Note for November’s missed update: This month was a lot better. It wasn’t perfect and my stats will show that but I did accomplish some things that were on my list! Goals are November & December.

Yes, another post using the same exact picture but this time I’m pleased with what I’ve done. I started the 4-Hour Body again… My goal is to do better so one day I can do it perfectly and eventually try the “meatless machine” mentioned in the book. So far I haven’t had one perfect week but you know what? As of this morning I’ve officially lost weight. I’ll go back slightly by saying I gained way more than I’d like to admit by emotionally eating, giving up and having a looooooooong pity party. However as previously stated I am not going for perfection instead progress, healthy changes and eventually a new lifestyle are my main goals. And to my surprise it is working!! I don’t find myself binge eating on cheat day like I used to. I enjoy cooking even on cheat day which I thought would never happen. I also don’t dive head first into a giant mound of cheese which used to be one of my favorite things to do on cheat day. Bonus I discovered I actually feel better when I eliminate or limit dairy.

Actual Date: 1/9/2018

Weight: 229.3lbs

Measurements in inches (Forgot)

Goal(s):

• Stick to some type of diet/ healthy meal plan (FAIL/ IP)
• Read something other than children’s books (Check)
  • The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – finished
    • I’m counting this because it isn’t for his age group even though I started reading it for him
  • Told Under The Green Umbrella – finished
    • Doesn’t really count but I enjoyed it more than my son. I don’t think there were enough pictures to hold his attention
  • Treasure Island – finished
    • Not enough pictures to count for him so I’m counting this
• Exercise 4x/ wk (Fail)
• Post monthly updates on/after the 8th for accountability (?)
  • Missed November but this post is up so I guess Yes & No

All in all October – December were emotionally hard months. My son has been testing his boundaries. I haven’t been sleeping well. I really haven’t been liking who I am as a wife, mother (to human & animal) and April thus the long pity party. Despite these feelings I managed to make the changes needed to improve. No I don’t have dramatic pictures to show off like I’d hoped; what I do have is a better understanding of self and hope for the future. I have clear goals written down that I plan on displaying so when things get hard I can remind myself of what I need to focus on in order to improve.

And for those reading this if you are in a similar situation: It CAN and WILL get better we just have to take it one step at a time 🙂

So… I’ll insert details under each goal but keep the same goals for this month. Actually I might keep the same goals until I get it right. When I get it right I will completely change my goal or I’ll modify it to continue challenging myself.

Actual Date: 11/8/2017

Weight: ?lbs

Measurements in inches

Chest: ?

R/L Arm: ?

Waist: ?

Hips: ?

R/L Thigh: ?

Goal(s):

• Stick to some type of diet/ healthy meal plan (IP)
  • I have made healthier choices
    • Ex: swapping coffee for unsweetened tea (most days)
    • Ex: Penny Date night (detailed post coming soon) rather than simply eating out
• Read something other than children’s books (Check!!)
  • Jules Verne Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
    • Side note: Adventure, Sci-Fi and mystery are my favs
  • Bonus points because I was able to read it to my son
• Don’t use motherhood as an excuse (Umm technically check)
  • I didn’t but I still didn’t exercise regularly
  • I did maybe 3-4 workouts; progress but not my goal
• Post updates every month on or after the 8th in order to hold myself accountable (Check)
  • Yup!! Though nothing has changed (well I don’t think so because I didn’t check)

You read that correctly. I waited to write about my weight because I kept hoping I’d have amazing before and after photos. I’m still over the weight I want to be, look like my “before” picture(s) and haven’t seriously stuck to anything. I tired the 4 Hour Body, intermittent fasting and counting calories but I always allowed myself to make excuses; motherhood was my go to excuse (avoids eye contact with fit moms). I don’t have it figured out and I will keep trying things until I find something I like but until I find my happy healthy plan here are my stats and what I hope to achieve.

Actual Date: 10/8/2017

Weight: 230.6lbs

Measurements in inches

Chest: 44

R/L Arm: 15.75/ 15.5

Waist: 41

Hips: 50.5

R/L Thigh: 29.5/ 28.5

Goal(s):

• Stick to some type of diet/ healthy meal plan
• Read something other than children’s books
• Don’t use motherhood as an excuse
• Post updates every month on or after the 8th in order to hold myself accountable
  • I am considering posting weekly on my Instagram @jtm2015.wordpress so I don’t fall off of whatever wagon I’m on that week