Guys, I have so much to talk about that I don’t know where to start. So, I guess I should start at the beginning right? Right…. Well, guys I was laid off from my job of 11 years (Westwood College closed their doors). Continue reading “My Weight Lost Journey: 694 Days-1Year 362 Days”
Author: Jeanine Smith
My Weight Loss Journey: 675 Days-1 Year and 343 Days
ZUMBA, ZUMBA, ZUMBA…….. If you have been traveling with me on this journey you would know that I next fitness class for the month was Zumba. And yes I took the class and I was very surprised. Okay let me explain what I mean by I was surprised. Continue reading “My Weight Loss Journey: 675 Days-1 Year and 343 Days”
My Weight Loss Journey: 665 Days-1 Year and 333Days
Okay guys, welcome to my new home. As I told you all, this year is about stepping out of my comfort zone, and believe me when I say making this change was big step out of my comfort zone, and I have to say that I was able to take that leap because of my weight loss journey. As you can see I have been on this journey for a while now, and I must say that I have been tested, and scared, and push down so many times on this weight loss journey; but I have the strength to continue to get up and continue to move forward. So, before I get into my story I would like to thank you all for your continue support and patience during my transition. Okay, enough of that now time for the nitty gritty-my final hip hop fitness class (what happened?).
My last hip hop fitness class was on Thursday, February 11, 2016, and I and so much fun. I actually learned the moves and I was able to add my own flavor to the moves. The first day I went I just knew that I was going to look a hot mess, and I was right. But I was able to catch on the moves quickly-but I stilled looked a mess. The second class I was less nervous, and the women in the group actually stared to talk to me; so I was becoming a part of the group. By the third class, I felt like a pro and that I belonged in the class. I was so comfortable in the class that I took picture of myself. Not only did I feel comfortable, but I was looking forward to the class on Thursday because that class was like my little get away from the stress of the world. And then the fourth class came I was happy and sad all at the same time. I was happy because I did not quit because of my fears and I was sad because it was the last class. During this class I noticed that I was really confident in myself, and even when I messed up (and I did) I did not feel like I was a hot mess; I stop watched and jumped right back into it.
So, what did I learn from attending the hip hop fitness class (taking a leap and doing something new)? I learned that walking by faith can feel scary, but my God did not give me a spirit of fear, but once you actually take that first step by faith that the fear will go. I also learn that I can do anything that I put my mind to, and that it is okay to be myself. The first class that I attended I tried to dance just like to instructor of the class, but as I continued to go to the class I began to be myself. And when I was just me I had more fun in the class, then when I was trying to imitate the instructor. I learned that I just have to continue to move forward and not look back. Even though I am a little sad that I am not going to the hip hop fitness class anymore, I am so excited to attend my next fitness class-ZUMBA…..
Weight loss is a journey that is ever changing, and that somethings on this journey I can control but somethings may fall out of my control and that is okay. As long as I continue to move forward I will reach my weight loss goal (life goals). Please continue to travel with me on this up and down journey, as I continue to step out of my comfort zone. Please share your own personal journey. Until next time keep moving forward…….
Please check out Shop JAccessories to buy some cute bracelets. And please visit my booster page to help me bring awareness to obesity and the effects of obesity.
My Weight Lost Journey: Day 638- 1 Year and 306 Days
I know that you all have been waiting for my update on my how my first Hip Hop Class went, and I am soooooooo happy to say that it went good. Of course you all know that I was sooooooooo excited and nervous all at the same time, because it was something new and different. Not knowing what to expect makes you think of the worst that could happen.
So, what did I expect when I went to the class- I expected to see these super tone and really good dancers and I would be in the class just looking a hot mess. But that was soooooooooo far from the truth. I walked into the fitness studio and I saw an array of people that ranged from young to old, and they all where on different levels of fitness; which helped to calm me down and just do me and have fun. I really felt like I belonged there and that I would be able to catch on quickly to the steps. I felt good about myself, which is important when you are trying something new. And then the music started and I thought here I go no turning back, and I began to do the dance steps-and I felt good.
