 people from my 12WBT Facebook group are going to be doing it too. I joined a local gym but I'm finding it hard to make the gym a part of the routine too, I want to put some focus on strength training since increasing muscle (not body building) will increase metabolism.
So there you have it. I do want to fit sewing back into my life too. There are too many WIPs laying around and I still don't have any nice sofa cushions!
You do look awesome! Lucky you that the kids eat the food too.So glad you are getting some time to yourself. I know how hard it is. I get time, but it's never outside of home aside from work. Maybe this year I'll start Yoga again, but Hayes is looking to go back to TAFE at night which with throw a spanner in the works again.
ReplyDeleteThanks, the most important thing is I feel awesome! Even this morning I had to force myself to go for a run and it was a bit of a struggle but I did it and burned 314 calories before the kids are out of bed (almost). That's the key for me, being able to get up and out before the house stirs and the day gets underway. I couldn't do that if Jack left for work early. The gym has a creche but I hate chewing up the middle of the day for exercise. As for meals, I slightly tailor them for the kids - ie if the meal comes with a salad they get tomato, avo & grated carrot or if it's veg then they get carrot, brocoli, peas etc. It means that I have to skip the curries and more interesting vegetarian meals that I would be happy to eat but there's no way the kids will eat chickpeas or lentils. :-) Occasionally, I'll give the kids leftovers or say it's fish fingers for dinner and then make the adults Thai Red Curry or Chilli Bean Nachos OR we might even get Thai take away (and I just stick to the Tom Yum Goong & Paw Paw Salad). It's doable!!
DeleteDolores, what a great inspiration you are. Well done you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Erica! :-)
DeleteLove that last picture - well done you - I really need to muster some will-power here once all the Christmas goodies have gone! xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks H, I love that pic too. The public toilets at Luna Park, ha ha. :-)
DeleteVery nice! Good for you! I am doing the same sort of thing here. I have lost 9kg since November 26. I have another 50kg to lose though! Not sure why I decided to do it, but I did and it seems to be working, although it's just me doing what I think I should do. Adding in exercise is the hardest bit so I'm really impressed with your running! It's interesting to hear your thoughts on the Michelle Bridges program. So does it cost you $200 for each round?
ReplyDeleteHey Kris, congratulations on losing 9kg. That's a reasonable amount of weight to have lost on your own and a big difference to how you feel getting around etc. Yes, you do have to pay $200 if you re-register each round. I know some people who've done 1 or 2 rounds and then decide to go it alone. For me I need the accountability and I love the ease of having access to the recipes and information if I need it. Some people print off the stuff and then have it all in a folder. You can also pay $19.99 weekly - it comes to nearly $240. Getting down another 16kgs will still have me as technically overweight at 75kg. Optimally the charts say I should probably be about 60kg but that seems so small to me. As for the running, I stared off just walking, after about 6wks I started C25k. You start off interval running - 60 sec running, 90 sec walking etc for 20 mins. Each week it's gradually increased. It's on my iPhone and the app talks to you through headphones. I play music too. So easy!!
DeleteI'd sure like to add my congratulations to you and give you a High Five for taking charge and being nice to yourself. You can see such a difference in your photos, and your 'voice' sounds positive and enthusiastic. Awesome! Keep up the great work and you will reach your goals.
ReplyDeletecongratulations d - you look great xx 2013 is my year and I've signed up for 12WBT too ! I was looking at it late last year and decided that I'd start in the first round this year so I'm really pleased to see that you enjoy it ! not quite sure about the running though!! glad I'll have someone to share my journey with in round 1 :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on making and keeping the commitment to get in shape. It requires real determination to take that first step. And you're sticking with it!!! Good for you, kiddo.
ReplyDeleteWow, you're so brave to not only to take on the challenge, but tell everyone about it too. I too have to conquer my babyfat at some time, though I was no supermodel before this either and I don't aim to become one, I sure could lose at least 20 pounds too. So thank you for sharing, it's inspiring to hear!
ReplyDeleteI nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Congratulations on your taking care of you. I am proud to be a follower.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fantastic job you have done here. And Thank you for sharing with us
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