Lean on me- to get STRONG!

The past two weeks have been positive.  I’ve worked out several times a week, written down and accounted for everything eaten, and tried out new healthy recipes.  For example, when on vacation in Charleston, I stumbled upon the blended frappe.  Yummy!  While I enjoyed a few of these coffee drinks on my trip, I knew I needed to find a healthier option at home.  Lucky for me, via the Hungry Girl website, I found several recipes for my frozen espresso treat.  Mocha and caramel are my specialties; with way less calories and way less sugar, these drinks are lovely!  I’m also a fan of frozen lemonade and I’ve been experimenting with a version using Crystal Light Lemonade packs, frozen fruit, ice and water.  So good and refreshing.  What would I do without my little blender machine?  It makes perfect, individual servings.  Luckily, I am blessed to have a good friend that is working on this journey with me and loves to share recipes, to talk tasty treats, and to keep me accountable. 

I also did some research on boxing as exercise.  With help from sites likes Ross Boxing and Expert Boxing, I’ve gained insight and practical examples to incorporate boxing for weight loss.  Why box?  Pounding my bag gets out frustrations, pumps up my heart rate, engages a plethora of muscles, and brings out the sweat.  Within two minutes, I am out of breath and feeling tough.  Regardless of the numbers on the scale, I truly believe that MOVING is key to getting fitter and healthier.  My workouts often involve a video, usually a Biggest Loser video with Bob Harper (he’s much nicer than Jillian), weight training, and boxing.  The medicine ball and swiss ball are thrown in there to shake things up now and then.  It’s also easier for me to do crunches at this point with the swiss ball.  Luckily, I am blessed with another good friend who works out with me and challenges me to keep a “fitness” schedule. 

My husband has also been encouraging and supportive.  He eats well with me, discusses healthier restaurant options with me, helps me plan grocery lists, and listens to my whining when I don’t lose weight, don’t feel like working out, and don’t want to be good.  This fitter journey is definitely that, a journey.  This process will not happen overnight and if I want to keep going, I have to continue to read, learn, try, move and most importantly, lean on others for assistance and inspiration. 

So, let me put this out there, if anyone wants to talk or share, let me know.  Growing into a healthier individual (mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically) cannot be achieved alone.  To change is to desire, to develop discipline, to have an open heart and mind, and to lean on others.  My desire is growing and I’m open to others and myself; discipline is my major enemy.  One day and one punch at a time…for now.