March Wrap-Up and April Goals

March -- what a month. I joined the gym. I got a trainer (who knew I could even afford one!). I didn't lose as much weight as I wanted to but damn did I lose some serious inches. My body is becoming more and more toned and I feel myself getting stronger and stronger. Sigh...yet, I still look for my joy on the scale. What is wrong with that? I suppose we've been taught for so long that weight = pounds. Not that weight = inches or strength or muscle or health. So I suppose one of my first steps in April is to change that mindset.

So here are my goals for the month of April:
Numero 1: Workout 5-6 times a week. 3-4 60 minute cardio sessions and 2 strength training sessions. I like the gym. It soothes my soul. It takes away my stress.

Numero 2: Watch what I'm eating a bit more carefully. I'm following the Weight Watchers points (independently because I really don't like the meetings). Now that I've settled into a workout routine, I'm ready to really concentrate on what is going in my mouth. I know that I need to really watch my salt intake and my snacks. I need to find some lower point, more filling snacks!

Numero 3: Change the way I think about food, health and all that jazz. I need to change my self talk. Bought the book The Beck Diet Solution and I love it! Wow -- amazing how sometimes just hearing something in a different way can make it all suddenly make it make sense.

Numero 4: Try to add more activity to my days -- even if it is just extra trips to the main office or the bathroom. I need to increase my activity! Oh and I doubt my dog would mind the extra walks.

So that is it -- my jumping off point for April. I have set my weight goals as well.

First 10lbs: 4/30/07
20lbs: 6/11/07 (and a tattoo!)
30lbs: 7/4/07 (for my parents 60th birthday party!)
40lbs: 9/22/07 (for my 31st birthday and a trip to Mexico)
50lbs: 11/26/07 (why not be sexy for Thanksgiving!)
60lbs: 2/25/08 (spring break and a bikini!)
70lbs: 5/26/08 (for my health)

There it is...all out there now! Accountability!

So here's the stats...

5'6" (alright so I'm 5'5.5"...but that extra half inch makes me feel more special)
Currently 3/31/07 I'm 221.4 pounds.
My measurements:
3/26
Right Upper Arm: 14.5"
Right Thigh: 26.5"
Right Calf: 16.5"
Waist: 41"
Hips: 46.5"
Chest: 43"

Body fat: 41.9%

Sigh...that was depressing!

Welcome to my blog!

So, I'd like to say that I'm here to celebrate a marriage or the birth of a child or moving to London for a year. But I'm not there yet. I'm at the beginning, sitting here with 70 pounds to lose, trying to change my life. Yes, yes, who hasn't been here before. But this time, it's different. This time, it's about health. It's about making sure I don't have a heart attack like my mother or high cholesterol like my father. It's about making sure my ass doesn't ever look like that woman who teaches down the hall from me. And most importantly, it's being able to bring myself into a relationship with one less insecurity. So this is my blog. This is my accountability. This is where it all starts. This is my first step...