25%...GONE!!!

What is 25% of 254.6 you might ask? Well, quite literally it is 63.7-ish, but for me it is a new life.

A few weeks ago, after a weigh-in, I noticed that had lost 25% of my total body weight since starting the HMR program! Twenty-one weeks....just over 5 months....has completely changed me. If you would have asked me how well I thought I would do in less than 6 months, I don't know that I could have looked you in the eye and told you that a forth of my body would be gone. I have never been on an "easy" diet, and I won't lie to you and say that HRM has been easy, but it definitely hasn't been as difficult as any other diet I have been on....and there have been plenty!!!

Currently, I am struggling with the lack of variety. Don't get me wrong, there are quite a few entrees to choose from and you can create some great meals by adding fruits and vegetables, but I personally only like about 6 of the entrees, and I believe I have attempted every veggie combination imaginable!!! The point is, while it can be challenging a times, I am still losing weight which is the overall goal.

My mind has been recently leaning towards going into "maitenance" or the newly-named "phase-two" of the program. While many people still lose weight in this phase, it is more about re-educating yourself on how to eat and what to eat. The program consists of reintroducing lean proteins, whole grains, and low fat dairy back into your diet. I am going to stick it out in phase one for a bit longer, but this is going to be my next step....or I may die of a carrot overdose!

UPDATE: Insanity Workout

Just a quick note to say that I started the Insanity workout yesterday, and it is exactly that...INSANE! I can barely walk today and I am afraid for disc 2!!! If I can actually make it through this 60-day program I am positive that my body will change....pain only makes you stronger, right....RIGHT????

Wish me luck...I will need it!

Recent Shopping Trips

Engagement Photo Shoot Outfit:

I was lucky enough to have my maid of honor and best friend, Laurie, visit me in Omaha a few weeks back. She flew in from D.C. for a whirlwind weekend of wedding planning. Saturday we went to a local bridal store to find her bridesmaid dress, which we did successfully. We also ventured to Archiver's (AKA the scariest place on earth) where we befriended one of employees who offered to assist me in my invitation-making (SCORE!). We scoped out some bachelorette venues and had a salsa party that night. Not dancing...actual salsa. I have to take pleasure in the condiments I am allowed to eat!!!

Sunday we ran a few errands including looking for an outfit for my upcoming engagement photo shoot with Jay. I am still shopping at Lane Bryant, but am almost out of the plus sizes. With Laurie's expertise, I was able to put together a unique outfit to wear in May when we take our photos.

Thanks Laurie for all of your help!!! It was great seeing you!

SWIMMING SUIT SEASON!!!:

I know we're not there yet, as Omaha still has snow on the ground, but Jay and I will be in sunny Arizona in less than a month to visit his parents. My stomach as been in knots of anxiety due to the looming trip to find a swimming suit. This is a task that I have avoided at all cost, and I was not looking forward to it at all. I know I have lost weight, but I have NEVER looked good in a swimming suit and I probably never will. The only reason I am putting myself through this torture is because Jay broke my last swimming suit (that I bought in 2004!) when we were in Vegas last fall. Mind you, that swimming suit was entirely black...the color that hides all!!! Let's face it...I will never been wearing a bikini but I needed something to get me through. I refused to spend a lot of money, and did not want to try anything on so my purchase decision was made as we were going from the electronics section to the cosmetics in Target. I grabbed the one suit I could find that would cover me and didn't look like a Hawaiian acid trip, and I shoved it in my cart.

I'm going to apologize because I know this is not a Sports Illustrated level photo op, and I am most DEFINITELY not a super model, but I'm putting it out there because it's progress...plain and simple. I would have NEVER dared to post a picture of me in my swimming suit before, and while I still see the cottage cheese in my legs, it's only going to get better from here. Bring it on summer!