7 in 7-

Our lifestlye change is going well. I lost 7 lbs. in 7 days (actually now it's 7.5 in 10 days) and Nate is down 5 lbs. too. We have decided 100% to push TTC again to May/June. I feel like I can do this weight loss thing and that we can possibly conceive without drugs or procedures if I am successful. If after a few cycles of trying and no dice, we'll revert to the original plan- IUI with injectibles- in the late summer/fall.

I've been devoting more time to being creative since New Year's. I was burnt out in December...I felt like I was phoning it in with my teaching, and now I feel recharged. I'm ready to finish these routines and get on towards competitions and recital. I've gotten excited about buying costumes for the first time in a decade, even purchasing one for myself at a size smaller than I am right now, confident that by April it will not only fit, but maybe even need to be taken in. After ten years of nothing but indulgence and gain, I am finally ready to go the other direction. It's changed from a want into a NEED.

For those interested, here is what I'm doing:

Eating 1,000 to 1,4000 calories a day (Nate is doing 1,200-1,600). I'm eating as soon as I wake up and then having smaller meals or snacks throughout the day instead of just binging from 6pm on (my old habits). Once a week I will allow myself a maintenance day, but will not exceed 2,000 calories. Yes, this requires counting and remembering or writing down what I eat, but it's worth it when I see the scale move.

I'm eating more fruit, veggies and lean meats and less sugar, carbs, fat, and nutritionally vapid foods. Regular soda is verboten, dairy is limited, and fried foods are a rare treat (which I haven't indulged in yet). We're going to Vegas this weekend and I plan on having some low-calorie beers, maybe a cocktail, but no buffet hog-outs or huge meals. We even decided against hitting Craftsteak because it would be too difficult to maintain our plan- it's too early to be cheating! ;)

I normally work out 6-8 hrs. a week and am making those count. When I teach, I plan on moving more and observing less, stretching well, and practicing at home. I am also walking on the treadmill 2-3 times a week. When the weather gets warmer, I plan on twirling outside at least an hour a day.

So, that's it- no crazy plans, fasting, soup diets, or hardcore workouts (yet...but the extra workouts will come later). Just eating less, eating better, and moving more. I can already tell, in just 10 days, that I have more energy, am happier, and feel younger. I can't imagine how I will feel in 100 days, when I hope to be noticeably more fit.

My specific goals for April 2011 include- doing a toss walkover (for the first time in 10 yrs.) and being able to practice for a full 4-5 hour Sunday session without needing more than a short water break. It is possible!

Good luck to everyone else out there working on a fitter body for 2011!