Day 28

Well, everyone, I've reached the end.  I do apologize for my absence this week.  Do to some pretty crazy events, my gym time got pushed back to the wee hours of the morning and I usually ended up falling asleep before I got the chance to blog.

BUT!

The great news is this:

1) Developed new eating habits that are STICKING!  That is a huge accomplishment.  Not only am I eating healthier foods, but I have a new eating schedule that is working out wonderfully.
2) I have exponentially improved in the physical department.  I can now run a 9:30 mile and have pushed myself to the point of being able to run up to 3 miles non-stop -- a personal record, and something I am super proud of.  My torso looks less flabby and more toned (although still needs a little work) and my back has lost its little love rolls right under the seam of my bra.  So exciting!
3) The best part:  I have lost a solid 9 pounds.  How awesome is that?? [photo to come].

You can all follow me on my next adventure starting this coming Monday.  I won't reveal what it is quite yet as I am still making preparations.  Just know that the blog title will be "28 Days of _____"

A HUGE thank you to everyone who followed this blog and helped me along this journey to a healthier lifestyle.  I truly could not have done this without you.  Can't wait to share more with you as I go!

Day 21

Just when I thought these days couldn't get any better.  After spending the night in Ann Arbor, our friends, Justin and Irene, invited us to go sailing with them on their new sailboat.  Little known fact about me: I have always wanted to learn how to sail.  And today, I did just that!  It was perfect weather with great wind.  We spent 2-3 hours out on the lake and had a picnic in the park.  Such an awesome day.

Today completes 3 weeks of my little experiment!

I did the worst thing possible though....I had a kid's meal from Burger King.  I know I said no fast food, but I think it will be alright considering I've stayed true to good food and exercise thus far.  Gonna go hit the gym to work it off.

Breakfast:
-Bacon and super deliciously spiced/herbed potatoes

Snack:
-Bread and a little cheese
-Orange slices

Dinner:
-Kid's meal of shame

Day 20

An awesome, awesome day.  Went to Ann Arbor again to celebrate our good friend's birthday and to hear chapters 3-5 of The Hobbit read aloud.  There was another epic spread yet again.  I only nibbled this time since I ate right before we left.

I have worked out every day this week and I'm soooo proud.

Breakfast:
-Apple juice
-Whole wheat bagel with jam

Lunch:
-Spinach salad with 1/4 tuna

Dinner:
-Roast beef sandwich with veggies

Hobbit Dinner (sample sizes)
-Greens with vegan dressing
-Beef Wellington
-Potato leek soup
-Fresh baked bread with vegan spread

Day 19

Breakfast:
-12oz coffee

Lunch:
-Veggie salad
-Pineapple

Dinner:
-2 Eggs, wheat toast, potatoes, turkey bacon

Day 18

All caught up!  I just got back from a ridiculously amazing workout.  3 miles in 30 minutes on that silly step/running/skiing machine thing, 15 minutes arms, then the best part -- I don't know what came over me, but I jumped in the pool with all my clothes on and swam lengths for 15 minutes.  That. Felt. Incredible.

Breakfast:
-Orange juice from Owen

Lunch:
-Green tossed salad with a 1/4 cup of tuna salad
-7 crackers

Dinner:
-Small penne rosa from Noodles (boyfriend took me on a date!)

Such an amazing day.

Days 15-17

Wow, you guys.  It has been a ridiculous past couple of days.  I have stayed healthy and active, but there were several events that happened that took me away from a computer (sister going to the ER, Chris needing to go to Grand Rapids, busy stuff).

Anyway, my routine has stayed consistent over the past few days.  Light breakfast, salad for lunch and something light for dinner.  I will post today's meals and workout later.  Just thought I should let everyone know I didn't drop off the face of the earth.

The one thing I did do that I need to report was have a mai thai last night.  Granted, it was mostly juice, but it was still a drink nonetheless.  These things in moderation, I suppose.  My next drink will be in celebration of this being complete!

Day 13 and 14

Whew!  What an awesome weekend!  I ended up in Kalamazoo with some musical folk and we jammed all of Friday well into the night.  I did not have internet available, but believe me when I say that I ate soooo well.  My friend has an amazing mother who is a phenomenal cook.  Dinner consisted of two different healthy salads, fruit, and sloppy joe for those who wanted it.  So good -- huge shout out to everybody at that event! I had a couple of chocolate covered strawberries for dessert and a glass of wine later in the evening.

I visited my hometown today.  Got on the scale for the first time in 2 weeks and...I've lost 4 pounds!  Small accomplishment, but I am proud :) Spent most of today driving and hanging out with people including my sister.  It was a lovely couple of days.

Breakfast (for today):
-2 sausage links
-2 eggs
-A blueberry pancake
-Orange juice

Lunch/Dinner
-Fresh baked bread
-Grapes
-Spinach salad

I was pretty full from breakfast for most of the day.  I ate when I got into my hometown later in the evening. 

That is one thing I have definitely been noticing -- I am getting full a lot sooner than before.  My portions for meals have changed significantly compared to before.  I have also noticed a change in my sleeping habits too.  I haven't slept very heavily in days, but when I wake up, it's easy to go right back to sleep.  I have tons of energy and don't feel tired after I eat, which is amazing considering all the full days every week. :)