Day 32 of 730 (Days Off)

I hate my days off from working out. I cannot tell you how crazy I feel to say that. I hate exercise remember? But what I hate more than that is waking up feeling like I swelled up in my sleep. Lately I have been waking up feeling lighter. I have noticed the day after a non workout day I wake up feeling heavy. That would be today. I didn't work out yesterday but I will today. I won't step on the scale but I wouldn't be surprised if I gained 3 lbs last night.

I still ate well yesterday and even cooked dinner even though I had an enormous headache which I blame on not having a coffee in the morning. My headache started around 2:30 so I tried laying down for a while. It didn't help and was getting worse so I took 2 tylenol around 4:00. By 7:00 I still wasn't feeling any better so I took 2 more tylenols and went to 'sleep' for a while. Finally caved in and made some coffee around 9:00pm and then felt 100% better within minutes. This caffeine addiction is out of control.

Anyway, back to the main topic, I know we all must take a few days to rest but what can I do to continue feeling light and not so heavy? Does anyone else feel this way? Do you think it's all in my head? Do you take rest days?

Day 31 of 730 (Friday the 13th)

Today is Friday the 13th. It is a special day to me because today would have been my nana's 71st birthday. However she died 12 years ago when she was only 59 years old. She was in bad health and a lot of her health problems stemmed from being over weight such as asthma and diabetes.

Today I also had to write an assessment placement test for college. I told myself that she was with me today as I braved the very confusing campus trying to find my way around. I found my way so my theory can't be all crazy.

Whenever I have to go somewhere on a weekday I consider it out of routine so extra preparations and planning are necessary if I want to stay on track. I woke up a little bit earlier to ensure I had enough time for breakfast and made sure not to stop and buy anything from Tim Hortons or other tempting well loved places. As soon as I returned home I made myself lunch. This should sound like regular everyday things but the old me would have slept until the last minute, ate on the go for breakfast and lunch (if there was even a breakfast).

I am not working out today but will do so tomorrow.

Day 30 of 730 (Happy Day)

Today I feel really happy. I have really stuck to my plan to change my life. It is the 30th day and there are only 700 days left for my challenge. I know it's really forever but I love counting down the days so just plat along with me.

I am looking forward to mini milestones including day 50, 100, 500 etc. It makes me feel like I am well on my way to know I am on day 30. I had to work this morning. It's rare for me to have to go to work on a weekday but I made sure to wake up a few minutes early to have breakfast first. Now I am back home and will work out after I drink some more water. These are the little changes that I've been making to ensure my success. The old me would not have eaten breakfast and definitely would not be working out.

What are some of the little changes you have made in your life? What are some of the mini milestones you have celebrated?

Day 29 of 730 (Changes)

Since I began this journey I have tried to make some changes and some are working. The two biggest changes have been switching from white bread to whole wheat and switching from cream to milk in my coffee. I have also increased my water consumption which is a miracle in itself. I eat breakfast, lunch and dinner every day and exercise 4-5 times a week. I shop differently in the grocery store and eat differently when on the run.

And all these changes are changing me. I am sleeping better and waking up feeling rested. My skin is not so dry anymore. I've been getting a lot of compliments on my hair lately too. I smile more and I am less moody.

I know I have a long journey ahead of me but so far I have been feeling so very positive and sticking to my plan. It's getting easier to control cravings and they really are coming less and less. I find myself often reading labels and thinking "nah, it's not worth it" and choosing something healthier.

I am also so grateful to have you all helping me keep my mind on track knowing that you are fighting the same battle. It really is a subject of mind over matter and keeping our minds on track is all we really need to do. The rest will follow.

Day 28 of 730 (Planning Lunches)

As you know I am starting college this September. What you may not know is that I have been home Monday-Friday for the past 3 years. I am used to having my days to myself with my fridge and stove mere steps away. I am worried about going to school and having to pack a lunch. I haven't packed myself a lunch since grade 7. I always bought myself food. When I was pregnant with my second child I had a co-worker/friend care so much that she brought me lunch EVERY DAY. So I gave her my lunch money. I know I am spoiled.

This time I have serious goals and eating out even once a week is simply not an option. But what can I pack that is easy to eat on the go? I am looking for lots of your tried and tested great college lunch ideas. Thank you :)

Day 27 of 730 (Positivity x 3)

Today I want to work on thinking positive so I have come up with some categories and in each category I will list three positive observations. The reason I am doing this is because I want to put the good things on a pedestal and sweep the negative things under a rug.

Working Out
1. Been consistent with 5 workouts per week
2. Breathing much better and no longer cramping
3. Building stamina and ready to gradually increase time

Eating
1. Dramatic increase in fruits and vegetables consumed
2. Dramatic decrease in pre-packaged foods consumed
3. Drinking more water and less diet coke

Emotional Change
1. Wake up more alert and less tired
2. Generally more patient and happy
3. Proud of myself

Physical Change
1. Smoother skin, especially face
2. Feel slightly slimmer in random areas
3. Stronger heart and lungs

Going to College
1. Free gym membership
2. Moving more simply by leaving the house every day
3. Will be tired and have better sleeping schedule

I through in the going the college one because it's the one thing causing me the most stress right now. I do feel more positive after writing this post. I am now ready to face the week ahead.

Day 26 of 730 (Week In Review)

Another Sunday is here! That means it is review day. This week has been very successful for me because I pushed through and worked out out everyday Monday to Friday even through my period. I ate well every meal and snacked mostly healthy. I had a few too many Areo single bars during the rougher 2 days of my cycle but I still feel good about the week.

My husband and I have cut back a little bit more on our pre-packaged foods at the grocery store and increased the amount of fresh foods we are buying. When we do choose a pre-packaged item we read and compare the labels. I have fallen in love with the Strawberry Melon and the Blueberry Raspberry FUZE drinks. I am not having too many though. I still haven't completely let go of my diet coke. I tried but I'm not ready. I have decreased dramatically though and will continue to wean myself.

This week I am going to increase 2 of 5 days of my workout time from 25 minutes to 35minutes on the treadmill. This week I found a few days where I wasn't quite tired enough when it was over. Next week I will do 3 days at 35 minutes and then the week after be 100% at 35 minutes. I would also like to work on learning how to do push ups. As of now I can do next to zero of them. I will let you know when I can do 10.

This is not weigh in day so check back on September 1st to see a weight update as well as a measurement update. For those who don't know, I weigh in once a month and measure once every two months.