Uncomfortable Routine

This has been a struggle. 

I am discovering that losing weight is so much more than exercising a couple of days of week. This process involves planning each meal, getting up during the wee hours of the morning to work out and being deliberately active at all times. But I am willing to be uncomfortable to reach a place of contentment.

My goal, while difficult, is obtainable with hard work, prayer and dedication. The past couple of months have been a challenge with my diagnosis of "Runner's Knee," (yes the non-runner diagnosed with runner's knee, what a wake up call) but I am determined not to let the knee pain control me.

Part of my knee restoration involved physical therapy, which helped greatly, while my knee is not 100% I am confident, by God's grace that I will recover. So as I start a new week, I am looking forward to being active and making better eating choices.

"Mind IS Playing Tricks On Me"

My mission, which I have chosen to accept:  A 12-day grapefruit diet. 

Day 1

Potato chips, oatmeal raisin cookies, Fig Newton’s, French fries, cinnamon toast crunch bagels, nachos, ice cream, you get the picture. These are the snacks that tormented me all day long. But, I didn’t give in!!!

I survived!! I went an entire day without treats.  Joined on this journey with the wonderful Shannon, we knocked off one day, with 11 more to go.

The “Grapefruit Diet,” consists of half a grapefruit with every meal, limited carbohydrates, lean protein and plenty of vegetables.  The hope is that this short- term food plan will lead to a 5-10 pound weight lost. 

“Oh man homey, my mind is playing tricks on me!!” Geto boys

I have to stop thinking about food and instead focus on my grey pinstripe pants.

Road Block!

This weekend I hit a major detour, called “family bbq.” Fried chicken, barbeque chicken, turkey franks, hamburgers, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, rice with sausage, sweet potato pie, banana pudding and salad of course- all equate to an unhealthy gathering.

All of this food was to celebrate the wonderful promotion of Chief, for my sister. While we delighted in Jamel’s accomplishments, I sampled much of the menu options and found myself questioning, why???

To that end, I failed to work out five days this week and had to settle for four days of hitting the gym. But for me that is a major accomplishment as I haven’t workout that much I a while. Thus, today is new day, in a new week and I can and will be consistent in my workout regiment!

Happy Monday!

Back to Back and on Track!

I don’t know how, but I did it! I will get to the “it” in a bit-

I decided that I needed to get my hair “did,” halfway through the work day.

Before:

During my lunch hour I called Meme, and was delighted to hear she could fit me in. Meme knows how to do hair and is a trend-setter when it comes to hairstyles (especially the short layering). But with her hair expertise comes long waiting. This evening was no different. There were two people in front of me, and one young late came after me. All I kept thinking was I will not be able to work out tonight!!

But to my earnest surprise, I walked out of that salon at a little after 8:00pm.Thus that left me with forty minutes to get home, walk Snowball and change clothes.  And, I did it! I walked into the YMCA, a little after 9:00 pm completed cardio, arm machines and abdominal work, all before they closed at 10:00. It was tough conceiving myself to do it, but it was done. Two days down, and three more to go!

After:

And kept the hair cute while I worked out.

Monday, check!

Whew! Today was a great whole body day. The cheesecake that awaited me at the Executive Leadership Series, I turned down. I didn't even take a taste of it. That warm wheat roll, I respectfully passed the basket away. Thus today, my body celebrates.

Rather than work-out this morning as I aspired to, I did my "thang, thang" after work. I completed 35 minutes of cardio and forced my way through all of the leg machines. However, I didn't eat my dinner until after 8:00 p.m., yikes!! Not ideal, but I am not eating after 9:00 p.m. so, that is a major start.

On this day where I had the pleasure of listening to the incredible former-pastor John Maxwell speak. I celebrate a minor achievement. Mr. Maxwell spoke about the importance of "connecting," with people you encounter and "going that extra mile", and thinking of others more than myself.  How much healthier would I be if spent more time thinking about other people instead of thinking about my food wants?? Focus on the needs of others and think about myself less, wow, what a concept.

Consistency

Goal this week- be consistent!!!


When I set goals for myself I usually fail. Something about the whole discipline thing really gets to me I am way too much of a free spirit. But to make progress around my waistline I have to be focused on obtaining this goal. Thus this week, I will work out at least five times. I get nervous even typing this, but I know I can do it.

I will meet this goal by waking up early every workday and doing some type of cardio class. Tomorrow morning, there is cycling at 5:30 a.m. Somehow and someway I will get up early enough to get my butt on that bike. The praise is that, my gluteus maximum isn’t as sore anymore. For anyone who has never tried spinning before, the first time is the worst, I was sore for several days. However, after doing it a couple of times within the past week I actually like it. Yet, while completing the class on Thursday I didn’t even work up a sweat. Does that mean I wasn’t working out hard enough? The people in the class were out of breath, to the point of exhaustion, but I was feeling good. I will take that as I am in better shape than I thought.

Adding to the challenge of working at out five days this week, I also plan on not eating after 8:00 p.m. That has by far been my biggest weakness over the past several months, eating too late. Therefore, I will be deliberate about working out in the morning and eating dinner as soon as I get home, then I am done for the night. Prayerfully I will succeed in these endeavors. Challenge accepted!

Delighting in my Uniqueness

While I am steadfast on my road to slimness, I don’t want to loose sight of something rather important. No matter what size I am or what clothes I wear or make-up I adore myself with, I am unique. I am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), the apple of God’s eye. And that is the rock that I stand on. Sometimes I hear woman complain about their faults and imperfections (as I do from time to time). Yet how boring would the world be if we all looked the same, sounded the same, or dressed the same?

It is our uniqueness that makes us all so beautiful, and the true essence of women.  I delight in my curves and my hourglass like figure. These qualities are what make me Kristal. Thus on this Saturday, where I struggled to get out of bed and make my way to workout, I must delight in who I am. As I hope you do.