Weight Loss, Finally!

I had my physical a week ago and have a nasty bruise on my arm to prove it. They took 3 vials of blood to run all sorts of tests and I'm anxious for the results. The one thing we could all agree about was that I am overweight. So...

On Sunday I finally started that diet I've been talking about for a year. I found Bob Harper's Smart Weight Loss Starter Kit and decided, why not? His plan consists of a low calorie diet, exercise and taking the pills 30 minutes before every meal. The pills, I found out, have a lot of caffeine in them. If you're a caffeine sensitive person, this plan probably isn't for you. I've been a hardcore caffeine addict for years and these pills have been making me shake uncontrollably. I've cut it back to just one pill before every meal instead of two. So far so good.

As for the low calorie diet, I've been doing well. Lots of fiber, protein and fresh fruits and veggies. I have a major sweet tooth so it's been difficult to say "no" to cookies and candy. To make up for that I've been splurging with 3 sugar-free wafer cookies after dinner. A major stride I've made is giving up soda. If you know me, you know I love soda. I've had a Dr. Pepper or Coke every morning since I was in high school.  haven't had one since Saturday. I've only been drinking water this week. Again, so far so good.

The exercise, on the other hand, isn't quite as easy. In the afternoons I've been working at my church to clean out and reorganize a craft closet and that's been a bit of a workout. No enough, though. I've got to work in some walking or crunches or something somewhere in my schedule. You know I hate exercising.

The good news: I've lost 3 pounds since Sunday! That's a pound a day! Amazing. I'm gonna be back in those skinny jeans by Christmas. (Okay, maybe by my birthday...)

A New Chapter.

Alright, folks. I'm moving on to a new chapter. I received my diploma in the mail yesterday and that means I'm officially done with undergrad. That means I'm done with school (at least for a bit). It was weird to not start classes this fall and I often have that "oh my gosh I'm late for class" dream. So now I'm doing the same thing so many other people are doing now: looking for a job. In the meantime, I'm helping clean out and reorganize my parents house while I live with them this month. I'm also reorganizing my church preschool's library for fun. Yes, for fun. That's how exciting I am.

The biggest stress in my lift right now is my health. Lately I've been getting lightheaded after I eat. I'm also way out of shape. So tomorrow I've got an appointment to have a physical. It's been five years since my last one and I'm afraid they won't have good news for me. Mom and I are already psyched to start a diet and exercise plan. This is supposed to be the part of my life when I look my best, right? Wish me luck.

In the meantime, here's a picture of my cat!