Here’s my final Lose the Dough check-in! (Please ignore the unflattering photo. š )
June 17, 2010
- Weight: 131 pounds
- Body Fat: 21.2%
- BMI: 22.2
- Waist: 25.75 inches
- Abdomen: 28 inches
- Hips: 37 inches
My numbers didn’t change that much since January, but I definitely see some progress there!! š
My ultimate goal for Lose the Dough wasn’t necessarily to lose weight, but instead, to tone up and look buff for my 30th birthday. For me, the numbers (scale, BMI, BF%, etc.) were just another measure of my progress.
Even though I created a “plan of attack” for my Lose the Dough challenge, I didn’t let it take over my life. In fact, I really didn’t change my lifestyle at all. I knew that a strict ādiet planāĀ would never work for me, so I set a number of “loose” goals for myself. I kept these goals in mind, but I never intended to drastically change my way of life to “lose the dough.” Sure, I could have lost a few pounds if I cut my daily intake by a few hundred calories or exercised for 2 hours a day, but I couldn’t have maintained this way of life for long. Plus, why the heck would I want to?!? I’d be so unhappy.
If you’re a daily CNC reader, you know that my way of life hasn’t really changed. You seeĀ exactly what I eat everyday, so you know that I certainly haven’t deprived myself over the last 5 months. I’ve dined out, attended lots ofĀ events and tastings, and eaten my fair share of dessert. I’ve added more strength training to my weekly workout schedule, but the number of workouts and their duration has pretty much remained the same. But, I did try a little bit harder and those small changes paid off: my body fat percentage dropped from 22.9% to 21.2%, and I lost an inch from my waist and my hips! My clothing fits better and my body feels fit and tone like it did nearly 2 years ago onĀ my honeymoon. Plus, I canĀ see that my body has changed. Check outĀ my photo comparison!
Ok, so what helped me “lose the dough?”
- Body Pump: Seriously. Body Pump changed my body. I took 2-3 classes each week, continuously increased my weight, and enjoyed the burn! š If you have access to Body Pump, just do it.
- I wasn’t a wuss: Ok, so, I like to veg-out on the elliptical with a good magazine, but I don’t let myself do it all of the time. My thinking is: if I made the effort to exercise, I might as well work hard! There’s no point in me wasting time with a wussy workout. I like to leave my workouts semi-exhausted and dripping in sweat.
- Increased my protein intake: I really thought the “eat tons of protein” thing was a lot hype. Of course, I knew that I should incorporate protein into my diet, but not nearly as much. After meeting with an RD, I realized that eating more protein would better satisfy me and help control my cravings. The RD and I brainstormed ways to add more protein to my diet, so I’ve really tried to consume more on a daily basis. It seems to be working so far!
- Thought twice about treats: I love wine, cookies, cake, nachos, beer, etc., but eating these things a little too often started to catch up with me. In the last few months, I’ve thought twice about these “splurges.” There were times that I really wanted to eat dessert or enjoy a second cocktail, but instead, I only had a few bites or sipped seltzer water instead. It actually hasn’t been that difficult to turn down these goodies.
Since January, I never once felt like I was on a ādietāĀ… because I wasn’t. I ate healthy most of the time, indulged with moderation, and did something active almost everyday of the week. I’m stronger and more fit than I’ve ever been, and really, that’s all I wanted for my 30th birthday. I’m feeling pretty good as I enter next decade of my life! š
Workout
After my final check-in, I did 30 minutes on the elliptical, followed by a 50-minuteĀ Gravity class. “Defy Gravity” combined the usual Gravity workout with plyometric circuits for an awesome strength + cardio workout. I love workouts like this– you kill two birds with one stone! š I’m definitely going to be sore tomorrow, especially my abs and core! Yowsahs! šÆ
Lunch
I took a quick shower at Healthworks and headed downstairs to Starbucks to grab lunch. I ended up ordering the turkey bacon egg sandwich on an English muffin. (Apparently, this is becoming my go-to meal at ‘bucks.)
I also enjoyed a Petite Vanilla Bean Scone. It was a tasty little treat. Mmm! š
Then, it was time for a really special treat: an hour massage!!!
My goodie bag from theĀ Healthworks Blogger Bash included a gift card for a massage, so I cashed it in today. I figured two days before my birthday was a good time to do so! š
Snack
When I arrived home (many, many hours later), I wanted food ASAP! I chowed the rest of the cherries in the fridge and made myself a Sandwich Thin with Barney Butter spread on top.
The snack settled my stomach and held me over until dinnertime, no problem. Love that!
So, look what arrived in the mail today: my RTR Pretty Woman dress!!! Of course, I tried it on immediately. It fits, but let me tell you, it’s a hot, little number! š
When I opened the box that the dress was delivered in, a special little something was inside!
It turns out that Rent the Runway also rents accessories, so they sent me a pair of Badgley Mischka earrings to wear for the night. I already know that theseĀ earrings are the perfect addition to my special wedding/birthday outfit. š
Dinner
After running around all day long, I was so happy to enjoy a relaxing dinner with my buddy/webmaster, Blain. Carrots ‘N’ Cake is getting a facelift this summer, so we met over dinner at the Hancock Tavern to chat about some changes. Blain had some great ideas! I can’t wait to see what he has in store for the new CNC!
To start, Blain and I shared a house salad with honey mustard on the side.
Then, we enjoyed some Buffalo Chicken Pizza. The Hancock Tavern makes a mean one!
I ended up eating 4 pieces, which was perhaps a little too much for my belly. š (Totally worth it though! š )
This post took me SO long to write! Jeeeez!
Heading to bed. Good night!!
P.S. Don’t forget to enter my Rent the Runway giveaway. You have until tomorrow morning!