The Nitty Gritty

One day, I WILL have this form!!

Or as I would prefer to say, the gritty nitty -- down to earth facts that need to be stated as I start this journey.  Knowing is half the battle, right?
((huffing and puffing under my breath. "I still don't know why I have to put this mess in writing -- as long as I know that's all that matters!"))

Okay, this is really beyond TMI, but a necessary evil to truly mark my success.

Day 1 (8/29/2011):

Beginning Weight (taken 8/29/11 at 7:00am):  192.4lbs
Put on a few pounds over the past week or so from dining out, but not a big worry.

Body Fat %:  Still need to get this done

BMI:  35.2

Measurements (taken 8/28/11 at 11:30p): 

• Chest:  33.5"
• Waist:  37"
• Hips:  47.5"
• Upper Arm:  13.5"
• Thigh:  29"
• Lower Leg:  15"

Current Sizes (as of 8/28/11 at 11pm):

• Bra:  34DDD
• Undies:  7-8
• Top:  10-12, or a Medium
• Dress:  14W (bottom fits, top is too big)
• Pants:  12W-16W, depending on brand/store, slacks or jeans
• Shoes:  8 (believe it or not, I was an 8.5)

Food/Water: 
Today has been a good day, but I see protein intake will take some serious monitoring, especially on weight training days.  Today, I feel I will be slightly under my target of 1.6g per 1k of body weight -- I need to get my shakes and bars TONIGHT!!!

Exercise:
Will do upper body training tonight using:

• Dumbbell Bench Press
• Wide-Grip Lat Pulldowns
• Lateral Raises
• Alternate Barbell Curls
• Seated Tricep Presses
• And some abs on the Total Gym

6 sets of reps at who knows what weight!  Urgh!

So there we have it.  The Nitty Gritty starting stats on Day 1 of the Body-for-LIFE 12-week Challenge. 

Let's go August 29 Challengers!!

~d

The Body-for-LIFE Challenge

Ready?  Almost...
Set.  Not yet, grocery shopping today.
Go!  On Monday, August 29th

It's time for the Second Phase of my weight loss plan, a 12-Week Challenge with "Body-for-LIFE".

I'm a few months behind on my original goal starting month, but better late than never.

Body-for-LIFE is a dedicated 12-week program where you focus on meals and specific weight training.  The categories to choose from are:

• Wight Management (this is what I'm doing)
• Size and Strength
• Lean and Tone
• Groups and Families
• Lean and Strong

FOOD:  The program focuses on eating low-fat, low-sodium carbs and proteins, along with drinking lots of water.  This is followed for 6 days and your 7th day is a "FREE" to eat whatever you want.  This should be the really easy part, as I'll need to take in more carbs that I currently eat to fuel my body for the heavy workouts.  This is not a calorie counting program, but focuses on eating what your body needs.  I'm use to about a 1300 caloric day, and imagine I need to boost it up to 1600 or so to withstand the workouts -- key is to burn the fat, NOT the muscle.  

WATER:  In terms of water intake, will focus on drinking half my body weight in ounces, so about 6 bottles of water per day would do the trick.  SO MUCH easier said than done.  Plan is 10 servings or 80oz of water per day.

EXERCISE/WORKOUTS:  This is the biggest challenge --  the workouts.  I'm still not comfortable with handling the gym on my own -- knowing the machines and how to use them.  Initially, I will use our Total Gym to meet the upper and lower body workouts, and head to the gym for cardio on the treadmill and elliptical.  After my first couple of weeks, I plan to use the gym with the hubster after work, choosing specific machines, and trying to memorize where they are so I can eventually go on my own.  We'll see how that works out.  Back-up plan will be to use the gym near my job and have a co-worker show me the ropes.

MEAL REPLACEMENTS:  Suppose to use 1-2 meal replacements per day, but I HATE protein drinks and nutritional bars are basically nasty.  However, since they are part of the program, I've selected the Myoplex line and grabbed some of their "Strength" Cookies & Cream Bars, and their "Lite" Chocolate Protein Shakes.  Will introduce those in the middle of next week.

SUPPLEMENTS:  So NOT here.  After advice and research, I will wait a couple of weeks to see how my body reacts to the regimen, then get a supplement for the needed areas (i.e., nutrients for muscle recovery).

PICTURES:  You know the ones, and have seen them everywhere.  Those front, side, and back shots in a bikini or skimpy running shorts and top.  A necessary evil initially, but the comparison later will make it all worth the shame of sharing.  Will take the first shots tomorrow evening, and every Sunday for the following 12 weeks.

Today's Goal:

• Reading Success Stories
• Meal Planning
• Grocery Shopping 

~d

It's Been A Long Time

Hello world and fellow weight loss supporters!

It's obviously been MONTHS since I last blogged and a lot has changed!  Much "denying of self" in terms of eating, snacking, water intake and exercise since January 2011, I am more than half way to my goal.  Whew hew!

To date, I've lost 51 pounds, but I'm only counting from this year, so 47 instead of 51.  For the integrity of the original post, let's stick with 51.

My hope is to post weekly, as I start my FIRST CHALLENGE with Body-for-Life.  If you're interested, check us out. 

~s