Set Goals

{Terrible Trampoline Selfies}

Reach for the stars!

For my 60 Day Workout Challenge I set some goals.  Quite a few goals, actually.  And I'm so glad I set so many.  First, because they are motivating.  But second, because when the numbers on the scale stick, it helps to have other goals to track progress with, and it feels good to be accomplishing different things you set out to do.

I've learned in the last sixty days that it's important to celebrate those non-scale victories!  Like this weekend, I was able to jump on the trampoline with the boys & it made them so happy, they thanked God for it during bedtime prayers.  That makes for one happy mama!

Take Pictures

Success Snapshot 8:

TAKE PICTURES!!!

A few people have said my face looks slimmer (which is so nice!) and I definitely feel better, but pictures are a really concrete way to see your progress.

In the picture on the left I was two months postpartum, about 205lbs and exhausted. In the picture on the right I was three months postpartum, about 185lbs and full of energy. It's amazing what a month of exercise and good nutrition can do! You can see the light is back in my eyes. 

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The following are progress pictures from my weight loss.  

They are from the halfway point in my 60 Day challenge.

Before       //       After

Before       //       After

Before       //       After

I am really glad I took these pictures.  When I was taking my "Befores" it was a cruel dose of reality as I saw that giant belly, empty of baby, slumping over my yoga pants... but it motivated me to stick with my workout & eating plans.  And while I'm not yet where I want to be, I'm definitely better than before, and I'm counting that as a win!

Take Measurements

 Success Snapshot 7:

Take Measurements!

When the scale is not going down, 

knowing you're losing inches can keep you going.

I've lost more than eight inches around my middle! 

I love knowing that my body is changing for the better.

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Keep a Food Diary

Success Snapshot 6:

KEEP A FOOD DIARY

Everyday since my journey began I have written down my weight, workout, water intake and food consumption.  I also wrote down any emotions or revelations I had that day in regards to my eating.  It's been good personal accountability and has been great for looking back at how far I've come.

{A typical day for me}

When I started I was pretty in love with my little blank rainbow journal and the beautiful pens my friend Kori sent me when I was still in Alaska.  But YOU GUYS! Then, then (!) I found this journal at Target (when I was shopping with all four of my kids and they were maybe shooting rubberbands at each other on the next aisle over...) and I fell in love. I want everyone to have it.

"No goal was met without a little sweat!"

How adorable is this little gem?

I love everything it stands for!  And the best part? It only cost $14.99 to stay inspired everyday for 120 days!

I took pictures of the inside so you could really catch the magic:

See?!? It's a two page spread that has room for gratitude keeping, goal setting, body loving & food journaling. Plus it has a daily quote to inspire you!!!  I am so pumped for this 60 day challenge to end, and our next Friends (the tv show) themed 21 Day Challenge to start so I can switch to my new Fit Journal! (link is for something similar on Amazon since Target doesn't carry the item online)

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My food journal is also where I keep track of non-scale victories (NSV) and write down my goals.  It's really important to write those down and to celebrate each NSV you reach because that will propel you forward.  For me fitting into my 14's again, and putting my wedding ring back on were huge NSV's that made me feel incredible.

And when it comes to eating right and changing bad eating habits (especially for us emotional eaters) reflection is key!  So run to Target & pick up your new Fit Journal.  And if you're at all curious about  joining our next challenge, which starts Monday June 13th, please let me know!

My email: rcunningham18@hotmail.com

Love Yourself

 As I count down the final ten days of the Summer Slimdown Challenge, I am going to be sharing on Instagram & Facebook (and here on the blog) ten Success Snapshots.  They are the ten things that lead to my success in losing twenty pounds in 8 weeks & feeling a whole heck of a lot better about myself.

Today's Success Snapshot is Love Yourself. 

Know that you have value & are beautiful at every weight & shape. I've been joyful at 215lbs. and I've been miserable at 156lbs. The number doesn't matter-- it's how you feel about yourself that matters. 

"You are altogether beautiful, my love. 

There is no flaw in you." 

-Song of Solomon 4:7

 Since starting this journey toward a healthier, trimmer me, I have found that making myself a priority, taking time to eat right and work out, has made me a happier mama as well as a happier wife.  When I take care of me, and love myself where I am, everyone around me benefits.

 Another aspect of my journey has been body acceptance.  No matter how much weight I lose, I will have stretch marks from three pregnancies, multiple c-section scars and a very funny looking belly button thanks to my laparoscopic gallbladder removal.  But after suffering those miscarriages two years ago, I appreciate my body more than ever for the beautiful, healthy babies it's provided and the strong, healthy pregnancies it did sustain.

So wherever you are starting, love yourself.  Love your body for its ability to hear your loved ones say "I love you" and to walk you out into nature.  Love your body for waking you up in the morning and giving you the gift of another day.

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