Rabbit Rabbit!

It feels like 2012 is just whizzing by! I can't believe it's March already.

I took a picture last night to see what my mid-section looked like. I'm aiming to take another one end of March to see where I've toned up.

Don't mind the messy hair and lack of make-up! If you sneak a glance behind me, you see the edge of my weighted hula-hoop. I like to hula-hoop while watching T.V. because it makes me feel like I'm doing something other than sitting around.

I picked up this habit in high school when my mom handed me the hula hoop and said that it'll help me flatten my stomach.

I like to use the space in the master bedroom to work out. Now that the full-length mirror is there, I scrutinize myself when I'm doing my workout videos. On one hand I like what I'm seeing, On the other hand, I see parts that are a work in progress.

Since I don't take measurements, I use how my clothes fit and photos as a tool to see how far I've come. Even though I weigh myself daily, I tend to only focus on the bigger picture.

In the past, dropping the weight wasn't the issue. The huge issue was maintaining the loss. I was either depriving myself and "dieting" or going all out and rewarding my loss by eating whatever I wanted. I had the mentality that I knew how to lose weight but it wasn't a priority. I was full of excuses.

This time around I was determined to figure out how I was going to approach weight loss as a permanent and long-term lifestyle change instead of a temporary fix. Other people seemed to be able to maintain the same weight. Why couldn't I?

I started off as a calorie counter and quickly found out that calories add up quick if I don't watch out. I learned what a portion looked like and how many calories I should eat in a day. I learned what I needed to eat to fuel my work-outs. I learned that I actually enjoyed working out and pushing myself. I bet my PE teachers would be shocked to learn this.

The most important thing I learned was to aim for healthy weight-loss every week. My goal was 1-2 lbs a week - sometimes I lost more, sometimes I lost less. The important thing was that it was a downward trend.

I remember the pounds came off so fast in the beginning. I was so stoked at my progress and excited to learn that I could enjoy my meals and still lose weight.

Nowadays, I'm more of an intuitive eater since I cook almost all my meals (unless I'm traveling) and exercise fairly regularly. I am very aware of what my body feels, needs and wants.

Here's a trip down memory lane since I've been on this healthier approach. 

I debated whether or not to post this picture or not since it isn't the most flattering picture. I realized that I do want to show this picture because it's a reminder of where I was only a few years ago. 

October 2009

This is about 10 lbs down from my peak starting weight (this time around). 

I wanted to celebrate my first 10 lbs loss so I took this picture. 

February 2010 

I was about 4 months into my journey approximately 25 lbs higher than  now.

These pictures were taken on our family trip to Hiroshima, Japan.

February 2011

These pictures were taken approximately 15 lbs higher than now.

These were taken on our vacation to New Zealand. 

As you can see, my weight-loss hasn't been super fast but I'm ok with that because it's the longest I've ever maintained a loss. I did it on MY terms.  

What are you goals for the new month?