So, at least I got the year right at the beginning of this post, unlike yesterday. Jeesh. Strange thing is, I entered the correct date when I made the permalink, but when it came to the title that everyone sees – I blew it. Oh well. It’s been corrected now, and if that’s the worst thing that happened yesterday, then I would say that’s a pretty darn good day.
Moving right along. My darling reader(s?) may be wondering what this mysterious goal is that involves being half dressed in my current state of extra poundage – with a photographer?? The mystery ends now. On Monday I have an appointment at our gym to get weighed in, measured, body fat analyzed and “before” pictures taken. It’s all because I’m competing in the Gold’s Gym 12 Week Challenge!
At the end of the twelve weeks, I’ll go through the whole measurement and photo process to see how much progress I’ve made. I am so pumped up and excited about this. This is a level of accountability that I haven’t had since my wedding. In the months leading up to our nuptials, I kept such a concrete image in my mind of how I wanted to look and feel on the big day, that no cookie could sway me. Visualization is a powerful thing!
This fall (those of you who are loyal readers know all about it), I dealt with bouts of debilitating fatigue, skin and hair problems and a sudden and inexplicable 15 pound weight gain. It all turned out to be hypothyroidism, and I have been in the care of a very excellent doctor since then. The natural desiccated thyroid I was prescribed (Armour Thyroid) seems to be working – skin is clearing up, energy is much better and my blood labs have stabilized. I even stopped gaining weight, but unfortunately I have leveled off at about 15-20 pounds higher than normal. I foolishly thought that the Armour Thyroid would be a magic bullet, and I would shed the weight without having to fully recommit myself to eating (very) clean and working out (very) regularly. I was how you say? Wrong. Well, the holidays are over, and Norwegian month has begun. I. Am. Ready.
Oh, and I should mention that there are winners in this challenge. In each age category (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, etc) there is a male and female winner nationwide. They take into account total percentage weight lost, body fat lost, visual transformation and a written essay. I’m not getting any crazy hopes up, but with $75,000 in prize money to be given out, it’s hard not to get a little excited! That is a lot of decorating money!!!
There have been some absolutely amazing transformations in the past! What an inspiration! Twelve weeks is not a very long period of time, but within that duration such change is possible! Uh oh. I have a feeling that Norwegian Month might turn into Norwegian Quarter! Wish me luck!
xoxo,
CA
p.s. By the way, it’s not too late to join in on the fun, if you’re interested. Just check with your local Gold’s Gym. By the way squared, I am in no way compensated by Gold’s Gym.
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Very cool!! Good luck to you! Can’t wait to hear how it goes. I am so so happy to hear the hypothyroidism has stabilized!
xoxo
Thank you! I’ll be sharing all my progress – the good, the bad and the ugly. LOL xoxo
If any one can do this, it’s you; daughter of a Marine and “Bond Girl” type of mom! Ooh-rah!
THANKS! That’s just the encouragement I needed! :) xoxo
Inspiring!! Go for it!
Thank you! I’m so excited, and I’ll be keeping everybody up to date with progress reports. :) xoxo
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Wow, good luck!
I’ve significantly cut back on caffeine intake since the new year, and as a result am drinking a lot more water. Helps that I got a new water bottle for Christmas! I’ve also cut back on gluten, hoping it will help my arthritis pain, since gluten can cause inflamation. And my honey and I made a deal to share cooking duties this year, so we’ve been eating more home-cooked meals. I’m even starting to enjoy the meal cooking as an evening routine. Between these three things I managed to avoid the usual holiday weight gain, and in fact I’ve lost 6 lbs in the last two weeks! It’s amazing what cleaner living can do!
For accountability’s sake, over the last couple of years I’d reached my highest weight ever–180 lbs. When I’ve tried to lose weight recently I’ve only managed to get down to 175, and then I just spring back up to 180 again. My goal is 160, 20 lbs less than my starting weight at the end of December. I still won’t be skinny at that point, but it seems like a reasonable goal.
We can do it! :)
Kate – THAT IS AWESOME!!!!! Good for you! 6 pounds in two weeks is a huge deal! That’s twenty-four sticks of butter! Congrats! :) And I totally think that setting reasonable goals is the way to go. You can absolutely achieve this, and then you will be on a high from your accomplishment! That’s the best time to set new goals and plow forward. I can’t wait to hear more about your progress. You go girl!
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