It’s no longer acceptable for me to fool myself, I failed my health goal for 2018. I wanted to lose 20 lbs and eat less meat, so like most people I set forth with the intention of exercising and eating well. Am I a stranger to weight loss or weight loss goals? Not at all, so why did I create such an ineffectual goal. I know better than to set a number goal. That almost never works. Everything out there is written about health goals encourages you to write a goal that chips away at behaviors as opposed to a lofty number. Yes, I actually know better.
So What Had Happened Was…
Nonetheless, throughout the year I tried to lose weight by eating healthy and exercising. In January I tried exercising every day for one hour including weightlifting, despite the fact that before then I had only been running 3 times a week. I did not hit that goal, but I did run enough to tackle a Marathon Relay (my leg was 6.2 miles) at a good pace in February, as well as an Ultra Challenge of 32 miles over two days. Was I ready for that Ultra? Certainly not, but I ran the race anyway, which meant I spent all of April in recover. Marathons truly deplete the body, but if you train, it will only be a couple of weeks before you can ease your way back into exercise. Since I took so many weeks off, by the time April came along, exercise was no longer an aspect of my normal routine. However, my eating was decent in March because I jumped back into meal prepping due to the fact that I wanted to make some strides toward my health goal, I had not given up. I kept up meal prep and exercised, which led to a five-pound weight loss. I felt great and motivated!
Unfortunately, at the end of April I took a trip to Atlanta, and when I got back I couldn’t kick a sugar habit. Come May, I found myself eating well, but also coping with stress by eating sugary treats. I recognized this as an issue, so I decided to embark on 30 Days of the Whole 30 for May. I am proud to say that I managed to make it through 28 Days of the Whole 30 for another five-pound weight loss. The side effects of Whole 30? I had to determine ways to cope with stress that did not involve crappy food. I became conscious of all the sugar in many of my food choices, and I got into a great groove with meal prep. More importantly, I discovered Butcher Box, which I love.
Did the effects of Whole 30 last? Not for me. I just couldn’t make the necessary mental shift to eat Whole 30 long term. By the end of June, I was yo yoing again, eating well or exercising, not doing both together. Suddenly it was August, and though I was losing hope, I kept trying to reach my goal. August was a good month because I managed to exercise and eat healthy during the week. I gave myself leeway on the weekends, and I thought I could still lose weight doing that, but I was wrong. Truthfully, I was eating way too many calories come the weekend. However, I am obviously not one to give up.
September rolled around, I traveled more, and just tried to keep balance. At this point, I had to reevaluate and make a new end of year goal. About halfway through the month, I realized that we were quickly coming toward the last 100 days of the year. So, I asked myself, What can I realistically achieve in 100 days? The Holidays were approaching, so I did not want to set any lofty food goals. That would just be unrealistic. Instead, I decided to focus on fitness. I am scheduled to run a half marathon in February, so I decided to set a fitness goal.
S.M.A.R.T. Goal
100 Days of Fitness. I committed to exercising first thing every single morning, and I find that is working for me because I do not have time to talk myself out of fitness. Instead, I lay out my clothes at night, and in the morning I throw on my clothes and get right to it! I’ve been keeping myself accountable by marking off every day that I exercise on my calendar, and by checking in on Instagram every morning. No one knows that they are helping me remain accountable, but I appreciate all of the people who say hi to me, send me photos of their gym or road time, and words of encouragement. You all help to keep me inspired and lift me up on those days when I truly want to sleep in.
Guess what? I am actually executing those 100 days. I missed three days when a hurricane hit Florida and three days over the Thanksgiving Holiday, otherwise, I am staying the course. Have I lost weight? I have no idea, and I will not weigh myself until January 2019. My goal is to not gain weight and to reinforce healthy habits. At this point, exercise is again just a part of my morning routine, and am eating salad just about every day of the week. I am finding a healthy food balance, but my battle in the new year will still be sweets.
