Moving Forward

If you haven't noticed, I have been very motivated and focused on weight loss. Along with all the hard work in the Gym and transforming my relationship with food, I have successfully used the power of Visualization in attaining my current goals. Now that I have lost the bulk of my excess weight, its time to concentrate on maintaining the good habits I have developed and move forward to the next level; that of re-shaping my body through strength training and core exercises.

My BMI currently measures 30.4; a far cry from the 45.3 in 2007. Measure your BMI. Although I feel incredible and very fit, I still qualify as "overweight" in the BMI categories. I have not been on the scale since September 16. I don't plan on weighing myself till October 16. I want to concentrate less on weight loss and more on strength training and core exercises. Over the next 4 or 5 days, I will develop a workout plan and schedule that will take me through the end of the year. The goal will be a 25 pound weight loss along with building upper body strength and overall muscle tone. I am very excited to move into this stage of Re-Engineering my life.

Happy Birthday to Me

This was the day, I was waiting for. Not because it is my Birthday, but because it is the day I set, 10 months ago, to weigh in at 200lbs. I declared a victory when my digital scale read 200.8lbs. this morning. Even though I was short of my goal by a mere 12.8 ounces, my total weight loss was 58 pounds in the 10 months that I have been Vegetarian and serious about fitness. If I got a haircut, I probably would lose more than 12.8 oz., so I celebrate my achievement. I also updated my Real Age Test . If you haven't taken the test, its a thought provoking series of questions about the way you live your life and how your choices impact your overall health. The analyis of your answers are converted into a Biological Age. 10 monthis ago, my Biological Age was measured at 77.2 yrs compared to my calendar age of 57 yrs. Today, as a result of Re-Engineering my life my Biological Age tested at 57 yrs old, on my 58th Birthdayl!!! I AM GETTING YOUNGER!!! Not really, I am just getting healthier.

Although it hasn't been easy, ATTITUDE is everything. I continue to visualize how I want to feel and what I want to look like by December 31. I will continue keep contact with like-minded people who inspire me. I now have 25 more pounds to lose. Nourishing myself with whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables along with regular exercise has now become a way of life that has afforded me improved health, energy, confidence and vitality.

Healthy Living and Friends Along the Way

Three Days till my Intermediate Goal Date. I want to weigh in at 200lbs. or less on September 16. I have managed, executed and adjusted my plan as necessary and will not weigh myself until that day. After that, I set my sights on a weigh in of 175lbs. by December 31, and bring the new year in with a MILESTONE! This time, unlike all the previous weight loss programs, I will maintain all the healthy living habits I have acquired along the way, and never revert back to a life of obesity. With smart food choices and daily exercise, it can be done. With commitment and vision, you will realize improved health and vitality no matter when you start. I hope I can inspire one person to take the journey.

There is another ingredient that has supported my success along my Healthy Living journey. And that is the friendship and connections I have made on Twitter. It all started with keyword searches. My goal was to learn as much as I could from those who acquired top results from eating healthy and exercise. I first found the Green Smoothie Challenge. Like most people, it took me awhile to get past the "Greens" , but I was determined to change my life and was inspired by all those who believed in the value of Leafy Greens. After following the recipes for weeks, I allowed myself to experiment and my creativity flowed allowing me to come up with the most delicious drinks imaginable. After two weeks, I was hooked and rarely a day goes by that I don't have, at least, one Green Smoothie. Then @DrOz had a profound effect on the way I make choices in my daily life. I took his knowledge and teachings and incorporated much of it into my daily life. 

I am currently following hundreds of Healthy Living, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Exercise minded Tweeps. I have been inspired by each of their posts at some level. Following them daily keeps me motivated and focused. And sharing ideas and thoughts regularly integrates me into a community of like minded people of all ages and walks of life. If you are starting out on your Healthy Living Journey, I recommend you follow a few of my Tweeps who have meant allot to me along the way. From these and other great people I have connected with, I have acquired an array of incredibly delicious recipes, great exercise habits, positive focused mind and a renewed commitment to my health.  @hriacobacci, @healthyeveryday, @sleeplessinsimi, @ericasara, @Joel_Luks, @ForDGRedial, @SmoothieDrinker, @singerinkitchen, @icanhazcoffee, @14monthsto50. They are all on their own journeys and I marvel at their dedication. Thank you to all of you.