July 20th

I've been yo-yo ing for about 2 full months now. Food continues to win the battle. Last night I was re-inspired by watching the biggest loser and have decided it's time to make the cut again. How quickly we forget how great the compliments feel when you lose the weight and others acknowledge your hard work.
I have to remind myself why I started the journey in the first place. I wasn't happy. I lived with two girls who were half my size. I couldn't complete one lap on the track without feeling winded (and I'm only 20 years old). Boys didn't seem to notice my existence. My clothes were beginning not to fit (or were just fitting very snug). I started opting to stay in because I was embarrassed to be considered the chubby one of the group.
Now I have to remind myself how I felt after I lost the weight. I was always happy. I had a ton of energy. My roommates were no longer half my size but just 5 lbs. different than me. I was running 3 miles a day without stopping and doing 5 k's almost monthly. Boys were definitely noticing me and even commenting on how great I look. My clothes fit better and my confidence sky rocketed. I would never have stayed in on account of my weight. It allowed me a sense of freedom and pride in every other area of my life as well.
So I'm starting back up. This time no yo-yo. Just the long stretch, and more. I don't want to have to write another blog stating my "starting up again." I'm hopeful that because I've already done it it's going to be easier for me this time around. I'm also glad that when we officially move in, Krista wants me to train her, which will give me even more of a focus, accountability, and determination to see this through.
I'm splitting it up into 4 weeks: Week 1: Pre-Training I'm setting 3 unbreakable rules 1. No eating after 10:00pm 2. Drink 8 glasses of water a day 3. Run at least 2 miles a day Week 2: Real training with Jillian again I'm going to do the 30 day shred videos on level 1 for the entire week. Week 3: I'm moving to level 2 on the videos Week 4: I'm moving to level 3 on the videos By the end of the 4th week I'll be back in San Marcos and with the assistance of the Rec, Krista and I will be doing the official "Make the Cut" work outs. I plan to blog every day so get rady to read!
My goal is to lose 15 lbs. by September 1, to be able to run 3 miles in 30 minutes, to get Krista to her target weight before she leaves for the Bahamas, and to go on a date with a boy so people will stop thinking I hate them.
Mom- I need your strenght. I need you to ask questions like "have you worked out yet today?" "Have you already eaten?" "Do you want to go for a run?" "Do you want to do a Jillian Video since we're both just sitting here?" ect. Lets keep both our goals in the front of our minds so neither of us slack off.
Whitney- Come run to my house iwht your dogs and we'll run back to your house together. Include me in your work outs whenever you can. I'm calling for all the support I can get! Grandma- How have you been doing? You have the best tredmill out of all of us. I'm jealous and therefore demanding that you put it to good use!
Lee- Congratulations on completing week 1! I know you'll reach your goals because our family is just good like that. I told my mom that our family is competitive and we love games, so I said we should have our very own biggest loser challenge and THEN the pounds will just fall off haha.

I'll end as usual with a Jillian tip:

You're Not Alone
Even if you don't have the kind of people in your life who'd make good partners in crime, don't lose hope. There are other people out there who would be happy to make a new friend like you. Look for them by joining a group, hiring a trainer, asking a co-worker to be your diet buddy, or approaching someone at the gym about training together. If you surround yourself with people who support you and want to see you succeed, chances are you will.
Tips for When You Do Eat Out
In a perfect world, you'd eat at home all the time. But this is the real world, and sometimes you will eat out. Scour the menu for the healthiest options, and keep in mind that minefields are everywhere — even salads can be calorie bombs if they're loaded with cheese and bacon and smothered in dressing. Choose salads that feature vegetables rather than high-fat additions like croutons, and ask for the dressing on the side. You can also save money and calories if you split an entrée with your dining partner. Restaurant portions are usually so large that they can feed two!

Good luck ladies! Stay strong, find your inspiration, and remember the pain of regret is far worse!
-Leah