I found myself having fun in the class. The nervousness I felt was gone. I was sweating and moving around, and the time just went by so fast. Now some of the step I did get lost on and I was like oh no I look a hot mess-and I did. But you know what, it did not matter because I was having so much fun. I was doing something different but it was for me, and I felt really powerful. The instructor was super upbeat, and that was great because she made me want to try to keep up with her tempo. The one thing I would have to say that I would change about the whole experience would be my shoes. I really needed some dance type sneakers because I was sliding a lot, and I could have hurt myself if I was not careful. So, if you are think about doing any type of fitness class, please make sure you have the proper shoes for it because you don’t want to hurt yourself.
Doing this class has motivated me to want to just move, and that includes doing my regular workouts. Just being around like minded people also motivated me to want to keep pushing forward on this journey. I heard somewhere that it is so easy to give up when it gets hard, and it is true. Last year during the times when I was going up and down on this journey the days I was going down I just wanted to keep going down because I was already moving in that direction. But then I would get around like minded people (a Weight Watchers’ Meeting) and I would get back focus. However, taking that step to refocus was harder than losing the focus. So, the take away from this blog post, at least I hope the take away will be, try new things because staying in one place can cause you to lose focus on the over goal. Also, get around people who are striving to achieve things in life because that will inspire you to want more for yourself. Remember change is good and when we learn how to embrace change we will get so much further in life.
I had so much fun at my Hip Hop Fitness Class and I can’t wait to go to the next class this Thursday. My journey continues… Until next time…….. Please visit my health awareness page for information on obesity. And visit my booster page to help me bring more awareness to obesity.
My Weight Lost Journey: Day 632-1 Year and 299 Days
OKAY guys, I did it-well, I did part of it. I decided on what new workout activity I will be doing for the rest of this month, and the winning activity is-a Hip Hop Fitness class. So, the class is a break down of the newest hip hop dance moves that are choreographed to the latest music. It sounds fun and scary. But I am sooooooo excited to try something new and out of my comfort zone. The other thing that I have been trying to do consistently is do more cardio in my regular workouts. So, now I am walking/running on the treadmill for at least 30 minutes (40 minutes on a good day, and if my favorite treadmill is not available I will use the elliptical for at least 30 minutes) and I do each activity on level 16 (increase by 1 level each month). After I have completed my cardio workout I will then figure out which body part I want to weight train (chest, back, legs, shoulders, and arms). Once I decide which body part I am going to focus on, I then decide on what cardio workout I will do in between the weight training sets. And I have to say that I have been making progress with my weight lost; I now weigh 224lbs and I am so happy about that. This year I have decided to embrace and love my body now (at my current weight). And the reason that I have chosen to do this is because the more and more I focused on what I want the more frustrated I became when I would fall down. This year I want peace and positivity, so I (me) have to bring them into my life. Please don’t misunderstand me, I am still focused on where I want to be, but faith is now and God can’t get me to the places I want to go if I don’t appreciate where I am now and praise Him now.
Even though I am working out consistently and adding more cardio into my activity, the other part of the weight lost journey (for anyone and everyone) is the nutrition piece. I still believe that I should be able to eat things that I like to eat, but I have to remember to be mindful of what I am putting in my mouth and not go overboard with the foods I know cause me trouble. Because it’s the going overboard that gets me in trouble. I have also started to add more veggies and fruits into my diet. I switch out my ice cream with fruit, so my fruit has become my dessert. But that does not mean that I don’t eat ice cream (I make better decisions concerning the ice cream). So, if you don’t take anything away from this post take this-NUTRITION is KEY in Losing WEIGHT…… The reason that I say that is because I can run and do all of the activity that I am able to do, but if I don’t monitor what I am putting in my mouth the activity will not do to much. I know this to be true because at the end of 2015 that is what I was doing and I was gaining weight not losing. Again-NUTRITION is KEY.
