Getting into Shape

Stripping down to my bathing suit on the cruise a few weeks ago was a rude awakening for me. I spent the better half of deployment doing CrossFit, so I was confident that my lower backside looked good. After Hubs came home though, I kinda slacked when it came to going to the gym. For the cruise I had a brand new bikini from Victoria's Secret that I was excited to wear and show off the majority of my booty.

Unfortunately, after Hubster came home, many nights were spent on the couch consuming pints of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Half Baked, Chunky Monkey, Chubby Hubby, all which led to a chubby wifey. I didn't even realize how out of shape I had gotten until I was getting ready to head to the pool the first time. For some reason I never really noticed that my jeans were kinda too tight as well.

Since we should soon be receiving a large chunk of insurance money to replace all of the clothes that was recently stolen from us, I've promised myself that I will get back into my perfect shape again to be able to buy and fit into the smalls that I've always worn. Oh, and not die before my kids are in middle school.

Prior to having kids and getting old, I was able to eat everything and not do a second of physical activity. Outsiders would probably still consider me to be thin, but both Hubs and I agree that I look like a four month pregnant Alex. Apparently, life has caught up to me, and I need to make some changes. I'm not trying to go psycho fitness junkie or do some fad diet, but I have made a loose set of rules for myself.

1. Drink more water. This one is kind of easy. It was easier back in Georgia where my refrigerator just spit it out for me, but like I said, I'm going to have to work a little and reach into the fridge for the gallon of water. I refuse to drink the sink stuff.
2. Cut out the sugary drinks. Being that we come from Georgia, I thought sweet tea was a better option than soda. Probably not. It's been a while since I purchased soda for the house, so now I just have to always order water when we go it. It helps with rule one, and it's free!
3. Eat healthier. I will admit that I like to eat junk food. I'll take a brownie over carrot sticks any day! I have been snacking on fruits and veggies lately though. This in part has to do with trying to get my kids to pick up healthy habits. Before lunch used to be something like nuggets and macaroni, now I make sure to at least include a fruit or vegetable. Snack time is also healthier options like cheese sticks, yogurt, and fruit juice. For a while now we've also been using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
4. Eat less. Snacking has become somewhat of a hobby. I just do it all day. I've also noticed that I eat when I'm bored. Insert water. If I can snack healthier and eat a bit less in general, I think that'll be a good start. Dinner always included a vegetable as a side, but now it also includes a salad. I always wondered why Hubs would have two full helpings. This has helped solve that problem. Fill up on salad before and only have one serving of whatever dinner is.
5. Get physical. I'm too lazy to go to the gym. Back when I was going, it was primarily for the social aspect. Gossip for an hour, go lift and train for 45 minutes, then get lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon hanging out. I left my girls behind in GA, so now it's up to me to get moving. I've been trying bust out a couple of pushups when I have down time. 30-Day Squat Challenge anyone? Last night we went for a walk after dinner, which should become the norm for us. Elizabeth has also inspired me with her fantastic results to attempt a plank-a-day.

I'm by no means a doctor or personal trainer, but based on my limited knowledge, I think that making these small adjustments to my life should help get me back on track.