Being Healthy and those kinds of things...

Just like everyone else in the world I want to be healthier, lose weight, wear a bikini. So, really this post is not going to be anything original but my health is my responsibility, it's all on me whether or not I finally fit into that bikini I bought a year ago. Here I am owning it, forcing myself to be more accountable. Two and a half years ago I was about 20 pounds lighter; I'm only 5' 1" and 20 pounds is quite a bit for my frame.

Until recently I still pictured myself 20 pounds lighter. I mean, when I looked in the mirror I could tell there was a difference, but when I started trying on my old swim suits a month or so ago I realized that um, I've got a problem.

I have been trying lately to change my habits and I have been able to take some small steps towards being healthier and I've noticed a change but I really have to commit to make the strides I'd like to. In the past 2 months I've lost a few pounds. So, things could be worse than they are at the moment but they could still be better.

I did recently run a half marathon, unfortunately there was a hiccup. I got a stress fracture in my foot from pushing myself too hard during the race.

I haven't been on a run since the race, April 20. I am surprised how much I miss the running. And, I don't think until the race I liked it again. In the mean time I have been lifting weights three times a week and using the stationary bike a bit. Boyf. knows his exercise stuff (if you've seen him recently you know what I'm talking about), and I had him help me put together a workout schedule (for weights). I've got the pictures below and yeah, they aren't great quality as they are just screen shots taken with my phone but hey, it works.

I've definitely noticed the difference adding weights has made in working out because I have never really focused on them before. Sure, I used to do some overhead tricep stuff but that's pretty much it.

I've got the boot off, and the Dr. says I can start running in about a week and half, but starting out with short distances.

My exercise has been a lot better than in the past (despite the break in running). However, my diet is not stable. I have days where I am able to eat healthy but then the weekend happens or I stay up late and get hungry or a friend wants to go get ice cream and I can't say no. This is where I really need to step it up and commit. I haven't had a hard time keeping up my exercise routine, in fact I look forward to it and how good I feel throughout the day after I've gotten in my workout, it's the food that's killing me.

I've decided to use my blog to help keep myself accountable. I used to post my weekly breakfast plans and that was fun and kept me thinking about it and planning them out. Instead of just posting my breakfast plans, I am going to post my weekly meal plan. As well as at least one weekly goal, small doable goals for the week to give me a little more push. Plus, I have some before pictures all raring to go for when I take my after pictures.

Not only am I going to post my Meal plans, a few coworkers and I are having a small contest to see who can lose 5 pounds or more by June 22 (coworkers birthday). This is just extra motivation.

I'm excited to get myself on track. I know how good I feel when I eat right, and I just need to remember that every time I get a craving for a treat.

Okay, so for this week I will have to wait till Monday or possibly Tuesday to post my meal plans, I'm going out of town tomorrow and won't be back till Monday night so I haven't gone to the grocery store or been able to plan out the meals for the week. But, this weeks goal is to keep myself on track during the trip. We'll be eating out for several meals and driving for several hours means that I'll be tempted to eat the licorice and gummy bears my Dad always pack. I'll post after the trip and report on my success as well as posting the meal plans for the week.

Do you have any great tips for being healthy, or a favorite healthy snack to share? I'd love any advice or tips or success stories to keep me going.