Well, things are going very, very well. After some thinking, I decided to lower my goal weight from 150 to 140. As much as I didn't want to move the carrot out another 10 pounds ahead of me, I believe 140 would be my goal eventually so why not now. My ticker has been altered to reflect the change.
We started back at the gym full time (5 days a week). I am happy to report that my weight loss has not stalled. I usually eat an extra supplement on days we go and drink even more water. This week, I have been doing 60 minutes of cardio, split between the elliptical, stationary bike, and treadmill. I keep my intensity lower so I maintain the fat burning state. A couple times a week, I do less cardio and add light strength training. I already have defined calf muscles and my biceps have a little shape! Whoo hooo!
One huge difference I have noticed is my heart rate (according to the machines) has been much much lower. I remember a few years ago, I would step on the elliptical and my starting heart rate before exercise would be 120-130, now when I first get on, it is 90-95. I realize the machines are not accurate, but it is obviously consistently lower which makes me happier (and healthier). Also, my endurance is really great now.
I still haven't gone shopping for smaller clothes, I am just making some of my looser stuff work. I found an old pair of jeans and made cut-offs so I didn't have to buy a new pair of shorts this summer, but they are already getting too loose to wear. I have smaller jeans and some smaller tops and sweaters so I will try not to buy new clothes this winter. By next spring/summer I should be smaller than ever, so I will treat myself then.
I have been rewarding myself with a few DVD purchases. I just got season 3 of Arrested Development and I will surely get season 2 of The Office in a few weeks.
I posted before that road trips/vacations were difficult because my usual routine was to eat eat eat. Well, things are great now, I am having no problems adjusting to weekend trips on MF. I guess I just had to retrain my habits a little. Everett and I travel to a lot of car shows (our business deals with vintage VWs and we go to about 15 events a year). Car show food is like carnival food. Bratwurst, burritos, donuts, snow cones, etc. I am thrilled to report no cravings and no issues with enjoying my MF.
My tastes are changing a little. Fruit & Nut bar has replaced Lemon Fantasy as my current favorite, I am rocking the hot cocoa at least twice a day, and the chili is surprisingly satisfying to me.
I have plans to visit my parents at the end of October. I should be about 50 pounds less than when they last saw me, so I am excited to show off a little. Recently, I have been fantasizing about family reactions when they see me. Usually, I am not such an attention whore, but I am looking forward to some hearty congratulations.
When I hit 50 pounds lost I will post some progress photos in the Studio, I have already located some horrifying "before" photos that should make a nice contrast.
Well, enough for now. Work the program and it works for you!