Well guys, my first hip hop class is this Thursday, so wish me luck. And I can’t wait to hear about you guys stepping out of your comfort zones to get to the places you want to be in your life. Until next time…….
My Weight Loss Journey: Day 626-1 Year and 293 Days
Well, first let me wish you all a happy new year. I really hope that it has gotten off to a great start. 2014 was the year that I admitted that I need help with losing weight. 2015 was the year I realized that the mind is truly where weight loss takes place. 2016 is the year that I must step out of my comfort zone, get outside of my little box, stretch myself so I can reach the purpose that God has for me. So, this year I will try 12 different types of activities/workouts. And I actually got this idea from a close friend, she will be eating 12 different types of veggies (veggies that she would never pick) and blog about it. And I said to myself that is a good idea, so decided to do 12 different activities/workouts ( I will also be doing my regular workouts) 1 different workout/activity each month.
Now I know some of you may be saying, why don’t you just continue to do what you are doing because you are losing weight in spite of the small set backs. And my answer to that is that God wants me to be a blessing to this world and that will require me to do things that will feel uncomfortable to my flesh, and I might not do it. I think that by doing this (stepping out of my workout comfort zone) it will help me to train my flesh and grow my faith. I have a purpose that I was born to complete, and only I can complete it. But if my soul is not prospering it will be very difficult for my body to prosper. Stepping out on faith requires us to step out of our comfort zone (step outside of the box) but the end result of it is you being blessed to be a blessing. Don’t you want to be BLESSED!!!!!!! I know that I do. I am tried of being in the same spot while other people are taking chances and the risk they are taking pays off big. Just think about all of those people that went on the Biggest Loser or Extreme Weight Lost;they stepped out of the box and look at how they were blessed and now they can do more for this world because they stepped out of the box. I know that I watched both show and I would always say to myself if they can do it so can I, but I did not want to be uncomfortable. Until one day I just took one step, and that step has lead me here weighting 226 lbs. I have lost 30 lbs because of that 1 step. But I have more weight to lose and I feel like I have to shake it up do something different so I can get a better result. And trust me I am soooooooo nervous about it. I like doing things by myself, but that is a comfort zone for me.
So, I have decided that I am going to do a cardio class by myself. And what I mean about that is that I am not going to ask a friend to go with me so I can have support, I am going to let God be my support. So, guys make a decision to step outside of your comfort zone so you can get your blessing and be a blessing because you can’t afford to remain in that comfortable place. At least I know I can’t afford to stay in this comfortable place because I have a purpose to complete because millions are waiting. My weight loss is not just about me- it’s about my family, you guys, it’s about being a blessing to this world. I can’t wait to share this journey with you all and please, please, please share your journey’s with me also. We can motivate and inspire each other. Until next time….#OutofYourComfortZone
**Please stop by my booster page to help me bring more awareness to Obesity. Obesity is a growing heath condition and the only way to stop it is if we all understand it because it is not just the reallllyyyyyy fat person that is at the buffet, it could also be the 180lbs person that you work with (because they have a BMI of 38%).. God says that His people perish because of a lack of knowledge, let’s not perish, let’s get the knowledge…. Visit me health awareness page to get more facts, and visit my booster page to buy a shirt to help raise funds for Obesity Awareness…….
https://www.booster.com/life-is-but-a-jounery-obesity-awareness
My Weight Lost Journey: Reflection on 2015
Hey guys- I know, long time no hear from…. I have been really busy trying to revamp my blog site for you all. If you haven’t noticed I have added some pages to the site which include: about the author, shop JAccessories, my product order form, health awareness, and my disclosure and privacy statement. So, I have been a little busy trying to make me page a little more inviting. Please visit each page because you may learn something interesting or see something that may be worth purchasing. Okay-enough marketing my page, let’s get down to the topic at hand-my weight lost journey…..
