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So I've been deep into my dissertation and not filling in my daily logs, but I've done a pretty good job of keeping on track. This week I ran three times, which was monumental because I was sick (again!) I did upper and lower body workouts as well. I pretty much followed the eating plan, with some deviations because I ordered take out (sushi one night and Caribbean food another night). I seem to be more or less settling around 179 - a weight I haven't seen since last August. At the most, I think I'm losing about a 1 lb (or even as little as .75 lbs) a week, but that's a pace that I can live with. I would love, LOVE to weigh 170 by the time we reach graduation (end of May) - which is 12 weeks from now. My goal after that would be 165 by my 30th birthday.
I recently fit into some sexy (size large) dresses from Urban Outfitters. I haven't been able to fit their clothes in a long time! The dresses looked fantastic on me - not tight at all. I probably could have gotten away with a medium for one of them, but I enjoy wearing clothes that are comfortable. I'm regaining confidence. Every day I look in the mirror, I see improvement, and I see a beautiful woman taking care of herself. Yes, I'm still not thrilled that my stomach is jiggling around more than it should (something my boyfriend teases me about), but everything is getting a little tighter. There is even more definition in my arms, my waistline is thinning out, my hips are leaner. The cardio workouts are still brutal -- I guess it's going to take longer for me to really get in shape. I'm very winded after 20 minutes of running an average speed of 5.0. I remember when I could run 6.0 without any problem, but that was after months of being on BFL.
So, the best thing so far is that my self esteem is improving AND I get to reward myself with food I love each week (which is very important while finishing the dissertation). I'm making healthier choices about everything (food and exercise), though I could improve in that department as well. Clothes are fitting better and the progress I'm making motivates me to continue. I'm no longer making excuses. I was out of town on business last week and still managed to get up early the morning of an interview and go for a jog.
I guess my only complaint is that this is taking a wee bit longer than I would have wished. Granted, my main goal is to get to 170 by graduation, but it has taken me 6 weeks to lose 6 lbs.. part of me is ok with that pace, but part of me would rather see the pounds melting off more quickly! On the other hand, this isn't a race. I want to make long-lasting change to my lifestyle, not just a quick fix to lose some weight. I know I would have lost more weight by now if I didn't eat quite as much on my free days, but I enjoy those free days and don't want to start counting calories on Sundays. If I can get to 178 within 2 weeks, I'll be thrilled, because I haven't been that weight since August of 2009!
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