20 down

Finally hit the big 2-0! Pounds lost, that is.

20 lost in about 3 and a half months. Not bad. I'm sure I could lose faster, but I want it to be comfortable for me, aka not feel like I'm starving myself! 3 more months of weight loss, then it's all about maintaining. That has been my ultimate downfall in the past. Losing 10-15 lbs, seeing results, then (whether I realized it or not) I would become content and that little "I'm done" switch would go off in my mind and I'd just go right back to eating bad and not exercising. But this time is different. These changes are permanent. I no longer want to fight the ups and downs of weight. My new lifestyle is about staying active (even when I'm at my healthy weight!) and watching what I eat. Now, I am not a food nazi. I am not trying to starve myself or obsess too much about calories. Well, maybe obsess a little? But not deny myself occasional "bad" foods every now and again. Maybe have a small portion or a cheat meal. Life is about enjoyment. My ancient Nordic religion and worldview is primarily focused on the actions one takes in their physical life here on earth /Midgard. The world is harsh and your body should be ready for it - Take care of your body. But that also means the comforts in life are hard earned and that much sweeter. Indulge a little when among good company and in good spirits. That is how I view the "Viking" mentality. For me, these changes are spiritual just as they are physical.


My pants are actually baggy around my thighs and waist. I wore these same pants to work last spring, and man were they tight.

You see, back then I kind of looked like this....

Yuck. So glad I don't look like that anymore!

Or even like this...

This is from the first 5k I ran back in October. My upper body is still big, but it's much much better.

So yeah, very happy with the progress thus far. And I'm excited to lose the last 15-20. I don't even know where it will all come from! I've always had a big stomach/thighs/arms but at the same time been skinny on my hips and butt. It'll definitely be interesting to see what I'll look like in March!