Well, I must say that this year (2015) was very different from last year (2014) as it brought a lot of challenges and changes, and every challenge and change that I faced this year affected my weight lost journey. I remember when I started this journey, I was scared, nervous, and excited all at one time. And as I followed the Weight Watcher’s process given to the participants I lost weight quickly and it was very easy. I had some challenges and changes that came up, but I still lost weight. And at the end of 2014 I went to get my yearly physical, and this year I was soooooo excited to go to the doctor because I could not wait for the midwife to see my weight lost progress. Last year I was in a place of euphoria as it concerned my weight lost journey. I was focused on getting to a healthy weight and the weight was coming off easily. I felt like a million bucks. Now fast forward to 2015, (and I know that you are wondering what happened did you gain all of the weight back?) and the answer is no, not all; but I felt like I had the process down pack, and I started to say to myself I got this and if I have 2 cookies that will not hurt, and for the most part it did not. But what I do believe happened, that hurt me later on in the journey, was that I began to tell myself that I got this, I already know what do to now so I don’t have to go to every weight watcher’s meeting. And when I began to tell myself this I noticed that I would gain 2lbs the next time I went to a meeting, after the meeting I would be focus and energized ready to dust the dirty off and get back up and work the process correctly. But my mind would say, you work out 5 days a week you can have a piece or cake (but that piece of cake would turn into 2 pieces). Soooooo, I know that you are still wondering what happened? I got a little prideful and everyone knows that pride comes before the fall. The more I told myself that I can eat this or that, or that I got this, I would over eat and gain weight at my next weight in. The challenge that I faced in 2015 that I didn’t face in 2014 was overcoming a spirit of pride. And its because of that pride that I have gain weight this year instead of losing causing me to take steps back instead of forward with my weight lost journey.
The next major challenge that I faced, which I did not really realize until I began to look back, was the fear of the physical change of my body. I know you guys are say what are you talking about, how can you be afraid to change your physical appearance? And my answer would be I have been this way all of my life, heavy, so there is a fear of the unknown. During 2015 I would ask myself, during quiet times of my day, how will it be when I reach my weight lost goal? What am I going to do with all my clothes? How will be view me? Who would I be once I reach my weight lost goal? Every question that I asked myself came from fear. God says that I am to prosper in my health even as my soul prospers; meaning that He wants me healthy and prospering in my life not just standing still in the same place. But because of fear I unconsciously began to do things that would cause me to gain weight-becoming prideful. BUT every challenged that I faced last year started in my own mind. God tells us that His thoughts are not our thoughts because His thoughts are to prosper us, so the negative thoughts that I was having was not of God and yet I decided to take them into my heart, and the result was leading me to death.
The other thing that I said 2015 brought me was changes, and there have been many of them. Some good changes and some bad changes, but they all affected my weight lost journey. Well, let me try to explain what I mean. Good changes in my life usually caused me to stay focus on losing weight, I followed the Weight Watcher’s process and my weight would come down. But the bad changes brought unhealthy stress in my life and I would make not so healthy choices and I would gain weight. The one thing that changed in my life and it really affected my weight lost was the company that I am currently working for (the company that I have worked at for 10+ years) is closing and I am now looking for another job. When I was informed of the closing of the company I was devastated, and the stress of knowing that I now have to find a new job made me want to eat and eat and eat… I wanted to eat every sweet type of food (cakes, cookies, ice cream, pies, etc.) that I could get my hands on. And as a matter of fact that is just what I did. Even though I was eating all types of sweets I still continued to go to my Weight Watcher’s meeting, and I was gaining weight. And as I gained weight I would get sadder, madder, frustrated, and more disappointed in myself because I was failing yet again at losing weight (at least that is what I told myself). In total I have gained 6lbs, and I end 2015 weighting 228lbs.
