It has been a transforming 12 weeks.  Absolutely transforming.  I started doing Somerset’s Biggest Loser with my husband 12 weeks ago.  I started back to the gym as my New Year’s Resolution on December 31, 2008.  It was hard.  I had every excuse in the book and I think it’s important to share them because I like many of you would have just been happy being a little soft after having two children, or being in my 30s or whatever excuse I wanted to make up, I was going to find a way to sabotage my health.  I’m thankful that I’ve gone this direction instead.

“You know, the kids, I have kids… I can’t work out.” It is the one excuse that I would use every single time.  The kids, I can’t…. blah blah blah… crap.  That’s what that excuse is.  Whatever gym you go to, I’m sure they have “day care” and guess what, my kids, after 12 weeks want to go to the gym!  They like the change of toys, playing with some of the kids there, and they love the girls who work in the child care area.  Love them.  Precision Fitness is one place that has you covered if you have kids.  Also, something else… get out and do something WITH THE KIDS!  Take them to one of the state parks and hike the trails.  You might even have to carry one for a few miles!

I think the point is that I allowed my children to become part of the plan.  My kids are too old for this, but pushing kids in a stroller is a workout in itself.  Don’t discount any exercise you do.

“I don’t have time.  I’m just too busy.” Here is another one of my famous excuses.  I’m busy.  There is no doubt I’m busy.  I’m busy busy.  BUT, I have become a master of my time.  I am the one in control of my time and my health.  No one else is going to create magical time for the exercise fairy to come wave her wand over me to make me exercise.  It’s 5:45 in the morning right now, and I’m blogging.  I’ve already ran/walked 2 miles.  I don’t usually wake up at 5 am and put on my sneakers, but over the past 12 weeks, I’ve gotten more energy, and seem to just be waking up earlier.  It’s kind of nice.  Another thing that I did during the week was go during my lunch.  No, I didn’t get in massive weight workouts, but I did get my heart rate up for a good 25 minutes, and I made a really good friend in one of my co-workers.  She and I held each other accountable.  “You Gym-in? “ She’d say.  Usually, I would, but you know sometimes I really was too busy.  Did I make it to the gym more than 3 times a week during the 12 week period?  Yep,  without a doubt.  That’s a major major change for me.

“I don’t have time to cook healthy.  We travel a lot, so we eat out a lot.” My excuses for a moderately poor diet.  Those are probably the worst excuses.  There are always healthy choices.  I did not deprive myself at all during the Biggest Loser.  I did watch my calories and try to make healthy choices.  I chose salads with dressing on the side.  I chose vegetarian options (Trust me, I’ve found some good products) I tried my best to plan meals ahead of time, and I tried not to eat out so often.  I cheated though.  One day each weekend was cheat day, and while I did not gorge myself with fatty or unhealthy foods, I did have a slice of pie, ate some pizza, and indulged on my birthday with a wonderfully delicious meal, cake and ice cream.  I found a nice balance.  I did change my eating habits.  I actually started eating. I had previously never eaten breakfast.  It had something to do with one of the kids on my bus getting sick all over my sister.  I haven’t eaten breakfast since that time… I think it was 4^th grade.  I’d skip lunch too because “I was too busy to eat” or when I was a stay-home-mom I’d eat McDonalds’ lunch…., but then I’d eat a big old dinner.  I changed my habits to shake for breakfast, 100 calorie snack, lunch or shake for lunch and dinner up to 600 calories.  I did not starve.  Not once, and like I said…I cheated… but I found a fantastic balance.  It’s not that hard.  But to lose weight, I had to exercise and eat right.  I’m not a personal trainer or a doctor.  I’m just saying what I had to do… consult one before you make these changes.

So what happened to me over 12 weeks?  I quit making excuses. I have more energy.  I’ve lost at least 9 lbs.  I didn’t have that much to lose, but it’s a huge difference.  I went from a size 6/8 to a size 2/4.  My measurements decreased.  I’m happier.  I’m so personally proud of myself that I did this.  I will continue to do this because I’m sure there is more weight that I can shift around.  I’d like to have a little more definition now.  Momma deserves it!  J  I’ve made peace with the gym, with the idea of dieting… maybe I’ve just made peace.

Ahh.  I feel so good.