I shared this post on my Instagram account yesterday, but thought I would share here on my blog as well. The difference a year can make, my friends! This time last year, I was sitting on the sidelines, 4 months postpartum, watching my husband compete in the 2014 Crossfit Games Open. I actually felt great that day: I remember the baby taking a nice long nap that afternoon and finally having the ability to take a shower, blow dry my hair and put on some makeup. I wanted to look pretty as I cheered on my very in shape husband and socialized with all of his gym friends. When I saw someone post this picture the next day on Facebook, I remember being embarrassed. Did I really look that big? I didn't feel that big. I've always been a very confident person and think I carry weight pretty well, but I still did not like the way I looked in this photo.

I also remember talking to my husband that day and I thought he was crazy when he told me, "Next year, you will be doing it too!" YEAH OKAY HONEY. I had already started to dabble in some Crossfit workouts, but with a new baby, and my husband's crazy work schedule, it was very hard to commit to a consistent program. Around the end of June, with the help of the Kid Care program at a new Crossfit Box that opened up locally, I was able to commit to Crossfit and workout 3-4 times a week. It was such a game changer and, lo and behold, here I am. One year later, with my Rogue and Reebok gear, head band and thumbs taped ready to take on the first workout in the 2015 Crossfit Games Open.

I have God, my husband, family, friends, Whole30, and Crossfit to thank for my transformation. There's still a long way to go but I'm rejoicing in this milestone.  Wherever you are in your journey, take a moment to pat yourself on the back for every good choice you've made. For getting up early to workout. For trying a new vegetable this week. For resting when your body needed rest. All of these good choices add up and you may not see a difference today or tomorrow, but you will. I'm a different person today than I was in that first picture and I couldn't feel more blessed.

XOXO,
SMP

My past experiences with Whole30 have always been great - I've lost weight, felt less bloated, had clearer skin, slept better, and had more energy. Since my first 30 days back in August 2012, we began incorporating a Paleo lifestyle with our occasional treats for special occasions or if we just felt like having pizza, we had pizza. I maintained my weight loss for the most part, but after having my daughter at the end of October 2013, I had a lot of weight to lose again. I did two Whole30s in 2014 and began to do Crossfit. These all helped me lose about 25 pounds throughout the year, but once the holidays came around, I gained some weight back. I feel as though I completely let loose and negated all of the progress I made throughout the year. I decided to embark on a Whole100 on December 29, 2014 because I really wanted to see what an extended Whole30 program would do for me.

Let me tell you that it has been the best experience so far. Today, I'm on Day 61 and while I lost almost 6 pounds in the first 30 days, I feel as though I'm experiencing the best results now 31 days past the initial program. My body composition is definitely changing. My clothes are fitting WAY better. My bloat is gone. Today I'm actually on my monthly cycle, and I typically gain 5 pounds of water weight and look like I'm 3 months pregnant. But I don't see that in my photo today! I would love to say that I'm sleeping better - but I have an almost 16 month old that has been crazy at night. However, despite the sleep deprivation, I am able to hold it together throughout the day with more energy - so that's still a win!

The funniest part of all of this is that when I weighed myself this morning, I didn't lose one fraction of a pound since Day 30. Maybe it is because I'm on my monthly cycle and I did in fact gain some water weight that is hiding my actual weight loss. Maybe not. Some would say that means the program isn't working, but it clearly is. Look at the difference in that picture above from Day 21 and Day 61! I thank God I have been taking pictures because if I didn't see this physical proof, I probably would be feeling terrible today about not losing any more weight. But I'm not mad, I'm actually feeling great and so motivated to continue on this journey.

In fact, I may never get on the scale again. It truly doesn't tell my whole story. Who cares anyway how much force is exerted on my body by gravity? I just care about how I look and feel, and gosh darnit, I think I'm looking pretty good and feeling even better.

XOXO,
SMP

 

I know, I know. The Whole30 program rules say that I cannot weigh myself or take body composition measurements until the full 30 days are over. But I couldn't wait.  If this is the one rule I'm breaking, I think I'm okay. 

The last time I weighed myself was on Monday, July 30th. I have a fancy scale that also sends electric currents through my body to determine Body Fat %, Water %, Muscle Mass and BMI. 

I am happy to report that in the last 7 days, I have improved in ALL of those categories. Woot. Woot. 

As of this morning, Tuesday, August 7th, I am down THREE POUNDS. I officially weigh less than I did on my wedding day. I am so thrilled to be past that number so that I can now focus on the next goal. FEELING GREAT.

I also improved in the following areas:

BODY FAT % - DECREASED BY 1.3%

WATER % - INCREASED BY .5%

MUSCLE MASS - INCREASED BY .3

BMI - DECREASED BY .6 

FEELING DOUBLY GREAT.

I am blogging my way through the Whole30 program, based on the book "It Starts With Food." Click here to find out more and join me if you'd like! I dare you. Triple doggy dare you. ;)

FINALLY!

I broke through my 6 week long plateau!!!

HERE ARE THE STATS:
CHEST: Lost 5.5 in
WAIST: Lost 4.5 in
MIDSECTION: Lost 6 in
HIPS: Lost 5 in
THIGHS: Lost 2.5 in
BICEPS: Lost 3 in
TOTAL INCHES LOST: 26.5

Isn't that insane??


My motivation just shot up a few notches.

WW also started these new progress reports this week...pretty cool. Here is the one I received for the last 4 weeks:(Click on Image to View Full Size)