I could force myself to give up all the Holiday treats, but I do not want to move to extremes. Instead, I will focus on one challenge at a time by way of 100 days of fitness. Meal prep has become easy and doesn’t take me more than one or two hours depending on the menu I choose. Plus, weekends are getting better. Weekends are the biggest hurdle for my sweet tooth, and I WILL tackle that mountain in 2019. Also, in 2019 I will create sensible health and fitness goals that do not focus on a specific number. I don’t know if I can bring myself to get rid of my scale, but I can certainly weigh myself less often.
2019 is soon to come and I got this!
I will stick close to your blog in 2019. I need to implement some changes in my life as well . Thanks for sharing
Wow your journey is amazing and I am so glad yo see your progress and you allowing us to go along with you!
I can definitely relate to the sweet tooth struggle (STS syndrome – I call it LOL). You have a great health regimen in place and can see you achieving your fitness goals. Please share any tips, solutions etc you have for STS syndrome.
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Will do as I figure them out 🙂
I really need to motivate myself to make a change but whenever I decide to do it, lack of sleep and laziness get the better of me. But 2019 im throwing the excuses away and just do it
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I’m with you sis!
I was able to lose 25 pounds this year. Original lost 30, but ice cream some how kept refilling itself in my freezer. That said, I now create a motto to get me motivated. Right now it’s – get up, get out, get get it done!
Great recap of 2018’s health journey. You inspired me to begin am workouts back in November. I took a break but will be back on it shortly.
This is what I needed, thanks queen
“Did the effects of Whole 30 last? Not for me. I just couldn’t make the necessary mental shit to eat Whole 30 long term” did you mean shift here? lol
I’m going to be making sure of my fitness goals starting in 2019. I could start now but I want to be reasonable, I’ve had a lot going on lately and while I’m starting healthy habits I’m not going to stick to them as much as I can right now. I will start that in the new year and have been gathering recipes to help me stick to it.
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? Gotta fix that
You are a great motivation. Your meal preps really help me stay on track with my goals.
I understand your struggle. I have failed many times with weight loss. Sugar is always the enemy
But 2019 I’m determined to beat these 30 pounds I need to lose ..we will do it together !
Def. don’t give up Christmas treats!
Well you are staying the course and that’s all that matters. And by the way you look great!
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Thanks!
Girl, you always keep it real!! I swear I was reading my life . My goals ain 2019 is to be more active, and to end my relationship with stress foods. Good luck on your 2019 journey to a better you?
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Thank you!
I failed too. But it will be okay. We will both work hard and think about out health! Good luck to you! You can do it!
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Thank you!
I know that’s right! You CAN and you WILL! even though you didn’t lose the 20lbs you’ve accomplished to much within the year! You still lost weight, you completed a marathon (HUGE ive always wanted to), you’re meal prepping (they look so delicious btw), 100 days of fitness, you set your goal for 2019 already, and you checking in on IF is not only keeping you accountable but everyone who has been inspired by you. You’ve kicked a** girl??.
Don’t focus too much on the numbers on the scale remember muscle is heavier than fat ?
?? #handleit
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Thanks so much for the words of encouragement! I need them.
My goal in 2019 is to live a healthier me.
I failed my goal for the year
Im a major snacker for anything. I try my best to at least make it a healthy snack. Getting myself back on track for 2019.
Thanks for sharing your struggle with us, I can relate. Do you recommend any websites or blogs for healthy recipes?
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Pinterest is my greatest resource.
I struggle with sweets too. I’ve been trying to cut back. Working out has become apart of my evening routine, my main goal is to get more toned. I also plan to make sure I’m eating more veggies than starches. I love starches, lol. I’m a rice girl.
Thanks for sharing! Do you have any race goals for 2019?
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Just to complete at least 1,500 miles. I may run another marathon if time permits training.
I never stick to my health goals….I fail, miserably! ?