Now, you may ask me, well what did you learn? And I would say that I have learned that the mind is the key to any weight lost journey (any journey in life) because this is the place that every good or bad thought enters and where decisions are made. I realized that I have to remain humble and thankful for accomplishment that I achieve. I learn this year that I really don’t know anything, and that I must remain focus and humble-open to processes and procedures that move me forward. I also have to realize and understand that bad things happen, change comes, jobs are lost, and stress is in this world which means that I have to learn how to remain focus and mentally strong and aware. I have to be mindful of negative thoughts that will try to creep into my mind so I can choose not to take them but to focus on the positive. Every journey has ups and downs, good times and bad, and difficulties that we have to face, but positivity is the only thing that can and will remove negativity. And I also learned that I am not failing a losing weight as long as I continue to get up and continue to take steps forward. Sooooooo, in 2016 I have to surround myself with positivity so when the bad times come (because they will) I will have a strong spiritual army in my heart and I will be able to fight back and have what God says that I am to have.
I hope this year (2015) you all learn something new about yourself that will help you grow to be the person that God made you to be. I know that I have learned something new about myself this year, and this new piece of wisdom will help me do better in 2016. I also hope that my story is helping to motivate you all to stay strong, look to God, and achieve what you were born to achieve. 2015 was a hard year for this whole world but it has made us stronger, and I hope to see you all in 2016. The journey continues, until next time………..
**Hey guys, please visit my health awareness page to help me raise money to bring more awareness to a growing condition-Obesity. I have a booster page link in my health awareness page, so please check it out. Thanks…..**
My Weight Loss Journey: Day 587 – 1 Year 224 Days
In the Weight Watcher’s Meetings the participates are always asked what are the small steps that we can take everyday that will help us reach our goal? This is a very good question, and my answer is self control.God’s word tells me that I have self control, and that I am in control of my body and thoughts; with the help of the Holy Spirit. So, I have to chose the make a different choice concerning food, and eating late at night. Let me explain-I get home from work late and when I get home I am hungry, so I would eat my dinner. Then I would go to bed, and thus I gain weight. Many people might say why would I do that if I know I am going to gain weight. And my answer is because I have to eat right, and that is the thinking that I have to overcome. God says that I have self control, so at a certain time I should be able to stop eating and still know that I will be okay. But I don’t, I make the choice to eat late at night, and I know that it is derailing my weight lost journey.
So, one might think then why are you doing this (trying to lost weight and sabotage your self), and I would have to say because I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me and God’s word also tells me that I have self control. And His word continues to motive me to get back up again once I fall down, no matter how many times I fall down. Don’t get me wrong failing (falling down) more than once and back to back is very discouraging and it can bring your spirits down, but when I read God’s word and attend church to hear His word I am encouraged to get back up and take another step in the right direction. Every successful person will tell you that it is good to fail (it may not feel good) because it teaches you something and it helps to build character. The knowledge that I am gaining from Weight Watcher’s can also be applied to my everyday life journey. The bible say that as a man thinketh so is he, so if I think that I am someone that has self control, then I will be that person that has self control. If I think that I am successful, then I will be successful.
So, yes my one small step that I can take everyday that will help me reach my goal is to practice self control as it concerns eating late at night, Because God says that I have self control, so I have it. Now my question to you all is what small step can you take everyday that will help you reach your goals in life? Please share you thoughts and I will continue to share my weight lost journey with you all, until next….
My Weight Loss Journey: Day 568-1 Year and 204 Days
This is something that we all need but feel bad when we take that must needed “Me Time”. During the discussion we talked about different activities that we considered “Me Time”, and while the discussion went on I thought to myself, how do you take the me time that you need without feeling guilty. The answer to that very question is, in order for you to take care of ours you yourself have to first take care of you. Think about it: if you don’t do what you need to do the stay healthy (physically and mentally) how will you be able to help your family, complete goals, reach your God-given purpose (which will affect millions). You will not be able to be the change in this world that you want to see because you will not have the energy nor strength to do it. So, the next question one may have is why it is so important that we take “Me Time”, and the answer is because we all need time to refresh and recharge. We all need to to decompress, which gives the body a change (physically and mentally) to heal and repair itself. We have to be able to allow our bodies the chance to re-cooperate from the daily stressors of life. If we don’t allow the body the chance refresh itself, the body will let it be know it needs time, and you could find yourself sick (mentally or physically). No one wants that, especially when you can prevent it by taking “Me Time”. Before the meeting ended we are given a task to do throughout the week, and the task given to us was to take some “Me Time”.
