Monday (Holiday) Accountability Report

Amazingly, I avoided the barbecues and managed to feast on fresh seafood (steamed, not fried) for lunch today. I splurged a bit on sweets (had a serious craving today for chocolate I couldn’t seem to satiate), but my exercise today more than cancelled out my cheats.

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I’m hoping the return to work tomorrow (yay, regimen!) will help me stay on track and get below 125 by Friday. So close!

Bon appetit, my friends!

Tori

Sunday Accountability Report

I spent my Sunday trying to stay busy and keep my mind occupied, so I found myself wandering the outlet malls and people-watching for several hours.

I rounded down to 2.5 hours of walking on my calorie counter, but I pretty much walked circles through the mall from 5pm-9:30pm, pausing only a few times to try on (and purchase!) a few fun items.

All and all, not a bad day.

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My first weekend (in a looooong time) without a MAJOR, no-holds barred cheat day. I’m pretty proud.

Bon appetit, my friends!

– Tori

Friday Accountability Report

Whoops! I almost forgot to post this!

I’m proud of myself for two reasons today—

One: I ordered pizza (and breadsticks!) for my team meeting today and didn’t have any, despite the ridiculously delicious smell and the sight of all that gooey, cheesy goodness.

Two: I only had a small serving of FroYo at Jason’s Deli, which is a huge testament to my will power, as I typically have a cone the second I walk in (before my salad!) and again before I leave.

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Not a bad day! Let’s hope I can continue to stay strong over the weekend. A holiday, too!

Bon appetit, my friends!

~ Tori

Weigh-In Wednesday!

OK, with 52 days left until my 30th birthday and the clock counting down, here’s my very first weigh-in/measurement on my DIRTY THIRTY CRUNCH plan:

Weight: 129.6 (down from Monday’s 130.2)

Right Thigh: 21″

Left Thigh: 20.5″

Right Arm: 9.75″

Left Arm: 10.25″

Waist: 26.75″

Hips: 34.5″

I’m not sure what my ideal measurements are at this time (perhaps measuring my arms is pointless, but it seemed important), but I do know I want to be solidly in a size two by my 30th birthday. And under 119 pounds. I’m 5’3″, so that’s a HEALTHY number and very attainable.

52 days to go.

Wish me luck!

Bon appetit, my friends!

The Required New Year’s Resolutions Post

OK, you all knew it was coming… the infamous resolutions post. This is the expected annual tradition for any of us that has an unhealthy vice (which is practically 99.9% of humanity, I’m sure) and, for many people, it feels like an act of futility. While I’ve been a bit down lately regarding my weight and eating habits, I recognize the opportunity that comes with setting resolutions for a new year.

You see, I am a naturally competitive person and I thrive on goal-setting and benchmarks. In fact, I am most religious with my workouts and diet when I have a very clear, defined goal and a due date that I’m trying to accomplish.

For example, every time I’m invited to be in a wedding party as a bridesmaid, I make it a point to order a dress size SMALLER than what I need. (Literally, I won’t be able to zip the dress or, if I can zip it, I can’t breathe.) And, every time, I’ve managed to lose the weight (despite months and months of plateaued weight prior) in time to comfortably wear the dress for the ceremony.

There is something about a tangible goal – and putting my money where my mouth is by purchasing the dress ahead of time – that gives me the dedication of a saint, the self-command of a drill sergeant. So, with that being said, I’m outlining very goal-specific resolutions for 2014 that I hope will serve as the commitment I need to whip myself into shape.

So, here we go!

2014 Resolutions:

  1. Participate in at least ONE organized run/obstacle course per month. (Will be signing up for several races tonight – AKA, paying a lot of registration fees!)
  2. Complete a half marathon before before my 30th birthday. This run is practically starting in my backyard and supports a great cause, so there isn’t an excuse not to do it in March.
  3. Wear a size 2 dress on my 30th birthday. I’m currently shopping around for a nice one (trying to make sure it’s not stretchy, so I can’t “cheat” by squeezing myself into a size smaller than I am) and I will post a picture here once I’ve ordered it.
  4. Complete a full marathon before January 1st, 2015. (Dates past March 2014 aren’t posted yet, so I’ll have to wait to register for a marathon until later in the spring).
  5. Be more dedicated to the Paleo lifestyle. I will do this by spending the money on true, Paleo ingredients so I stop cheating with dairy, wheat, and soy. Julian’s Bakery and Caveman Cookies will become good friends in 2014.

I know I will be adding to this list of resolutions shortly, as I tend to create new, smaller goals to help ensure I hit the big ones. I just wanted to vocalize (and publicly commit) to some of my resolutions now before I have a chance to recant on them.

Between now and January 1st, I’m trying to stop stressing my weight and just enjoy good friends, good food, and good spirits. My weight has been teetering between 132-135 despite missed workouts and a crazy diet, so perhaps I won’t spiral into morbid obesity after all. I’m a little squishier around the middle, but I think that’s encouraged this time of the year, considering all the hugs we like to give out. If anything, I’m doing a favor for my family and friends – no one likes to huge a washboard or a wood plank, right? Right.

On that note, it’s time for a homemade brownie. Bon appetit, my friends!

~ Tori

Sharing my Story: HuffPost!

Back in July, I was reading through the stories on the Healthy Living section on the Huffington Post. If you’ve never visited the site, you really should – talk about motivation!

So many people who took control of their lives and transformed their bodies through diet, exercise, and healthy mindset – how can that not inspire you?

After reading stories of young men and women that had overcome eating disorders, I realized that I shared a similar journey. While my struggles may have been for different reasons, the core nature of our issues were the same.

I’ve been very transparent with sharing my story here, on my blog, which is visited by about 2,000 people.

Why not share my story with the world?

And so I did.

You can read the full article by clicking here.

Thank you for all of your love, support, and encouragement. Being “healthy” isn’t a destination – it’s a lifelong journey.

Bon appetit, my friends!

~ Tori

Less than 4th grade.

It’s official.

As of this morning, I weigh less than I did in the 4th grade. The scale reported 132.8, which, to the best of my knowledge, is the least I’ve weighed since I was nine years old.

I attribute this to a combination of being ill, of working out 5-6 days per week, and my continued commitment to Paleo, not counting the dairy-obsession I’ve had on and off for the last four weeks.

My graduation is this Friday and, roughly six weeks ago, I purchased a size four dress to wear to the event (under the giant, shapeless gown, of course). When I purchased it, I could zip it – but it was like the casing on an andouille sausage. Not attractive.
As of this morning, it not only zips, it has wiggle room.

Delightful, beautiful wiggle room.

I will post a picture of myself in the dress on Friday, assuming I opt to take off the cap and gown I’ve worked 2.5 years to earn the right to wear. Meanwhile, I’m going to be avoiding salt for the next 72 hours and pray to God that the 6am alarm clock on Friday doesn’t get snoozed too frequently. Otherwise, I’ll be rocking a size four dress with my hair in a messy bun and mascara under my eyes.

On that note, bon appetit my friends!

~ Tori