F-i-T & Fabulous

Hi anyone & everyone who is/will be reading this!

A little bit about me: 
In high school (a mere 6 years ago) my steady weight was roughly around 139-142 lbs.  Looking back now, I don't know why I was so hard on myself.  I had friends who were 5'3" who complained that they weighed 120 lbs. and in my head I didn't realize that with me being taller; 5'7", it made sense that I had a 20 lb. gain on them... I just always thought to myself.. "oh my gosh, if they are upset at weighing 120 lbs. they must think im obese!"  It's amazing how some years go by, I read in fitness magazines and see that although I'd like to be leaner & have more muscle definition & get in shape --- 140 lbs. is not "fat" or "obese" at all.

However... this year has been a crazy one!  Last summer me and my boyfriend (now fiance woo hoo!) moved out and we went to town eating everything and anything we wanted.  I blew up.  I ate & ate & ate & ate.... it was horrible.  One day I remember being at work and feeling a roll; just as I was standing there... I could feel I had a "muffin top" which for me is a very big deal because I only ever really gain weight in my hips... so the fact that I was now gaining weight in my stomach and getting a "tire tube" around my waist was NOT cool.  My boyfriend (at the time) and I decided enough was enough & to start living a healthier lifestyle.

On Monday, September 7, 2009 I weighed in at 158 lbs. (GASP!) and my measurements were:
Waist -- 30 inches
Hips -- 44 inches
Thigh -- 26 inches

....The hips measurement is the one that kills me.  I had a fourteen inch difference between my hips and waist.  Now don't get me wrong, i've learned to love my curves and I don't ever want to be stick thin and have a "boy shape"... I also know that regardless ill always have hips because I cannot work off or sweat off the actual hip bone.  I just want my hips to be smaller! 

Anyhow moving along with my story: over the next couple months I lost weight gradually and before we went on our vacation to Dominican Republic this year (end of February) I weighed 143 lbs. (15 pound weight loss!) and was feeling much better about myself.  I didn't do anything drastic --- just going to the gym and eating healthier. 

After getting home from the Dominican I was sick for a week (ending up in the hospital) and on March 13, 2010 I weighed in at 147 pounds.
My measurements were:
Waist --- 29.25 inches
Hips --- 42.5 inches
Thighs --- 25.25 inches

For the last 3 weeks (and 2 days) I've been back on my plan of healthy eating & exercising regularly and as of Saturday I weigh 142 pounds (- 5 pounds.... -16 pounds in total since September!)

and my current measurements are:
Waist --- 28.5 inches (- .75 inches)
Hips --- 41.5 inches (- 1 inch)
Thigh --- no measurement taken (oops)

So far I am doing awesome.  I have just under 8 weeks until I'm a bridesmaid in my best friends' wedding. 

My goals are:
1) jog/run a 10 km by October 2010
2) weigh somewhere between 132-135 lbs. by July 1, 2010.
3) have a hip measurement of 37 inches or less by July 1, 2010

So far I feel really good about myself & I know that when I eat properly and exercise I feel like a million bucks.  I want to stay on top of myself & make this lifestyle happen forever.  So far I know that it's working because even though I gained 5 pounds while on vacation/being sedentary after my vacation for a couple weeks... In the last eight months I have continuously lost weight & gained my life back :) Plus its something I can do without feeling deprived.  I feel more deprived of life when I spend time on the couch eating then when I say a polite "no thank you" to lots and lots of sweets offered to me. 

It all comes down to priorities. I am making my priorities from now on: ME! (including my health, happiness, and "me time"), My handsome fiance.  Work.  My close family & friends.

Love L