8 Week Challenge Final Update

Well.  8 weeks.  That flew by.  Not really.

I set out to lose 10-15 pounds and I did lose 11.  But then I gained some of it back.  I’m inclined to say of course I did because that’s exactly the sort of thing I would do, but…  I don’t know.  I guess I shouldn’t say it.  So I’m not going to.

I fell off my eating good wagon and now I’ve gained back a little of what I lost.  All in all I’m down 8 pounds.  That’s good for 8 weeks.  I wish it was more, especially since I need it to be more.  I’ll get there, eventually.  It’s not going to be easy, but then again few things worth having are all that easy.

I set out to not drink during the week.  I actually haven’t had a drink since September 4.  I’ve had less heartburn, less headaches and I’ve been less tired.  Go figure.

Of course, I still have heartburn, headaches and I’m still always tired, so it’s just more proof that I have a lot of work to do to get my health on track.

I was going to exercise 20 minutes a day, 5-6 days per week.  I did that for 6 weeks.  And then I just stopped.  I don’t really have a good reason.  Life got in the way.  I’ll get back to it.  I say that a lot, don’t I?

I was going to not eat out for breakfast or lunch during the week.  The only day I didn’t stick to this was  the day Friday I spent with my husband as part of our anniversary weekend.  I feel like that’s an OK reason to cheat.  If cheating is ever OK that is.

I do feel like I changed my life.  I know that sounds crazy, especially since I didn’t really meet my overall goals.  But I did.  I think differently.  I don’t feel like beating myself up, I feel like getting back on track.  I don’t feel like getting Chipotle for lunch every single day.  OK, I kind of do, but I won’t.  I felt better when I was exercising and I’m looking forward to doing better at it.

I’ll be honest, it’s really hard to fit in exercise.  I want to exercise, but I also want clean clothes, a clean and fed child, my paycheck, etc.  So by the time I get around to exercising, I’m too tired to do it.  It’ll get easier to fit it in, to make a it a priority.  Right?  Won’t it?

Oh, the vegan day.  That didn’t happen.  Sorry.  The whole hurricane thing really threw me.  I’ll do it though and post about it.  Promise.  I have a plan.  It’s a thin one right now, but I have one.

In any event, the Challenge is over.  I have met some great bloggers that I look forward to continuing to read.  I have enjoyed this little bit of community and I’m thankful for the opportunity to participate.  Pish Posh is an awesome person and I’m so glad I’ve been able to connect with her.  She is such a kind, generous and caring person and she orchestrated this whole thing.  And she’s funny as hell.  If you have been following along on this challenge but haven’t been reading her posts, you are missing out.  It’s that simple.

That’s it folks.  Thanks for reading about this adventure!

13 thoughts on “8 Week Challenge Final Update

    1. Michelle Longo

      Thank you! I did better this time around than I have in previous attempts to treat my body better. I’m pleased – not thrilled and not disappointed. It was such a supportive group, how could I not!

  1. Gina

    Eight pounds is still an accomplishment and no alcohol is too! Start each day fresh and shake off the bad from the day before. And having breakfast out for your anniversary is not an official cheat. You will have more and more time to exercise when your kids get older. You are trying your best so Jo beating yourself up! Congrats on the 8!

  2. Pish Posh

    Honestly, I wish to heck I’d lost eight pounds! That is amazing. We all lose then gain then lose. But overall you lost some and that’s a big win! Please be nicer to Michelle!

  3. fiftyshadesofpeach.com

    Yay for you!!! No really, YAY FOR YOU, that’s an ORDER! 🙂 You did what you were able to do, considering what life threw at you and that is awesome. I’m proud of you. Be proud of you too. I already dug ya from Yeah Write, but now I dig ya even more after seeing a different side of Michelle. Does that make sense? Hope so. xox

  4. Robbie K

    awesome update and what an accomplishment! I keep starting and stopping with working out and eating healthy. I did give up coca cola…so it’s a start.

  5. pansiesandsunflowers

    You did great! Eight pounds IS an accomplishment, even if you would have preferred more. And you did make changes in your life and your diet, so give yourself some credit. Really. The exercise thing is really hard with parenting and earning a paycheck. If you figure it out, please let me know! It’s been great getting to know you. The community building was the best part of the challenge.

  6. Ken

    I set goals for myself that I had trouble reaching. That was mostly because of all my life stuff getting in the way as well. I think we have to try to figure out how to fit the things we want to do, around the things we have to do. As long as we keep trying. I think that’s the important thing. And yes, I’m certain it will get easier.

    It was nice getting to know you a bit through this challenge, Michelle. And like everybody has been saying, 8 pounds is certainly an awesome achievement. You should be proud.

  7. Kianwi

    Down 8 pounds is still awesome! And you will get back on track. You can do it, which is proven by the fact that you just did it!

    Good luck in NaBloPoMo, too!

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