wow

I havn't blogged in awhile. I've had ups and downs over the last few weeks on program. I've decided to not blog about my individual weekly losses and gains anymore. The scale is not my enemy, but I'd rather not focus on it too much. I've got 20-25 more lbs. to go. That's really exciting. The journey is amazing. It's made me so aware of what I put into my body. I'm at a healthy weight right now, however, I'd like to be in better shape. I've begun a weight-training class which I really believe is going to change my body. Over the last 3 weeks I've become a workoutaholic. Although I know people can actually be addicited to working out, my fetish is much less intense and manic. I just really love the high I get from it. I'm so enjoying the mental and emotional benefits. I'm sure that eventually I will also see the serious physical benefits, as of now though...it jsut hasn't been long enough. However, I am noticing that my arm muscles are much more shapely. That's a different story though. I refuse to become a person who is obsessed with certain body parts...so I won't talk about specific things.

I have a secret...it's not really a serious secret, just something that I've been thinking about. :)
I think that I'd like to be a nutritionist. Yeah, a registed dietician. I've been thinking a lot about it lately and It's certainly not for sure yet, I'm still pursuing journalism...but I think this actually might be an amazing career to have. My ideal would be, to get a degree in journalism then become a dietic technician...which you don't have to be premed to become. that would be incredible.

Here's why:

Weight Watchers has taught me SO much about a healthy lifestyle and now I have this wealth of knowledge about practical lifestyle changes to help you lose weight and become healthier. I'd LOVE to learn more and be in a certain capacity to share those ideas with others. It would be amazing to work for a fitness or health magazine and get the opportunity to help people. Body weight is as much an emotional problem as it is a physical one. I would LOVE to help me understand how to love their bodies more...it takes so little to make a huge difference. Right now, for me, it's exercise. This new discovery of mine really keeps me going.
There are so many people who really have no clue how to incooperate new habits into their life and if they only knew how much of a difference it makes on you as a person! wow.

People who struggle with eating disorders and unhealthy relationships with food are close to my heart. I've watched food hurt people and it shouldn't. Just like anything, it can be a great thing, if it's not abused.

My philosophy on Weight Loss

1. You have to want it enough to stick it out.

2. You must have outside accountability and incentive.

3. You have to have defined, reasonable, clear goals for yourself...part of which are not scale related.

4. Whole foods are more satisfying and filling than processed ones. Cutting out the majority of your processed foods will do amazing things for your energy (less pre-made meals, bagged and boxed things.)

5. Consistency is KEY. Part of the process is learning to accept that you may not lose all the time. In fact, you will probably gain part of the time. You can't be self-defeating by getting discouraged , though. You will reach your goal if you just stick it out.

6. Diets don't work. They can only be a jump-start. If you join any sort-of program, the program itself is not what will make you lose weight. It's what you take from it and the lifestyle changes you make, that's what will cause you to lose and maintain your goal.

7. It's been said a thousand times, but I'm an example of it's success...when you find something active that you really love, you'll stick with it. However, if you love to sea kyake and you live in Arizona, then you need to find some alternative! I love dancing. That is my new found passion. Any type of energetic, booty-shakin' dancing, I'm there. It's a killer workout. It's more like a supplemental activity for me though because I don't get the chance to do it very often.
You must find something active to be consitent with. I've lost 30+ lbs. but I havn't toned up that much because it's taken me a long time to find an exercise I like and stick with it. exercise= endorphines, smaller dress sizes, mental refresher, and amazing cardiovascular health!