Monday, August 10, 2009

Back in the Groove

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I’ve been incredibly busy … and I just didn’t feel like I had anything neat to write about. Until now.

As of tonight’s weigh-in, I’ve lost 10% of my weight THREE times since I began my healthy lifestyle. What I’m saying is, I lost 10% of my initial number, then 10% of the new number, and 10% of the new new number. Just losing 10% of your weight provides many benefits, so I guess I get the benefits threefold? Here’s what happens:
  • Your heart will be healthier because you can lower your cholesterol and decrease your blood pressure. High cholesterol and blood pressure are two major risk factors for heart disease.
  • You can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes by improving your body’s ability to use the insulin it makes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, losing 10% can reduce your symptoms and possibly reduce complications.
  • You will have more energy, and you’ll just plain feel better!
  • You will have the motivation to keep going. Losing 10% is a great goal, and this milestone shows you that you have adopted some healthy habits and can stick with it.
There are more reasons out there, but I think these highlight some of the goodies.
Although I’m finally in the 150s (yay!), I still didn’t meet my goal for Jen and Annabel’s Challenge. My goal was to lose 10 pounds in 60 days, but I wound up losing 5 pounds. I was a bit discouraged, BUT with all the events based around food and drinking during the summer, I think a 5-pound loss is fab. My faux plateau might be gone for good!
True to my word, since I didn’t achieve my goal, I donated $50 to the charity of my choice — The VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in American public schools, ensuring that every child has access to a complete education that includes the benefits of music instruction.

Music plays a huuuuuge role in my life. I grew up singing in the car with my mom, and one of my first sentences was actually sung to a Madonna song. I loved singing and dancing in choir and showchoir throughout the years. I love belting out my favorite tunes on karaoke nights now. I’ve sung in two weddings this summer. Music helps me through times when my friends’ and family’s words just don’t seem to cut it. Music is my religion. It can capture my mood like no other. My workouts would be nothing without my tunes!

If I didn’t have such a wonderful music program growing up, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I got to go on trips that I STILL talk about like they happened yesterday. I cemented invaluable friendships. We sang and danced through the happy times and the unspeakably sad times.

Some of my best friends are music teachers, and I find myself envious that they get to experience this kind of music every day. Many school districts nationwide have poor music programs or no music program at all. I can’t even imagine this. I’m more than happy to donate to this amazing organization.

Of course, I’m still going to reward myself with this Tiffany necklace when I lose 5 more pounds. I've been eyeing it up for almost a year now!

Since I’m training to run my first 5K in September, I don’t think the necklace is too far off. So here's the plan: I’m gonna blast my tunes tomorrow, go for my morning run, and envision that pretty piece of jewelry around my neck. Woo!

(On a sad note, I lost my beloved Sigg bottle. I'm hoping to buy a new one sometime soon, but still. Sadface.)

17 comments:

  1. OMG OMG OMG, I'm TOTALLY jumping up and down for you right now! CONGRATULATIONS on losing 10% 10% 10% Amanda!

    Sad on losing your SIGG water bottle! :(

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  2. sorry about the sigg... but awesome about the 150's--CONGRATS!!!

    luh.

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  3. You are such a stunna! And thanks for giving music (and music educators) a shoutout! woot woot. hugs and smiles!

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  4. Yay! I think that necklace will look great on you. Congratulations, beautiful :)

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  5. Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

    Have a great run tomorrow! :)

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  6. Wow! You are such an inspiration. That adorable necklace is a great reward, and good luck with running 5ks.

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  7. Love the necklace, and you are doing great! The pictures on the sidebar tell the story.

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  8. Way to go on the 10/10/10! :)

    ...and I just have to say GO choir and showchoir!!

    share the love, don't try to restrain it...

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  9. You are awesome! Look at all that healthiness going on :) Can't wait until you get the necklace-it's adorable!

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  10. GREAT JOB! WHOHOO!!!

    Enjoy your run today! You'll lose that 5lbs in no time :)

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  11. Congrats on the 3rd 10%! Have a great run, and I'm sure that 5 lbs will melt away in no time. Silly as this sounds, make sure to eat enough (healthy stuff) if you're more active. I'm pretty sure I made that mistake during my half and ended up gaining.

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  12. Whoo! Way to go on the weight loss. Love that necklace. I'm so excited for you to lose the other 5lbs to get that.

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  13. I have arch insoles, but I don't really wear them. Since they elevate my foot a bit, they cause some rubbing on my heel. I'm days away from just giving up and going to the Running Room! ha.

    PS. Super congrats on the 10 10 10! When I started this business, I remember reading that losing 10% of your body weight will change your health dramatically! Think of 3 times that!

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  14. That is amazing news about the 10%x3!!! What an accomplishment! If you want to save a little money on a Sigg, the Gaiam version from Target is just as good and costs a little less. :)

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  15. Congrats on the 150s! I just crossed over to 149...and am very happy about it. :) Also, I have that same Tiffany necklace. It's beautiful.

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  16. Amanda - I just figured out that my goal weight is also my 10/10/10! I know how much of a difference the first two 10's have made to me. Congratulations on your accomplishment and I look forward to the day you get your necklace - it is really nice!

    Also, I've spent my summer in the 150's - a GREAT decade. Enjoy!

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  17. AWESOME JOB

    I'm just looking forward to 250, let alone 150!

    Kudos to you! Reward yourself with a new Sigg!

    -jafg

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