31 Days…Still Motivated? Still Going Strong? Drop lbs?

31 Days down and 334 days to go in 2019.

The first 31 days of this year-long health and fitness journey, bye-bye! I have remained as focused and motivated as Day #1. I made the commitment to embark on this lifestyle change and so far I am sticking to it. Each day I find myself researching and pursuing information to find ideas to help me stick to my schedule/routine and at the same time keep things fresh and exciting. I watch YouTube videos, scroll Instagram and Pinterest, read daily blogs, and search Google to find different recipes, meal plans, exercise routines, and regimens to help me manage my needs to keep going STRONG (I'm sure we all do this). In the past, I would start a diet and it was almost a secret until someone noticed a change and you were almost forced to say what you did or were doing. I had only a few friends to share my experiences with to help me stay on track. Well, this journey is DIFFERENT, totally DIFFERENT. I know a lot of my motivation and success staying on track has to do with sharing my story on different social media platforms. The other reason is I am getting older and quite frankly, could care less who knew or didn't know about my struggles with weight or body insecurities. I am more comfortable talking about the things I do that work for me, didn’t work for me, or I tweaked to get my results. In 31 days, I have managed to beat the "Suga" monster, stay away from CARBS, and workout regularly. The “Suga” monster is like the devil on your shoulder. I keep reminding myself of the goals and that’s about the only thing standing in the way of me devouring a bag of Haribo Gummies (well, and my husband guarding the basket at the grocery store blocking my attempts to get the bag in the backset before checkout - THANKS HUSBAND #MutomboInGeicoCommerial)

I continued to track my weight, calories burned during a workout, meals through MyFitnessPal.

January Exercise and Diet in Review

The last week of January I was not able to work out due to my hectic schedule at work (that’s a whole other blogging topic). However, I managed to drop weight since my last blog post. I am down to 163.6 lbs. When I realized I was not going to be able to get my workouts in during the week, I immediately shifted focus to my food intake and intermittent fasting. I needed to make sure I watched my caloric intake since there would not be a sweat session to burn calories. There really was not much of a difference in my food intake or what I ate but rather the timing of when I had my meals. I basically had Bulletproof Coffee (it’s a KETO thing) for breakfast and a late lunch (so I wasn’t hungry by the time I got home from work). I will be back in the gym next week so I don’t know if I will need to make adjustments to my eating schedule or meals but I will be sure to track and share in the next blog post. I have prepared new circuit routines and can’t wait to try them out.

Phoenix Silhouettes 31 Day Results — 31 days…163.6 lbs

7 lbs down

31 Day Recap

In the last 31 days, I have learned my motivation is fueled by sharing my story with people, researching what works for me, and ultimately RESULTS. Anyone on a journey (no matter the cause), will agree with RESULTS being the constant driver to keep you moving forward. I started December 31, 2018 at 170.6 lbs and January 31, 2019, I am 163.6 lbs. And those who know me very well, know 7 is my number [52]…

As I continue in the month of February, I will continue to provide updates and weigh-ins. I will also start a mini section in my next blog to provide food ideas based on what I eat in a day or in the week. This will be “Phueling My Phoenix” blog series. This should help some people who need to see exactly what foods rather than generalized food groups.

In my last blog post, I mentioned exercise gear i.e. waist trainers. A blog post will be going up next sharing information about waist trainers. Phoenix Silhouettes is preparing to “soft” launch waist trainers and waist trainer vests for purchase online.

*All trainers are Black in sizes L - 3XL*

DISCLAIMER: You should always consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise plan.