It’s summertime! Which means that school is out, my schedule is my own, and I’m footloose and fancy free. Summer means the weather is warm, the sun is shining, and I can kick my workouts (and my weight loss!) into high gear. I have less than 30 pounds to go to reach my ultimate weight loss goal, and I plan to lose quite a bit of that this summer. But this summer is about so much more than losing weight; it’s about living my new life. I worked so hard for this new, healthy body, and I want to spend this summer doing a lot of the things I only dreamed of doing when I was at my heaviest. That means riding rollercoasters, running in 5Ks, trying new water sports, wearing styles (and sizes!) of clothes that I could never wear before. I want to LIVE every moment of this summer to the fullest. I’ve moved my weigh-ins to Wednesdays as a way to check in midweek. My Wednesday progress updates will be called Sensational Summer Weigh-Ins.
Week 64 was quite a whirlwind, evidenced by the fact that I skipped reporting on Week 63 last week (I actually didn’t have a loss during Week 63), and missed my usual weigh-in report this Wednesday. Nevertheless, this week was an amazing one for so many reasons. I started a new job, was getting used to an entirely new schedule, enjoyed a great Trombone Shorty concert on Wednesday, and spent time with friends at the Italian Festa yesterday.
So, what did the scale show?!
When I weighed in this morning, I was 175.2, which is a loss of 2.2 pounds this week, and a loss of 101.8 lbs since surgery! I’ve lost a total of 139.8 pounds from my highest weight!! I have 25.2 pounds to go to my ultimate goal weight of 150 pounds. I’m really excited with my weight loss progress this week, because my schedule was such a drastic change from what I’ve been used to. Not only are my lazy days of summer gone, but this new position has me running around to 5 different campuses, scheduling multiple meetings a day, and working longer hours in the office than I would as a teacher. I tried my best to wake up at 5am to get workouts in before work, but wasn’t able to any of the days. Still, I packed my gym bag and went after work a few times, even though I was dog-tired. I also took the time on Monday night to prep meals for the week, making sure I stayed on track. I’m really proud of my commitment to my health in the face of all these extra responsibilities.
To set myself up for success this week, I’m going to meal prep tonight. Breakfasts are easy – my protein shakes are simple to make and help me keep my protein intake high. Lunches that I’ve been loving are salads made of spinach paired with all sorts of protein – tuna, chicken, and shrimp. Dinners this week will be a nice combo of protein, veggies, and complex carbs: lentils with turkey meatballs and spinach, mahi mahi burgers and zoodles, and chicken with summer squash.
I’m still going to give it my best to get up and workout before I head into work, but I am also ok with my backup plan of hitting the gym after work. The gym is on my way home, so it makes it convenient to stop in before I get too relaxed. Plus, working out after work is a great way to switch gears from work mode to relaxation mode. I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself to workout in the mornings these first few weeks, until I get used to my new schedule. As long as I get my workouts in, that’s all that really matters.
Until Wednesday, my friends. I hope the scale treats you well, and that you have a wonderful week!
Bella on the Beach 
I don’t know where the other 25 pounds are going to come from, Bella! You look great!
You’re so sweet! I think I’ve learned to camouflage it well, but I’m hoping all those lbs come from my thighs. Lol. If only we could target it that way.
Well done on your weight loss Bella and good for you for hitting the gym after work, I sway between exercising in the morning and evenings as I’m rubbish at getting up early to exercise. The main thing is regardless of when you workout you’re still doing it and you’re motivated to making it happen. Have a great week.
You are doing so great! I love how dedicated you are to working out. And WOW–only 25 pounds to lose? That must seem surreal.
I hope that came across right–I am NOT implying you should lose more at ALL! Just that, after how much you’ve already lost, it must feel so odd to be so very close to goal. I can’t imagine only needing to lose 25 pounds…that seems like a “normal person’s goal” and I don’t see myself that way at all yet. You know?
I know exactly what you mean!! That’s what’s so exciting about it. 😊
I have no doubt you’re going to make it happen 🙂 Best of luck with the new job! Hope you have a great semester ahead! It must feel great to be that close to goal 🙂