I took some much needed “Me Time”, but I did feel guilty the first day I took the time, because I was away from my family mentally and physically. I have been going and going and going, and I just needed to sleep. So, that is what I did-slept. When I got up from my day long sleep-fest, I just really felt bad because there were things that need to be done. But I then realized that if I don’t get the rest that I need that stuff that needs to get done won’t because I won’t be able to do it because I would be sick, so the guilty feeling that I felt went away. “Me Time” is important when you are on any journey, because you have to learn how to appreciate your self, and in doing this (appreciating your self) you allow your body to relax, refresh, and decompress, and this will give you the energy that you need to continue on the journey. So, appreciate your self, take the needed “Me Time”. See below for some examples or ideas given for “Me Time” in the meeting:
1. Sensory: Listen to music or take a bath by candlelight
2. Relaxing: Take deep breath slowly, massage, or turn off your phone for 10 minutes
3. Creative: Make a vision board or scrapbook
4. Outdoorsy: Take a walk outside, watch birds, sun bath
5. Social: Go to the movies with a friend, get in contact with an old friend, look through your photo albums
6. Brainy: Do a word puzzle, learn a new language, read a book
7. Rejuvenating: Buy yourself some flowers, change your screen saver to the beach or mountain scene
8. Fun: Color in a coloring book, hit up yard sales, play cards
Whatever you choose to do make sure that you get in that must needed “Me Time” this week. And remember that be taking care or yourself you are in fact taking care of others. Until next time……..
My Weight Loss Journey: Day 512-1 Year and 148 Days
A couple of days ago I expressed how my journey has began to feel like a chore, and I also said that even though I felt that way that I was going to continue to go to my Weight Watchers meetings. And that is exactly what I did.
So, the week before last we were asked to change the negative thoughts that we have/had into positive thoughts and the one negative thought that I have is working out is a chore. Now, my challenge was (and still is) to change that thought into a positive one, and the only thing that I came up with is the Nike slogan-Just Do It..… The slogan to me now means don’t just sit around and compliment about things that are wrong with your situation do something to change it. Yeah, working out does feel like a chore, but I feel so much better about my self when I go workout, so Just Do It. When I start to feel that negative feeling come up (which happens an hour before I am to go workout) I tell myself to Just Do It…
This week we were asked to choose one best practice that is key to our weight loss success and to plan on incorporating it into our maintenance plan; and my one best practice is planning. I have learned how to plan meals out, plan how many points I want to use on a meal, plan when to workout, and plan for the unexpected. So, the key to my weight loss journey (one of the keys) is the plan it out. The last time I attempted to lose weight (with some success) I really did not plan things out. I kind of just planned out my workouts and that was all I really thought was important. And then when I moved the Chicago, it got hard to find time to workout, but I still eat the same way and the weight came back. So, learning how to plan out almost everything has helped me to be successfully this time around.
I have to admit that I still have somethings to learn about myself, but the more I remain on this journey I am learning that gaining weight is really not all about the food; there are unresolved issues in someone’s life that causes them to turn to food because food really does not criticize or breaks your heart. Food’s job is to sustain you and that is what everyone is looking for in this world-something that sustains you, feeds you, fuels you. Food does just that, but toooooooo much of it is bad and learning how to have self control with food will teach you how to have self control in other areas of your life. You will be able to make better and smarter choices when you learn how to deal with food. Weight Watchers is showing me this and the being on this journey is teaching me how to use what Weight Watchers is showing me. I still have a long way to go, but I can say that I am proud of where I am on this journey. So, the take away from this post for everyone reading this post is plan, and stay positive. #PlanItOut and #JustDoIt…
Until next time…..