Slimmer this Summer Week 12 Final Post

Well summer is drawing nigh and so is the Slimmer this Summer Challenge.  I enjoyed the challenge and loved that I had something to keep me motivated and on track.  Were their days that were off track and not fun, of course.  But overall I am pleased with the results.

My goals:

-Journal my meals

Over all I did pretty good about documenting all my food.  I had days where I was out and about where I didn’t access the computer and didn’t keep track.  I also had a handful of days where I wanted to eat foods I wouldn’t normally eat, but I tried to exercise moderation and be sensible.

Through this challenge I started using My Fitness Pal. I loved having this tool.  It was so helpful to me!  Much easier to get real with myself.  I will continue to do this over the next few months and onto the next challenge (will post details later)

-Be under 165g of Carbohydrates/day (with fiber adjustment)

This will always be a challenge for me.  I love food with carbs.  From veggies to sweets, carbs are what I love.  I know 165g of carbohydrates isn’t necessarily a ‘low carb’ diet, but it is a good guideline.  I will continue to work toward this as well.

-Exercise 5 times a week for 45-60 minutes

I faithfully exercised this whole challenge up until the end.  I even got in a good run yesterday.  I was 100% on this goal up until last week.  I hit a wall of exhaustion and I decided to rest before I got sick.  I am glad I did.  Although I did not get in 100% these last two weeks, I still got in 4 good work outs each of the last two weeks.

-10 glasses of water a day

Initially this was hard for me.  I have been dehydrated for too long!  Eventually it got easier and easier. I am glad this was a component of the challenge.  It helped me along the way!

-Run/walk a 5K in under 40 minutes GOAL MET!

Yeah, one goal accomplished!  After I met this goal I scaled back on running.  Over the past couple of weeks I started back up. I have a neck injury that gets most agitated when I run.  I was hoping to overcome my neck issues this summer, but it is still a work in progress.

Now when I run I push myself to do a 10 minute mile (but with slowing down once or twice for a short rest and drink of water. I am closer to an 11:20 min. mile), then walk another mile or so then finish off with another 10 minutes of running.

-Build a support network

Thanks to all who have supported and commented my blog posts along the way.  I have read and followed most of the other challengers this summer.  I tried to comment several times through the week and support others too.  Today for some reason again I was not able to comment on others blogs.  So just know I have been reading and I am so proud of all the work everyone has done in becoming healthier!!  I am so impressed and inspired by many of you!!

-lose an average of 2 lbs/week, 24lbs total

I lost a total of 13.4 lbs this summer.  11 under my goal, but I am happy with my results. I have more work to do, so I will keep trekking along!

This Summers Stats:

Measurement losses:

Neck: ½ inch

Chest: 2 ½ inches

Ribs: 3 inches

Waist: 1 inch

Belly: 2 inches

Hips: 2 inches

Calf: ½ inch

Arm: ¾ inch

Thigh 1 ½ inches

Beginning Weight: 201.3

Week 1: 198.6 (-2.7)

Week 2: 198.6 (0) No change

Week 3: 196.9 (-1.7) Total loss 4.4 lbs

Week 4: 193.9 (-3) Total loss 7.4

Week 5: 193.2 (-.5) Total loss 8.1   

Week 6: 193.3 (+.1) Total loss 8.0   

Week 7: 190.3 (-3) Total loss 11.0

Week 8: 191.7 (+1.4) Total loss 9.6

Week 9: 189.4 (-2.3) Total loss 11.9

Week 10: 188.3 (-1.1) Total loss 13

Week 11: 189.7 (+1.4) Total loss 11.6

Week 12: 187.9 (-1.8) Total loss 13.4

(22.1 loss since I began my journey in January)

Thanks for the awesome challenge Debbie and Mir!!!!