2016 Year in Review - Successes & Setbacks

2016 is almost over and while I didn't reach my weight loss goal I am happy with what I have learned and accomplished.

First the setbacks - after an initial 15 pound weight loss - I plateaued and then gained 5 pounds back over the Christmas holidays.  I ended the year with a total weight loss of 10 pounds.

I have been lifting weights this year and have not seen very much change.  I measure myself on a weekly basis and have had minimal change to my arms, hips, ass, thighs and calves.

In my impatience to see more drastic change I switched up my routine a couple of times but ended up gaining weight.

As for successes, by using a personal trainer when I first started I was able to build a solid foundation and did not experience any injuries.  I also learned the correct way to lift weights and how to roll out my muscles if pain was restricting my workouts.

I learned that restricting my carbs on non-workout days works for me.  I don't have any cravings and it forces me to look for new and healthy recipes.  It also forces me to limit the times that I eat out because most of the lunch places around work are either sandwich shops or are ethnic places where the meals feature rice or noodles.

I lost 1/2 inch on my calves and thighs;  1 inch on my chest and ribs;  and 2 inches on my waist and hips.  I am very happy about that!

I have been to the gym 3 times per week since August 15.  I only missed a few days in 4 months.  I really proud of that!

There have been other changes that can't be measured by a tape or scale.  6 months ago I could not touch my toes, balance on one foot or do a full  push up.   Today I can do all that.  I have even started doing 30 full push ups and 30 crunches per day.

So all in all, 2016 has been a positive year.  I have learned a lot and built a strong foundation.

Now on to 2017!

Switching Back to What I was Doing Before

A month ago I decided to increase my calories to 1,800 per day and not enter my exercise into the LoseIt app so that I could focus entirely on diet and calories.  I also decided to change my diet to eat 35% protein, 35% fat and 30% carbs.

Well, that didn't work for me!  I gained a pound per week.

I found that I wasn't motivated to exercise because I no longer had the bright red bar in my LoseIt app telling me that I was over my calorie budget for the day.  For the last month I have only been working out in the gym 3 times per week but previously I was also doing cardio on any day that I ate too much.

The second thing I discovered is that it really works for me to have days that I don't eat carbs.  I stuck with my diet without any problems for over 2 1/2 months when I was only eating bread/pasta/rice on gym days.  When I switched to eating carbs every day my willpower went out the window.  I found it incredibly hard to stick within my calorie budget.  That I am addicted to carbs and eating carbs every day weakens my willpower.

The one thing I will stick with is increasing my protein.  Everything I have been reading lately tells me that I am not eating near enough protein.  I tried my first ever protein shake the other day and it was actually very good and very filling!  I am going to have to pick up a jug and have a shake a day.