The Pre-Challenge: The Plan

 

Here is a collage of my weight gain from 2007 until now (well the picture of me at 140 might be from 2004).  But nevertheless, I have a couple of reasons why I am sharing these pictures.  One is to remind myself that I have been beautiful all along, regardless of my size.  And the other is to see my progress now as I go backwards through this challenge.

I want to talk about something else as well - body shaming.  As I enter into this challenge, I have had TONS of support.  People are excited to hear about my dedication and about what crazy exercises I am doing with my trainer.  But I also face an awkward moment with many people telling me "you don't need to lose weight" or question "is that healthy?" I am thankful that nobody has shamed me for my weight gain.  But YES, I do need to lose weight.  My family has history of obesity, cancer, and diabetes.  The alternative is to ignore the fact that between the ages of 25 and 32, I have gained about 50 pounds, that's not healthy.  And the thought of my neglecting my body to the point of illness is scarier than getting my booty to the gym and sweating under the supervision of a trained professional.  

I am not ashamed of my body where I stand now.  As I mentioned in my last post, I have earned this body through years of hard work & good food.  I am stronger and more in shape than most people I know and I am very proud of my strength.  

For those of you wondering how hard I have to work, here is my plan.

• Weight Watchers (with the addition of no refined sugar or refined flour, no bad fats, no fried food) 
• three days personal training
• two days XIT class (it’s a high intensity circuit training class)
• and half marathon training

So there you have.  I am going to EAT!  I am going to sleep!  I am going to work out five days a week and rest two days per week.  And I have paid professionals to monitor me throughout this challenge so now it's time to CHEER ME ON!