The Ugly Truth

I`m over three weeks into my new workout regime. I started a couple weeks before Christmas. I thought about waiting until the new year like everyone usually does. But why would I? I figured if I started before the new year--and especially through Christmas--I'd really be on a roll, not just a new year's resolution whim. I figured if I really want this, I'll do it now, I'll do it today. It might help me bypass the Christmas baking and goodies. It worked. I did have a taste this and that, but I can't say I indulged at all, except for a few drinks.

The ugly truth is enough to make me start here and now. All I know is I can't
stand the way my clothes fit, I can't stand being in my own skin and I hate not feeling like myself. I haven't felt like myself in years. Over 6 years to be exact. That's when we started having babies. We have four now. Our oldest is still five. Let's just say my body is not what it was.

When I was six months pregnant with our first, I remember being completely horrified with the changes to my body. Suddenly I put on a lot of weight and things did NOT look the same! That's me sparing you the details. The weight did not come off easily afterwards, even though I nursed and watched my diet. We had three more babies after that. In a row. I have about 10 lbs per kid that is hanging on to my body for dear life. That is my ugly starting point. Everyone has one. I don't think we are having any more for a while, unless God intervenes. But God knows how much my body needs to recover and He knows my plate is currently full of blessings that I am still learning to manage and steward. I think God wants me to be in shape. My kids need a mama with energy. My kids need a happy, joyful mom. My husband needs a happy, joyful wife (who is less shy and ashamed!).

I'm feeling more driven now than I ever have. I don't want my old body back. I want to redesign a new body and actually get ripped. The stretchmarks will still be there, but they'll only be faint battle scars when I've got a smokin' pack of abs. I can already visualize my end goal. That will keep me going.

My Workout:

ChaLEAN Extreme. Holy. Crap. This is the best workout EVER. I love that it has three phases. Each phase is 4 weeks long. First is the "burn" phase. Next is the "push" phase, and finally the "lean" phase. Each phase has a series of weight training circuits. There are also short ab workouts and 2 cardio workouts plus a flexibility/stretching workout. It's a balanced, complete package.

I'm not easily motivated by home workout videos. Trust me. But this one is different. Chalean is seriously motivating. The gals (and guys) are motivating to look at and see how hard they push themselves. The stuff Chalean says really makes sense. Like, for example, the reason you're getting fatter even though you're not eating more, is because you're losing muscle. Muscle burns fat. Muscle feeds on calories, even when you are sleeping and sitting on the couch. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn 24/7. Of course! Well, that solved my mystery. Pregnancy hormones seriously softened me up and I lost so much muscle. That explains why even when I watch my diet, nothing happens. I'm changing that now.

Supplements I'm taking:

MonaVie RVL. Amazing stuff. I've got the protein shakes, the fat-burning supplement and the mini protein bars. I have dinner with my family plus one or two extra snacks during the day if I'm still hungry. This stuff alone is supposed to help the average person lose 30 lbs in 12 weeks. So I'm on that plus I'm doing my muscle-building workouts. Should be a win-win scenario. More on this stuff later.

I started this blog to keep myself accountable. If you read this, please keep me accountable. I will post my progress regularly. I my next post, I'll share how much I've lost or gained and actual figures.
I have too much at stake here. I need to do this. I am doing this. I will succeed.