July 22, 2011

Let's Get Physical

Not so long ago(6 years), I looked like this:

Disney World, 2005--friends' college graduation trip

I believe I tipped the scales at around 165. I probably hit 170 at my highest. I am barely 5'2".

I was never a skinny kid...or teen...or college student. I was always a bit overweight, but in college it got a little out of control. I actually lost weight living in the dorms (Brumby hill, baby), but that all went down the drain when I lived in the DG house my second and third years at UGA. Living in the sorority house meant we had meals cooked for us Monday-Friday, but we were on our own on the weekends. Instead of stocking my mini fridge with easy-to-make foods, I went out to eat with my friends. I probably went out 4-5 times a WEEK! The picture above was taken the summer following my third year at school. After this trip, I moved in to a condo with my best friend on the East side of Athens. We cooked dinner together, I cut out almost all fast food (save my beloved Chick-fil-a), and I started walking to campus from the apartment and walking all around campus. By the time I graduated in May 2007, I weighed around 110. I lost 50 lbs!

I moved to Birmingham for six months. While there, I began actively working out at the YMCA taking classes such as BodyPump and BodyFlow(oh, how I wish my Y had these classes!). I also continued to learn to cook. I was very happy with my weight/healthy lifestyle.
J and I began dating and I moved to Memphis in March 2008. After 3 years, my weight has slowly crept back up and I'm about 15 lbs above where I'd like to be. I've decided to get my butt back in gear before it goes up anymore. Losing it once was hard enough!

You can tell by my Menu Mondays that I try to cook fairly healthy meals and I limit how much I eat out (for budget and health reasons). Really, the only meal out I usually do is on Sundays with J's parents! Not to say I deprive myself of my favorites. Sekisui sushi and Mellow Mushroom make appearances, as does my new love, YoLo.

Wedding planning craziness put a hit in my workout routine. I'm getting back on track now though. I ran a couple of 5Ks last year and enjoyed them. I finally invested in some good running shoes and I'm back up to running 2 or 2.5 miles on the treadmill(wayyyy too hot to do that mess outside right now). I just signed up for a 5K on August 5th. I plan on running it and then the Chick-Fil-A 5K over Labor Day weekend, hoping to see some improvements in my time! I also enjoy lifting weights, I just need a consistent routine.

So here's to getting back on the fitness track! I'll keep you updated on my progress. In the meantime, what are your favorite workouts? And do you have any good playlist suggestions?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Whoa. First, you are incredibly brave to post so honestly. Second, and i'm not just blowing smoke up your skirt, but Lauren you are a beautiful girl. That's all i kept thinking while looking at both of those pictures. Third, kudos to you for setting goals that keep you accountable, like signing up for races. It's much harder to quit when you've already invested money in a race then publicize it. Having a dog like Newn, who will require lots of walking & exercising, will certainly help your goals. You're gonna knock 15 lbs off easy Lauren. GATA! ;)

So proud of you - what an inspiring post!

PS - i saw the Deep South Mag tweet. Congrats on winning Georgia Bottoms. It's a hilarious read!

Barbecued Peaches said...

Thank you for the sweet comment, Ally! Made my Friday :)

Good to hear the book is a good read. Can't wait to get it! Have a great weekend!