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Saturday, September 17, 2011

Operation 155-Melaleuca Style


Yet again, I have let several weeks creep by without writing anything. Initially I wanted to make this blog just about the weight loss and spiritual journey, but I think if I just start writing whatever is on my mind these days, maybe I'll write more often. However, for this entry it will be more about the weight loss issues. My weight is slowly creeping back on and it is getting extremely frustrating. I will not blame it completely on hormones, but there have definitely been some issues with my hormones recently. I'm thinking they are getting back to normal, but we shall see. In addition to the hormonal imbalances, I also had two weeks of vacation (I will explain my vacation adventure in a separate entry.). Needless to say, an all nighter road trip to start out the vacation did nothing for my weightloss. It definitely could have been worst, but I am still left with extra weight and clothes that are almost too tight.

Operation 155 is a go!

 I figure small goals are in order at this stage of my weight loss journey. I refuse to go back to the quick fix gimmicks and have decided to just do the slow and steady route. Operation 155 is the goal for the end of the year...to be 155 by Dec. 31st. I know, original name right:-)? My plan is to work out 3-5 times a week and eat sensibly. I will not cut out any particular food group completely because that just leads me to crave it and eventually binge on it. I am also using Melaleuca's weight loss/workout system throughout my day to see if that will help lose the weight. Melaleuca's system consists of Access bars or shakes that you eat 15 minutes before a workout. This is supposed to help your body burn more fat during the workout. Throughout the workout there is the Sustain drink that is similar to Gatorade, helping replace electrolytes and improve endurance during the workout (I don't like to carry a water bottle while I'm walk/running so I drink some before and after my walk.). Once the workout is finished you drink Proflex which is a protein shake that is supposed to help your muscles repair faster so that your body is ready for the next work out. In addition to this system Melaleuca has Attain bars and shakes that you eat in between meals to help curb cravings and satisfy you until the next official meal. To some degree I think this system can help because replacing a meal with the protein shake as well as following the Attain and Access recommendations, satisfies me and helps me eliminate eating other junk I might eat instead, reducing total calories, carbs and sugar eaten during the day.  Plus, since I am specifically using them (minus Attain, which I'll use regardless of workouts) in conjunction with a workout, I'm adding additional benefits to the day.
My workouts these days consist of several things. I've added some yoga to my life thanks to the iYoga app. I also walk/run 3-5 days a week. When I say walk/run, I mostly mean walk with some short bursts of running. My walk pace tends to be close to 17-18 min/mile but with my running bursts I'm able to cut my average down to just under 15 min/mile for a 3 mi stretch. I am not looking to ever become a runner-I find it way too boring for the tiresomeness of the exercise. My eventual goal will be to get down to being able to average out my walk/run to about a 12 min/mile. I think that will be my ultimate goal for when I hit my ultimate goal of 135 lbs ( I'll worry about that goal in 2012). In addition to my walk/runs and yoga, I have also begun Water Aerobic classes at Gold's Gym. I'm totally in love with them!!! Unfortunately, the classes are not at the most opportune times, so I can only make one or two a week, potentially less depending on my fall schedule. The classes consist of some deep water exercises (you use noodles or a floating device/belt to stay afloat), the use of "water dumbbells" and then adding regular aerobic exercises to water. It looks so simple when you watch a class, but really it is quite a workout. I didn't realize just how hard I had worked after one of my first classes, until the next day, when my lungs felt like I had run all out for 10 minutes straight. The instructors are laid back and give you no pressure attitudes, plus the regulars are mostly 50 or above and very chatty. We are quite the eclectic group of women-all ages, shapes and sizes and everyone is welcome! So, there you have it, Operation 155 is laid out. I am going to try to figure out how to put a count down box up, but we shall see if that works.

Anyone want to join me in my challenge to drop 15 lbs by the 2012?

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